“Right as rain, how are you?”
“I told you, I’m bored.”
“You’re in denial.”
“I’m not. I just need to regroup.”
“Regroup,” Devin says nodding, “how’s that working out?”
“I’m getting there.”
“Uh huh,” she says, turning to my mother who decides now is the perfect time to harp in.
“Your graduation is coming up and you haven’t even picked out a dress.”
“Yes, I have.”
“No, you haven’t.”
“I’m planning on it,” I grab the remote, “I just need—”
Devin jerks the remote from my hands. “That’s it. GET UP! This is ridiculous. You got your heart broken. We gave you a decent enough grace period to lose your shit. You’ve spent the whole time denying it. Time to get back up.”
“I’m not down or in denial,” I assure them both as my mother takes the seat opposite of me.
“Excited about your trip?” Mom asks.
“Yes. Of course.” No.
I twirl a lock of hair between my fingers. “I’m bored. I need…a change of scenery, and I’ll get it on my trip. I’m just restless, I just need something…” I scrutinize the ends of my hair. “You two wouldn’t understand.”
“I’m pretty sure I would,” my mother says through a sigh.
“You miss him,” Devin declares softly.
“To hell with him.”
“With who?” My mom pipes in. “You can’t even say his name.”
“Laney,” Devin says in the same maternal tone. “It’s okay to admit your heart is broken. It’s us.”
Mom nods. “He roped you in good, baby girl. You had nothing but stars in your eyes for months.”
“You’re upset, maybe a little devastated and that’s okay.”
“For the last time, I’m restless. I need a change.” I stare at my split-ends.
“You clearly miss him. You fell in love with him. We both saw it.”
“Yeah, well, he doesn’t think so. And anyway, drop it. I just need something…” I pluck at my hair, “I know exactly what I need.”
I rise from the couch marching toward my bedroom and hear a collective, “Stop her!”
I’m already in my bathroom with my scissors raised when Devin tackles me like a fucking linebacker into my bathtub.
“You idiot!” I scream as we crash through the shower curtain and land at a horrible angle.
I’m gasping for air as Devin wrestles the scissors from me.