"That's fucking hilarious."27Please respect copyright.PENANAFIoR3BYcsu
27Please respect copyright.PENANATYcrBQq6ZA
I narrowed my eyes at Kai through the mirror, "Is it?" I said blankly, not finding any of this hilarious, especially not getting roped into therapy.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA2b3xqsbbD4
"Just a little," Kai said, pinching her fingers together for emphasis.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAY8oJtNN0DE
I rolled my eyes, turning away from the mirror to walk closer to my bed she was sitting on.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKFTA33U2cA
"I don't know about this one for tonight," I said, tugging slightly at the mini black denim skirt paired with a cheetah baby tee.
27Please respect copyright.PENANARvngxIDQR4
"It's so cute though," Kai said, eyeing my body until her eyes landed on the matching stiletto boots I wore, "Those pull it all together too."
27Please respect copyright.PENANAf1bh0qEtMT
I pursed my lips, running my hands through my hair that I decided to leave in the same half-up half-down hairstyle from earlier.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJ9X0H5NR6T
"I guess it works for tonight," I said, walking over to my dresser where my perfumes were.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAxSjRScNhiX
Normally, I felt excited during our pre-gaming festivities.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAD5qEU7lsCT
Kai even played our hype playlist as we got ready together and drank, but still, something felt off.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqTZiNdHuhH
If this has anything to do with therapy, I'm fucking quitting.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAbbA8wy0G37
Ugh, but I'm definitely thinking about our session.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA3k60Y4WM6a
Why am I thinking about it?
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoOEjf8Ut0D
All we did was discuss very surface-level topics.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAOTXm0jNG7y
It's just... well, the having control over your life thing keeps popping into my head.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAuaZIUPvBzx
It doesn't help that I'm tipsy, and not as in control as I would be sober.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAn19xwBdgfM
Is drinking an issue?
27Please respect copyright.PENANAbtlPuW6PMS
Hell no, I thought as I quickly shook my head at the intrusive thought.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA90gz5rpXip
I'm young and living my life to the fullest.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiluT7RtQzz
I glanced over when Kai stood from my bed, adjusting her red bandeau top that she wore with matching flare pants and gold heels.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvr6eXxoMKz
"You're overthinking it. The fit is cute, trust me," Kai assured me, lifting her hand to tap my ass.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiEwBVKy2aR
I forced a smile, hating that the last thing on my mind right now was my outfit.
27Please respect copyright.PENANASb0vV9JacQ
"My ass does look pretty good," I suddenly said, eyeing myself in the full-body mirror as I sprayed my perfume.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAU2tlEcM0LB
"Let's hope the gays are out to see it," Kai hummed as I sat my Good Girl perfume down.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAkgRjmbFQSU
"Yeah, I need a good hookup," I determined, knowing I had really only hooked up with Kai these two weekends.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7vshHgGSFU
The crowd is... boring.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAc5nypxCNva
However, tonight I'm desperate.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoo35xv8tm4
"We'll find you someone," Kai said as we walked out of my bedroom, "Even if I'm the best you'll ever have," she shot me a cheeky wink.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA01UEMjHk36
I rolled my eyes with a smile, "Besides myself," I joked back.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQOHBIlQAJP
No one knows my body like me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAIGm9uBwOOK
I know exactly where to touch and how I want the pace.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKRe3bwrdJa
"Agreed," Kai said as she unlocked her phone and navigated to the Lyft app.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6WaUtO7t7p
"How far away is the nearest driver?" I asked, glancing over to her phone as she inputted one of our usual clubs as the address.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAPteKOeIDKM
"Only two minutes," Kai told me, booking the ride as soon as it popped up.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA1fZvIIQwIs
After that, we took one quick last shot of Tito's and headed downstairs to wait for our ride.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhBzBaKfKtP
The nightclub called The Den was only a short ten-minute drive, giving Kai and me time to take our selfies and reapply our lip liner and gloss.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8JQqNn6lwO
Our first agenda upon making it past the bouncer was shots.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAmJSQdnCskV
Then it was women.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiJnGNZoWvM
Kai's favorite bartender was working so her problem was solved.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAMkCD8LX42X
We would get free drinks and Kai would get to go home with her.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA1QE2sOxFyB
Now I just needed someone to take home for myself.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7tNA2s6Uia
My favorite thing to do is scan the room, analyzing everything and everyone.
27Please respect copyright.PENANACzMLJ3TUpk
Typically, I never really have to do too much.
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A random woman will lock eyes with me and I'll motion her over.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAkPSpr83ITE
Tonight, a raven-haired woman caught my eye.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA56jjCCIZDT
She had long straight hair that fell to her mid-back, emphasizing her sharp face and green eyes.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAwI27tg0FLY
She wore a short black skirt with a matching halter top, exposing her arms covered in small tattoos.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8Dy2mpRmB0
She made her way over to me as soon as I motioned my head at her, smiling as she approached me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAVFGFkCFne9
"Let me buy you a shot," I leaned into her ear to say, pressing my hand to her arm as I did so.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAXotGUPX4mP
"I'll cover the next round," she offered, leaning closer to me so I could hear her properly.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAUG1ztA9Tb2
I smirked slightly when she placed her hand against my upper back, "Deal," I said, leaning back slightly to wave over the bartender.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAafct8wa1vY
Who had been occupied by my best friend.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAk34Tm60pgX
Kai smiled when her dark eyes landed on me, noticing the woman by my side now.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAgV1VCZPTsT
It was a look of approval—at least until she glanced back over to the bartender, Tara, watching her frame as she walked over to me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoC6VgNt7co
The music was loud as I tried my best to tell her my order.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAzd9pBYT7Jh
Lemon drop shots were what I settled on for us.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA4tbOWVJNLk
"I'm River" I leaned into her to say, feeling a little looser as I gripped her closer to me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAMJSarRvZkZ
"Octavia," she introduced herself, running her hand down my back.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAam4LXE5ehR
I smiled wider, "Let's dance," I said in her ear, grabbing her hand to pull her toward the dance floor before she could respond.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAsaA7kk6N3J
I was pressed against her in a matter of seconds, grinding against her as she held my waist.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvHLebxzJRa
In a matter of a few songs, our positions flipped, holding her in place as she started grinding against me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqKIQI8PqMz
We only danced for a few songs until we were back at the bar again.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAg0rJT3LsZS
Octavia covered our next round of shots as she previously offered, ordering us the same lemon drop shots since I had gotten them for us earlier.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAMVe4XQ8D3a
Kai was unsurprisingly by the bar still, taking shots off Tara.
27Please respect copyright.PENANABr1qsn79WD
Instead of dancing some more, I guided us toward Kai, wanting to briefly catch up with my best friend.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAlUCPFCmhPC
"Tara gets off in five minutes," Kai leaned into me to say, "I don't want to leave you so-"
27Please respect copyright.PENANAeEq4NfVCD2
"Bitch you better go," I cut her short, giving her an offended look.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAsQxivdBLKh
Because she better not pass on getting laid tonight.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAw9ttMm3vxA
I'm good where I'm at.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAuinB0mit2v
"I'll be fine, Kai," I said, smiling wider as I zoned back into Octavia's hands that roamed up and down my sides as she silently stood behind me, "Clearly," I told Kai over the music, motioning behind me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAD2tHo30181
My best friend's lips tilted into a smirk, "Okay, but I'll be checking your location and texting you later," she told me, earning a few loose nods from me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKEhGrcaAx6
"Have fun," I said, briefly kissing her cheek before I leaned away from her entirely.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAaZRcLqmz6q
"You too," Kai said, her stare shifting to Octavia, who she smiled at before glancing back over to me, "Love you, Rivs."
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvQsWB28QND
"Love you too," I repeated, turning around to face Octavia as Kai walked past us to meet Tara.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoVJCaPweKd
We were back to dancing after one more shot, falling into the beat of the music together.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAzTToDi31B9
Until soon we naturally kept our legs intertwined, grinding against each other as we held our short skirts in place.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdfem4XOMB5
I could feel her wetness through her underwear and I knew she could feel mine.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJb3ReDyQ0y
At some point, it felt like we had mutually agreed to leave.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJvoYjqH62m
A word wasn't said, but as we left the dance floor we unconsciously migrated to the main entry doors.
27Please respect copyright.PENANALT0zsPyQRq
Octavia ordered a Lyft for us while I offered my apartment to go back to since her place was five minutes farther.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZuNrUe6nG
The short car ride was filled with lingering touches, meaningless conversation, and impatience.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAeBWNdj9sjE
For once tonight, everything felt just as it used to.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA0Ro9sAYn8Z
I felt good.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8uOI1u900E
It was the familiar excitement I recall, building in my stomach as we walked down the familiar hallway to my apartment.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAtZ2bK5G0Hx
Octavia pulled me into a kiss as soon as the door closed loudly behind us, guiding us with no direction.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAyDhhpiIjF2
I took the reigns instead, grabbing her waist as I dominated the kiss.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA9jDYCZkrnJ
Octavia grew breathless in response, letting me guide her toward my bedroom.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKV20XW7IzW
I pinned her back against my bed as soon as I got the opportunity, wasting no time as I straddled her body.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAri9SipxKmd
Octavia hummed when I connected our lips again, arching into me as I trailed my hand down past her skirt.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAItVfRJgTpg
This.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAYaHhFZoJ5P
This is what control feels like.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAd16Hu8j7mM
Dr. Luccini was wrong—it's not just habits or routines.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAHP3dmnRKSq
You can seek control in other ways, and other places.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7T2lTHijFt
"Right there," I heard Octavia breathe out, arching up into me as I continued sliding in and out of her.
27Please respect copyright.PENANARkaiyOtOkr
The kiss between us had been broken—by me or her, I'm unsure.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAYkV7Cbp1DE
I can't even focus on how wet she is, something that's normally enjoyable for me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQ548VAjYfy
I can only focus on someone who had popped into my thoughts in the worst way.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAX0Gu2bYWEn
"River."
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiOi41Ltvo4
I could hear her voice clearly in my head, striking a deeper nerve.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA2AmS1XhzJa
It was infuriating and alarming at the same time.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhXTmpiLifp
"Hey, are you okay?" Octavia's voice cut into my thoughts, running her hands up my back as my face remained buried in the crook of her neck.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAkzwc63jgr7
I don't know when I leaned down or when she had finished.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8FJ2Zm4ZU5
"Yeah, yes," I quickly said, carefully sliding out of her as my face burned up.
27Please respect copyright.PENANALiJ6GThzMY
Fuck Dr. Luccino.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA69eUTdmyjK
Seriously, I don't need her—I don't even know why I'm thinking about her.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA2G6TLBWTy6
I drew in a deep breath as I tried to focus on Octavia's roaming hands, how they slipped between my legs and past my short skirt.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA3hx2ViI6XQ
But suddenly, nothing felt right.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAm3ibh5fO5r
"I think..." I trailed off, appalled by what I was about to say to her, "I think I'm good," I said, cringing internally at my own words.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAQcSeq7tNEy
Octavia quickly pulled her hand away, "Are you sure?" she asked me as I leaned away from her neck, "I can make you feel really good," she added, tracing her hand up my back.
27Please respect copyright.PENANARW5NgeTDOg
I forced a smile at her words, "I just feel tired," I lied, crawling off her lap and causing her hand to fall from my back in the process.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7dodKSsH0X
"Okay..." Octavia awkwardly trailed off, laying up from the bed as she adjusted her skirt so she could stand up.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAESG6R3CdQP
I pursed my lips, feeling guilty for the mixed signals I sent.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA4gG0ZgwgC0
"You can stay the night if you want," I offered out of consideration.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAxb0zP9HeG8
I would never fuck someone and make them leave afterward.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdByTF2TjMo
Some people do, but I'm not that inhumane.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGxYItOSy1A
"No it's fine," Octavia said, grabbing her phone and purse from the bed.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAMNnbUf6tNT
My purse was on the bed too, probably getting flung to the side during the process of everything.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAFd6f6JmGlN
"I can cover your Lyft," I quickly offered, grabbing my purse to get my phone.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAt7Tr4YTXe8
"It's good I got it now," Octavia determined, tapping on her phone a few times as she backed away toward the door, "The nearest one is like a minute away."
27Please respect copyright.PENANA8By5bMMBcU
I nodded awkwardly, unsure what I should say next.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhCVwNUfxQw
"I'll leave my number if you want?" Octavia asked, furrowing her brows at the dynamic of this.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKFp5G31VI3
I blinked a few times before I inevitably nodded,
"Sure-yeah, here," I said, quickly unlocking my phone and tapping the contact app.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAFuLcqBYDzg
Octavia stepped closer to me when I extended my phone illuminated with the blank contact.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAP1gN6WxWyq
"I had fun with you tonight," I whispered, unsure of what else to say.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAwFaUj3QwsO
I've never had this happen before.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAhrxyoeFyvM
"I had fun too," Octavia said with a small smile, handing my phone back to me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiKfojKjxVc
I pursed my lips into a smile, "Be safe getting back," I said as she backed away from me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWy3DNWuJ5i
"I'll be good—I have a roommate who knows I'm coming home now," she assured me, earning a nod from me as I stood up to walk her out.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGa8upCErUu
We exchanged a very brief side hug as I held the door open for her, watching her walk down the hallway toward the elevator.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAwBIkUEpl6c
I let out a deep sigh as I gently closed the door, processing how quickly this night went wrong.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAXiusQGRpJF
I felt stone-cold sober, walking over to the kitchen and making myself a glass of water.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAVrYWThwYvw
Then I headed into my bedroom, setting the glass down to get ready for bed.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAsdMgIuST8M
For once after a night out, I had the energy to do my full skincare routine, pulling my hair into a ponytail as I started.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJCQdFVvtsO
It only took me five minutes to wash my face and apply my serums, and then I slid into bed under my thick covers.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAZW4rGIOjHy
I laid on my back, staring up through the darkness at the ceiling above me.
27Please respect copyright.PENANACrmhvIuzML
My head felt scrambled with numerous thoughts.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAT1ZiSaD11M
Octavia, tonight's events, my therapy session just hours ago—
27Please respect copyright.PENANAIAPZui0R7P
And Dr. Luccino.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA0Pzqs15fY5
I felt almost disgusted by my sexual exchange with Octavia, and it wasn't even her fault.
27Please respect copyright.PENANALufQ9OiiCg
I just felt... off-putted by it and I don't know why.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAIDAAHcWw0I
It was a heavy feeling that sat on my chest as I tried my best to drift off to sleep despite my thoughts.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAauWv4sgaMn
At some point, I had to turn on white noise to steady myself.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAispfu4no3p
Luckily, that was just what I needed given I fell asleep not even minutes after that.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAb3A0ElFnWE
I still managed to toss and turn throughout the night, almost haunted by my thoughts that manifested into dreams.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA9t99mfje2H
The next morning, I woke up to the bright sun filtering in around me—making my eyes scrunch tighter shut as a groan vibrated in my chest.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAP8WX9EgWso
I forgot to close my black-out curtains last night.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWm2B0feC33
Fuck.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGufzKZOaLo
A deep sigh fell from my lips as I blinked my heavy eyes open, wiping under them as I adjusted to the bright room.
27Please respect copyright.PENANANNiDt4tJPL
I pushed the covers away, rubbing the front of my head as I sat up from my bed.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGGeeMI4SPc
For once my room was decently clean given I didn't tear it apart getting ready last night.
27Please respect copyright.PENANABm3Myi6YDr
It was odd, but it felt nice that I didn't have a terrible mess to clean up.
27Please respect copyright.PENANARBgKQMBKA6
I let out a soft sigh, standing from my bed as I reached for my phone to check any new notifications.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAiQxlYtBdt6
I was about to head into the kitchen for a cup of coffee—
27Please respect copyright.PENANAcc8pEjrHPD
Until I halted.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAN8HIyLLzRI
It was a brief thought, especially as I stared down at my unmade bed.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGvXbL1RMOd
I drew in a deep breath, letting it out in irritation as I dropped my phone on my nightstand with a clatter.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAm3DiN3h6wm
I shook my head, reaching for the sheets to pull them up and tuck them neatly.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAmhv0njgJ9m
I can't believe I'm actually making my fucking bed right now.
27Please respect copyright.PENANATUPWRmjdAb
I reached for the dark comforter, pulling it up before adjusting the furry cheetah print comforter neatly over it.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAHeguGrUiw7
I even fluffed my fucking pillows.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAuWwxuQ6J2i
Aside from how much I hated the process of it...
27Please respect copyright.PENANAOVVFwTEdug
It also felt weirdly nice?
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGkLjkmJ6To
I felt productive just as Dr. Luccino mentioned.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAaB5vyNcaHp
Suddenly, I was thinking about doing brunch today and maybe going grocery shopping.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAoXT8EZLtKZ
I really want to make that viral TikTok pasta with feta cheese and tomatoes.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWGe5zKxKoZ
I reached for my coffee mug once my Keurig finished pouring the steaming liquid into the cup.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA0BDdfJ0Iim
I poured in my usual cream and a small amount of sugar since I prefer my coffee less sweet.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA7ESCEWI0Ts
I hummed as I took the first sip of my coffee, letting out a soft sigh as I rounded my kitchen island.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAIe1POgTkWG
Until I paused, my eyes locked on the familiar business card sitting on the granite counter.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAZzylY7qJRp
A smile suddenly twitched up on my lips at the thought that popped into my head.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAfWrFzW5W2i
I didn't give it another second of contemplation—I set my coffee mug down, grabbing my phone and the business card.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAHGvoJh3jXv
I inputted her number into my phone, labeling her contact with the name I preferred.
27Please respect copyright.PENANARoKkxFTnkj
After that, I focused on typing up a text to her.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAxWZe91PpW4
Maybe I just wanted to talk to her—or I wanted her to acknowledge that I did what we discussed yesterday.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJDTSOGjzr3
Either way, it gave me that familiar excited feeling again, nestling deep in my stomach.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAjPFbkvI8VD
Me: i made my bed this morning. happy?
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqjFOT7D1eN
I smiled slightly as I sent the text, hoping she would pick up on the attitude I used with her.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAS8vzibE9LC
The knots in my stomach grew as I locked my phone, walking over to pick up my coffee mug from where I had set it down previously.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAJn4ACcD2c5
I tried my best to focus on drinking my coffee and not thinking about my text or her response.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA18ZHJHis7A
Five minutes felt like five hours, almost anticipating my phone to light up with her text.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKPSKGeu83f
I quickly glanced over when a text buzzed on my bright lock screen.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA0pd4wPpjo1
Only it was from Kai.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA4rTNjyRiIa
I gave my phone a narrowed look, picking it up from the counter.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAKJK3Vyp1PV
Kai: good morning sunshineeeee
27Please respect copyright.PENANAnGItOdYSVe
I smiled at her text, shaking my head as I typed back my response.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAMdR6hirmHh
Me: good morning :)))
Me: how do you feel about brunch today?
27Please respect copyright.PENANABen0HNRjMp
I watched the typing bubbles quickly pop up, waiting for her response.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAYtc2AMOA0j
Kai: mimosas?
27Please respect copyright.PENANAGTPNhmpGfD
I rolled my eyes with a soft chuckle, typing back quickly.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAlOy5fIOcK7
Me: anything you want Kai
Me: i'm gonna invite Zi and Sid too tho
27Please respect copyright.PENANANCsuPdA1E5
My smile grew as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, knowing she was probably groaning in annoyance.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAg8NPGGlFtl
Kai: buzzkillingtonnnn: (
Kai: i don't wanna hear nothing when i'm drinking these mimosas fr
27Please respect copyright.PENANAF8VC9h9xmn
I began typing again, quickly sending her one last message so I could text Zion and Sid next.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAvBiA1NSmJL
Me: you won't hear a peep
Me: promise Kai
27Please respect copyright.PENANAZKxfmzRztG
I went out of our texts, scrolling down my text log to text Zion and Sid in our group chat.
27Please respect copyright.PENANA6ItNS6Pm4R
Me: brunch today @ 12 pm???
27Please respect copyright.PENANAkGzZoFG8br
I watched as the text delivered through in the group chat, glancing up when another text buzzed through on my phone.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAVzzrH2lmhN
I assumed it was Kai texting me back.
27Please respect copyright.PENANARwsp8HocmM
Instead, it was her.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAWryWl0iUfQ
Knots quickly grew in my stomach, clicking on the text message to read her response.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAdnGOls6BgX
Doc: You should ask yourself that, River.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAe51lQdkb83
I clenched my jaw as I read her text, hearing her voice so prominently in my head as I typed my response.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAXdnIbp45zp
Me: very happy.
Me: are you?
27Please respect copyright.PENANA3txhnVfTqj
I watched as the text sent through, anticipating what she would say in response.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAo8OwGQAxXO
I just wanted her acknowledgment, something she doesn't seem to want to give.
27Please respect copyright.PENANApPqCejCFoS
I glanced back down when my phone buzzed again.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAMvgtO2YHGR
A few times actually.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAmrhipXCBx9
It was from Kai and then Zion and Sid in the group chat.
27Please respect copyright.PENANANPjZehNT85
I was more focused on Dr. Luccino's response.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAra58qrrxCr
Doc: I'm proud of you.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAtuwZsqvqk3
I pursed my lips as I read her message over and over again, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
27Please respect copyright.PENANASyw6rjxOBn
I was wrong, I guess she does want to acknowledge what I did.
27Please respect copyright.PENANAqiwaO05ijB
I think I'm just used to my mother or anyone else breezing past it.
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Another text buzzed through.
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Doc: How did it make you feel?
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I clenched my jaw when a smile threatened to grow on my lips, typing my response back to her.
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Me: good. productive as you said
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I watched as the typing bubbles popped up, anticipating what she would say.
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Doc: That's good to hear, River.
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I halted for a moment, wondering what I should say back to her message.
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I didn't want our conversation to end on a boring note, so I started thinking of ways to switch the mood.
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It was a quick idea that popped into my head, not bothering to contemplate it since I have her attention at this current moment.
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I started texting again, my fingers tapping the screen quickly.
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Me: did you want to come see if i made my bed correctly?
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Me: it seems you have standards
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I smirked as I watched the message send through, rereading it a few times.
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Damn, Im smooth.
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That's all I have to say.
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My smirk widened as I watched the typing bubbles appear again, hoping she wouldn't give me a boring response.
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Doc: I trust you did it properly.
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I raised a brow, seeing her words as a double meaning.
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Or maybe I'm just fucked in the head.
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I started typing again, not wanting to leave the conversation as is.
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Me: so no reward?
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The typing bubbles didn't appear as quickly as last time, so I took the time to answer Zion and Sid, confirming our brunch plans.
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They even sent a few new places we could try out, which I decided to forward to Kai for her approval as well.
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Then two texts buzzed on my phone from Dr. Luccino, which I quickly clicked on to read.
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Doc: I usually give my younger patients lollipops.
Doc: Is that what you want, River?
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An unconscious smile grew on my lips as I began typing again.
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Me: i'm grateful for anything you give me
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My words definitely held a double meaning-one that I knew she would pick up on.
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Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long for her response since she started typing again.
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Then her next text buzzed through.
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Doc: I appreciate your gratitude. Have a good weekend, River.
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I rolled my eyes at her brief message, which basically ended our conversation.
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I knew it was purposeful.
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I purposely thumbs-upped her message out of spite, locking my phone as I leaned away from the counter to walk into my bedroom.
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I already decided I would dress more comfortably for brunch, which I told everyone so we could match similarly.
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A pair of baggy jeans with a cute long-sleeve black bodysuit was what I settled on, sliding on a pair of Nike's for a more sporty look.
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I kept my hair in a ponytail, gelling down my baby hairs to frame my face.
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After I finished getting ready, I exited my apartment and walked down the hallway toward the elevator.
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The drive to the new brunch spot was fifteen minutes out, located closer to Sid and Zion's place.
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They were already there, luckily, securing us a table with how busy it was.
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Kai came in a few minutes after me, wearing a lounge set with her hair in a messy bun.
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"Don't worry, we already ordered mimosas for the table," Zion told Kai, knowing that was the first thing she would say.
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Kai flashed us her usual smile, "Thanks, buzzkillington," she said, sliding in next to me at the booth, "How did your night go?" she asked me, giving me a playful nudge.
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I quickly glanced down to the menu, almost forgetting last night's events entirely, "Uh, pretty good honestly," I lied, deciding that if I was truthful then Kai would think something was wrong.
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Nothing is wrong.
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It was just a weird night.
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"I need all the details later," Kai whispered to me, picking up her menu.
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"Guys french toast or pancakes?" Sid suddenly asked, lowering her menu down.
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"French toast," Zion and I said in unison.
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"Pancakes," Kai said, giving us both a blank look before she shrugged, "Well, I'm getting pancakes," she determined.
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I smiled at her, glancing over when I noticed our waiter approaching us with the ice bucket of champagne and orange juice.
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At least today's going decently well.
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Plus it's Saturday so I still have another day until classes start.
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"Cheers," Kai happily said as she raised her glass, causing us to raise ours as well.
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"Cheers," we said in unison, lightly clinking our glasses together before sipping on our mimosas.
I put a little extra orange juice in mine since I wasn't really in the mood to drink.
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I still had a lot of fun catching up with them, eating a bomb-ass breakfast, and laughing over old memories.
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The awkward occurrence with Octavia was at the back of my head, which is exactly where I intended to leave it.
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