Love

Anika peeked behind her, “She’s coming,” she announced excitedly.

Tess smoothed her brunette hair, “How does my hair look?”

Lynn’s eyes narrowed at her, “Are you trying to impress her?”

Tess shrugged, “I don’t know. It has just been so long, I don’t know, I’ll be awkward around her.”

“Y’all be nice, don’t chase her away,” Whitney took a sip of her glass, “It has taken a lot for her to come here.”

Scarlett sighed and sat down at the table, her chest heaving, “Hi...” She glanced around nervously, “That was unnerving.”

“Hello Scarlett,” Lynn greeted.

Anika pulled her into a hug, “How are you?”

“I’m fine,” she smiled at them.

Tess turned to her, “It has been a while, Scarlett. We missed you here.”

She nodded, “Well, it was a lot, I couldn’t...”

“You should let her eat her food,” Whitney intervened.

Scarlett flashed her an appreciative smile.

They ate in silence and began making small conversations. Scarlett chirped in occasionally, thankful for the company. She was no longer conscious of