Page 18 of Scars Like Wings

“Please hold on. The doors are closing, and this train is departing,” The female voice repeated as the doors closed this time. Did she sound exasperated, or was it just me?

As the train moved, I picked myself off the floor and sat in the nearest seat. I felt my thighs chafe against each other and the remaining bits of denim, and I could cry. Old Navy didn’t even make these jeans anymore, meaning I would have to goin the storeto find a new favorite pair. Taking my backpack purse from my shoulders and sitting it in my lap, I pulled a tissue from it to wrap around my two bleeding fingers. The nail had broken so deeply that it had ripped some of my nail bed off. And itstung. Honestly, what a sign of how today has been so far.

My phone vibrated on the floor, where it must have skittered across the floor when I tripped. I picked it up, dusted off the screen, and unlocked it. My earlier messages from the girls were already open.

ME

I’m so excited for tonight! Y’all don’t even know! I NEED this like I need air after today.

SIMONE

OMG, me too! We are going to have so much fun!

MAISIE

Super can’t wait. What time we meeting?

SIMONE

Party starts around 9, so maybe we meet around 7? Bee, that good?

ME

Of course! Should we pack an overnight bag?

SIMONE

Mama Bee as always. ?? Great idea!

SIMONE

So, we’re bringing out the hoe outfits, right?

MAISIE

For sure.

ME

Bet, babes. We are gonna be so fiiiiiiiiiiine.

SIMONE

LIT BITCH LETS GOOOOO.

Then from just a minute ago:

MAISIE

Walking out the door now.

I tapped out of our chat to check my conversation with Everett.

EVERETT

Girl. I’m exhausted on your behalf. All of this drama before 9? I’m going to get the good booze out for you tonight. #PoppinBottles ??

ME