Slushies

Mark just stands there, still hugging Alexis, crying. I wanted to ask Laureen if she wants to hang out today but now isn't the best time. She doesn't work today, but I can't just ask her in front of a sobbing Mark. I feel bad for Mark, Evelyn is such a jerk. She tries making herself out to be the victim, then does shit like that. It's not ok.

"Ok," Laureen breaks the silence, "I'm thinking of heading home soon or if you guys want to hang out that's fine. What do you want to do Mark?"

"I'm just going to stay here with Alexis for a bit," Mark keeps their head buried in Alexis's shoulder, still sobbing. "but her shoulder is going to need some cleaning. Sorry about that..."

"It's ok," Alexis comforts him, "cry all you want, I'll be here. Sorry, Laureen, I'm a little busy right now."

"That's perfectly fine," Laureen responds, "but what about you Grace? Are you free tonight?"

"Oh yeah," I mention, "I'm free to hang out if you want."

"Great," she smiles, "I was thinking slushies from a gas station then just going to the mall to look around. You up for it?"

"Yeah," I respond, excited, "that sounds fun! Do you want to go now?"

"Sure," she hesitates, "but only if Mark's ok with being alone with Alexis."

"I'm fine with it," Mark gives the ok, "go ahead and have fun, I'm just borrowing Alexis' shoulder. I Don't want to be around people, but Alexis is fine."

"I understand," she replies, "we're going to be going now."

"Bye," Alexis does a small little wave, "have fun. I'll just be here for a while."

"See you," I say goodbye and follow Laureen.

I follow Laureen to her car. I text my mom since she's home today. She gives the ok and just like last time, wants me home not too late. I don't think we'll be out too terribly late, but we'll have fun. I'm not sure if Laureen wants to stay out that long, she might work tomorrow. I don't know. But she probably has so much on her mind right now. With Sam in the hospital and Evelyn cheating on Mark and going to jail. It's a lot to process.

We get in her car and buckle up. She starts driving to the mall but is still heading for a gas station for slushies first. I've never been to the mall here, but I think it ought to be fun. I mean, I'm with Laureen. She always makes my day better. Rine or shine. Preferably rain. I like rain more than sunshine. I find sunshine kind of annoying. Getting in my eyes and all of that.

We get out slushies and Laureen pays for mine despite me saying no. We then head into the mall and sit down at a random table with only two chairs.

"Do you like the slushie?" Laureen asks.

"Yeah," I smile, "I love it. Do you like yours?"

"Yeah," she smiles back, "I could always go for a slushie. Or smoothie. I like both, but not the vegetable ones. Ew." She scrunched up her nose when she says that last part. It's so cute.

"So..." I start to ask, digging myself into a grave, "what was that dream of yours about?"

I didn't think she'd tell me. But she did, and I'm not sure how to process it. I mean, I wanted to know, didn't I? But am I ready for the answer? I'm not so sure, to be honest. I guess I have to live with them now.