Dax stood on the other side of the table, one hand holding a bracelet, the other fanned across the tabletop.
“You’re not getting this back!” He teased. Her face scrunched as she filtered through her options.
Casually, Mable leaned back against the fridge, “Fine, whatever. It’s not important anyways.”
Dax deadpanned, lifting the colorful accessory to float above the garbage to his left. Jumping forward and panic in her eyes he couldn’t help but laugh at the horrible lie. “You couldn’t lie to save your life-“
Mable looked incredulous, “Okay how do I get it back then?”
He took a moment to think, tapping his finger to his chin. Mable watched the bracelet dangle precariously. The item itself didn’t seem like anything special, and Dax didn’t know why his girlfriend adored it so much. It was a mix of gold, white, and baby blue threads woven together in a simple pattern. Thinking back on it, she had always had it nearby, on her wrist, ankle, or purse, but it was always there.
He smiled devilishly. Mable would always argue that she isn’t very sentimental, trying to prove the fact by throwing away items that had little meanings tied to them. It was a long lasting debate that followed the couple.
“How about this,” She looked skeptical, “you tell me why it’s important, and I’ll give it back.”
She raised an eyebrow, “Just like that?”
“Just,” Dax walked around the table, holding the bracelet far above his short partners head, and still cradling her to his chest, “like that.”
With her head bent to look up at him, a small pout formed on her lips. Dax chuckled.
“It’s a simple exchange.” He wiggled the bracelet, watching her eyes follow the accessory.
Mable sighed, “Okay fine.” She pressed her forehead against his chest, preferring not to see his reaction. Dax smirked, wrapping both his arms around her and slipping the bracelet onto his own wrist.
“Remember the first day at the intern place?” He nodded, she seemed to understand and continued, “Well I saw you and I thought hey, he’s kinda cute. And for the first few weeks of us talking I kinda always messed with it when we were together and I kinda... related it to you I guess.” He opened his mouth to respond but she stepped on his foot, “Yeah I know, it’s dumb. Can I just have it back please.”
Finally looking up to meet his eyes again she was met with an adoring smile. Leaning down to press a chaste kiss to her forehead he said, “I love you.”
He handed back the bracelet and with a red face she mumbled, “I love you too.”
A cold agonizing feeling rippled through her body. She choked on a sob, letting the pathetic sound echo across the empty park.
With a single yellow lamp lighting the park the dark felt like it was eating away at her. She stumbled, lifting herself from pealing green bench and turning towards the play set.
Her limbs were numb and heavy. One step at a time she crossed the sand. Gripping the cold metal chain, she couldn’t stop a pained whimper. When her legs stated to fail her, she sat on the yellow swing she was holding on to.
She coughed, sobs overcoming her body. The cold metal stung and the chain started to pinch as she tightened her grip, leaning into it. It wasn’t enough, she was feeling so much and couldn’t get it all out. Toes curling, muscles tightening, she clamped her jaw shut.
The swing next to her was empty. On nights like this it would be filled by her closest and dearest friend.
Since they were young they would sway side by side under the full moon. Secrets were shared, promises were made, and stores were told, on these old, creaking, yellow swings.
It was on these swings that she learned her friends fears. It was on these swings she told her friend it wasn’t worth it. It was on these swings she begged her friend “don’t do it”....
She lifted her eyes to the sky, decorated in pearly stars and a full moon.
She screamed.
A quiet tone played and her icon disappeared from the call. It was quiet.
Then anxiously Carla blurted, “What did you think of her? Would you be cool if she hangs out with us more?” When no one responded she began frantically filling the space, “I know she can seem like a bit much, but she’s really nice and-“
“Carla. I think I just met the happiest person in the world.” She looked towards the call floating on her screen.
Carla had known Nicole for years now. She’s seen every part of her, and hearing Noah say that almost hurt. The sound of her friends starting to talk and poke fun at each other ebbed into the background.
“Happiest person in the world...” she repeated to herself. Carla could remember the tears Nicole shed over her family situation, the lunches left unopened day after day, or the huge fake smile plastered on Nicole’s face.
Carla shook her head. ‘Not the happiest,’ she thought, ‘not yet.’
And to seal the silent promise she picked up her phone and typed out a quick goodnight to Nicole.
“Goodnight Nicky! Thanks for hanging out with us, you made my day!! See you tomorrow alright?”
She’ll start tomorrow, because Nicole deserves it... and it’s 11:54 pm and she’s going to fall asleep on her keyboard.
