Page 60 of Habits

* * *

Before

“Higher, Max!” I squeal in delight. “Push me higher!”

My big brother, bless his soul, does exactly that. We’re only five, but he’d do anything to see me happy.

To put a smile on my face.

Pulling all the strength his five-year-old body can muster, he pushes me harder, the swing going up, up, up in the air. I outstretch my legs, feeling like I’m touching the sky. The light breeze kisses my cheeks as my hair swings with the wind.

Weightless.

That’s how I feel.

Weightless.

And so happy.

Like I could do anything, be anything in this moment.

Only the sky is my limit.

And nothing bad can happen. Nothing bad can touch me.

How wrong I was … how wrong …

* * *

Now

“Look who we have here.”

The screechy words bring me back from the walk down memory lane, something that has been happening a lot lately. I blink a few times, focusing on the present instead of the memories.

“The trash boutique is over there.” Diamond waves her hand, trying to indicate God only knows what. “You should check it out. I’m sure you’ll find something of your liking.”

Her friends burst into hyena laughter around her.

Lia nibbles at her lip worriedly. The girl doesn’t have a confrontational bone in her body. She’s not meek, but she avoids fighting and conflict as much as possible.

How she ended up being friends with Brook, I have no idea.

Brook grabs her hand, taking Diamond in from the top of her bouncy hair to the bottom of her stiletto heels, then swipes the store with her gaze. “Oh, that’s why we couldn’t find anything here …” She nods her head knowingly and starts walking her friend out of the store. I follow behind, waiting for the blow. “Hooker clothes don’t actually suit you, Lia. No worries, I’m sure we’ll find something less trashy somewhere else.”

I burst into laughter, not able to contain myself. Brook turns around, giving me a playful wink over her shoulder.

No, I can understand why they’re friends. Similar yet different, they’re the opposite other one needs to feel complete. Brook is strength and grit to Amelia’s gentleness and kindness.

We keep giggling on our way out, but my laughter is cut by Diamond’s harsh, angry words.

“Stupid, fat bitches.”

I turn around, my eyes narrowing on Diamond, but it’s not her face I see. Not even close.

It’s dark hair and blue eyes that look back at me. Only darker, more intense, not Diamond’s watery shade.

Fingers wrap around my wrist, tugging me.

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