the squad. a series of stories. story one.

Instructions

Dariel I approached the headstone, the inscription making my stomach turn to knots. Martha Marie Carter. You will forever rest in our hearts. I scoffed. It actually made her sound like a good person. It didn't say anything about the husband she’d left with nothing and the son she’d abandoned. Tears welled in my eyes but I refused to let them fall. She didn’t deserve my tears. I spun back around on my heels, turning to see Kyra standing closely behind me. She wore a pair of ripped jean shorts with a cream tank top and a chunky brown cardigan. A tote bag was slung over her shoulder. “Dariel,” She ran up to me, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I’m so sorry.” I wrapped my arms around her back. “It’s okay. And… I’m okay.” She pulled back from the hug, her moon gray eyes met mine as though she was searching for something. She must’ve found what she was looking for because she shook her head vigorously, making her two long brown braids shake. “No you’re not.” Then she tightened her hug. I inhaled her scent. She smelled like freshly ground coffee with caramel and cinnamon. Despite it all, I smiled at how well Kyra knew me. “Thank you,” I whispered, the tears threatening to spill. “For…everything.” “Of course.” She replied, still not letting go of the hug. “I’m always here for you Dariel. I hope you know that.” Without warning, I started to cry. How stupid. I pulled out of the hug and turned away, quickly wiping my tears. Kyra cleared her throat, making me turn back around. She pulled a Monster energy drink from her tote bag. “It’s original. Your favorite.” Wow. She really did know me. “C’mon,” She gestured toward the opposite street where her car was waiting. “I’ll drive. The gang’s all meeting up at the bowling alley and I’m making you come with us.” I plucked the Monster from her hand, cracking it open. “Alright.” As we walked together toward her car, an old Honda accord, I realized that this girl knew me better than anyone else. This was the girl who singlehandedly helped me pass Geometry, the girl who could recite my Starbuck order by heart and the girl who knew exactly how to cheer me up no matter what was happening. I loved her. Oh no, I loved her. I climbed into the passenger seat of her car and took a deep breath. I made a decision right there that she could never know. I was too scared. Scared of rejection. Scared of tearing our friend group apart. No. She could never ever know.