Something about Stevie

 Emmie wasn't sure how Stevie actually got here. "You invited her?" Emmie couldn't believe they were actually going to have a guest. They were just getting used to having their own space together. Yes, it was possibly nothing significant to the human eye, but Emmie felt she and L were getting closer. And now this.

"It was ages ago," L explained, hugging herself as if she didn't have any good answers about the sudden guests who had the week already planned for them. "He grew up in Arkansas. He never fit in," L told her. "Stevie wanted to go to New York."

"You mean, we are stuck with...Her?"

"Them."

Emmie nodded, hoping she'd get it right. She gritted a smile. She closed her eyes, wishing this were only a visit. Just how long would this out-of-towner be here?

So the Pride Parade was festive, completely muggy, and crowded. L thought she might melt, but Stevie was in rare form, dancing, chatting with a stranger. Stevie was the complete opposite of L, who could hardly stand to watch. Before long, Stevie went off with a bunch of them in their rainbow colors.

L was stunned. "Actually, I'm a bit worried," L confided to Emmie, who was by her side for the four-hour fiasco.

"She, I mean them. They are grown-ups. Right?" Emmie looked at her with her tense puppy eyes as if she had faith in L's cousin.

L squeezed her eyes shut and hugged herself tightly in her PRIDE tee. "I don't know. I don't know anything for sure," L said. "I mean, they are in their early twenties." Still, she felt Stevie's emotional growth was no more than that of a middle schooler.

"Well, call her!" Emmie demanded as if she were the grown-up here.

"I'll text." L pressed her lips tight, trying to keep her cool. She tapped in. "Are you doing OK?"

"Let's go somewhere and sit down." Emmie thought it was best to stay in the old market district. Maybe Stevie hadn't gone far. However, every place they went was packed with spectators, from coffee shops to diners. It was endless.

Emmie held on to L's hand in the ocean of people in bright colors and makeup. It was like gasping for air. Finally, they made it a few blocks away to an old bookstore with a coffee bar. Instantly, they felt part of the still life.

"Did you hear anything?" Emmie shot L a look as she was combing through her messages. L shook her head, no.

Emmie ordered two iced coffees as if they might need them for stamina. They sat down at the back booth in the dark mahogany interior. L put down her phone on the table and put her hands to her mouth. She began to cry.

"It'll be OK." Emmie sat across from her, looking at L wide-eyed.

"But," L looked at her sadly. "What if it isn't?"

Emmie came around to her side and put her arm around her. L began to shake. Emmie knew then L's blood sugar was low.

L's Cousin

 

Stevie is in town for the Pride Parade. She is staying with L & Emmie for the weekend.

Stevie has a lot they are trying to figure out, but they are always up for a party. L hopes they control their drinking. L knows Stevie is the life of the party, but sometimes, it can bring out the worst in Stevie. Needless to say, L is worried. She would hate for her and Emmie to lose her at the Pride Parade. 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

If there is anybody who understands me in this world, it has to be my cousin Elenor, who goes by L now. We always had such great times at our grandmother's house back east. We used to make crafts and sometimes even bake cookies. We feel really bad that L has diabetes now. If only we could have brought her something sweet. At the moment, we aren't working. So with what little savings, we booked a bus trip from the Ozarks. Naturally, we don't belong there. Mumzy thought Stevie might change if we grew up there. That didn't happen. We felt more of an outcast than ever. So here WE are. It feels like freedom, but with it comes a lot of responsibility. We hope L can help us. If she can't, maybe her girlfriend Emmie will.

The bitterness of summer

1. I can't seem to move fast enough. I need help. I feel I am trapped in my old job.

2. I want to be more upbeat. I don't want to let Macy down. 3. I have to remember that if I can get this person trained, I can move on. 4. Find that job in Chicago that I really need. I don't want Macy thinking she has to support me. I want us to be a team.

-Jake

It felt so endless. And summer started on Father's Day. Jake felt downright numb. He was growing restless. More than a bit depressed these days. It didn't help that he'd spotted Macy's ex at the library. He even asked Jake if he'd heard from her.

"Yes, I mean," Jake pressed his lips tight about the matter. He didn't want to tell her ex anything. "Not really. She's busy." He sucked in a breath. "She's working."

Dean nodded as if he'd expected it. "I just don't know why she hasn't called me, or even sent a postcard." He shrugged.

Jake nodded as if he hoped Dean wouldn't pry anymore.

"Do you think she has a boyfriend?" Dean squinted as if this was the question he'd wanted to ask all along.

Jake thought he might crash into the floor. He could barely keep his senses together. His heart began to race. He nodded in an attempt to keep his mouth shut, but he sputtered, "Maybe." He looked up at Dean, thinking of all the things he'd done with Macy that Jake hadn't had a chance yet.

"Maybe?" Dean's eyes shot wide open. "Is she with that old high school friend of hers?"

Jake shrugged as if he needed to do something quickly at Reference. If only he had a cup of coffee to reach for. Even so, he was certain he'd spew most of the drink on Jake.