“It’s just weird he’s not here.” Macy was curled in a tight ball on Kim’s bed. “I almost had to pay for my own fries today. I mean, I appreciate you stepping in, but it’s weird when a girl does it.” Adam hadn’t called her the other night and wasn’t in school today.

  “And I can’t even get a hold of Cindi. We’re supposed to study over Zoom tonight… and don’t even get me started on that.” Macy’s way of saying she missed people was the same as the way she said thank you.

  Kim smiled at her friend—partly entertained, partly because she could see the genuine concern. Kim felt the absence of their friends to a degree too. But she’d known them a little over a week. Macy had known them for years. “It’s only been a day,” Kim said in a clumsy attempt to comfort her.

  “Yeah, I guess.” Macy reluctantly accepted.

  “Do you have his mom’s number? Maybe he’s sick?”

  “No answer.” She thought for a moment. “Maybe I should swing by his place.”

  “I’ll come with!” Kim jumped at the opportunity to get out of the house.

  “It’s like a two-hour walk from your place to the sidewalk. You can’t stay out that late. Don’t you need meds and stuff?”

  “I mean, I can drive.”

  Macy’s eyes went wide. “Lady, you need reminders to put clothes on and nearly ate some dude in the hall the other day.” She pressed her fingers to her chest in characteristically Macy manner. “Now don’t get me wrong. I love you?” She said the last part with emphasis. “But you still got a bit too much of the crazy in you for the open road.”

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  Kim smiled at her honesty and nodded. “I mean… there’s Jill.” Kim reluctantly offered.

  “Yeah, she seems cool. What’s your beef with her?”

  Kim shrugged. “She just gives me a weird vibe. But she’s got a license and is paid to take me places.”

  Macy quickly got to her feet. “Well, it’s been far too long since someone has leered at me. So I say we get Jill and go rescue our simp!”

  Kim laughed and went to find the housekeeper. “Hey, I need a ride,” she said at Jill’s door.

  Jill opened it looking annoyed. “Fine, but where to? I have to be home to make dinner.”

  “Mom’s already passed out from drinking and I’m not hungry.” Kim saw something like a chill go up Jill’s spine.

  “You need to eat your prescribed food, Kim.” She smelled of frustration. Maybe even anger.

  Kim didn’t care. But she wanted the ride. “Okay, blend something up and I’ll slop it down on the way!”

  Jill nodded. “I’m gonna change and then I’ll take you.”

  Kim hated the car. She hated the slop she was supposed to drink even more. But she hated nothing more than Jill’s attempts at conversation.

  Kim usually just ignored it. She didn’t want to risk giving her attention. Wouldn’t want her to come to expect it. Macy was another story.

  They talked endlessly it seemed about high school and boys. Kim laughed at Macy’s endless banter and occasional glance when Jill said something classically adult.

  As they pulled up to the home, another car was pulling away. Kim could swear she saw a familiar face inside. While it was still driving away, the passenger door swung open.

  “Sarah!” A man’s voice yelled. Kim was shocked to see the girl jump from the car and come running toward them.

  When Jill parked, Kim was buried in Sarah as soon as she opened the door.

  “Did someone clone you?” Macy exclaimed.

  Just before she could say anything, she saw a man who looked vaguely familiar. He and Jill were staring daggers at each other.

  “Do we fight here, or would you rather wait for a private place?” she heard Jill whisper dangerously.