Page 6 of Quiet Chaos

“He said he liked my painting. It turns out he’s a painter, too. We talked a bit and then I went back to his place.”

My hand covers my mouth. “Olivia! You went into a strange boy’s apartment?”

Ms. Adeline excuses herself as Olivia busts out laughing. “I didn’t sleep with him, but I got naked.”

Shaking my head, I say, “I’m not judging, Olivia. I’m not, but why would you do such a thing?”

“He wanted to paint me.”

I look down, swallowing the embarrassment I feel for my friend.

She grips my arm. “Hey, Sky. We work because we don’t criticize each other. You might not agree with what I did, but I hope you’ll still support me no matter what I choose.”

I forget how sensible Olivia is about friendships. She’s right, there’s no place for judgment. Her life; her choices. I may not do what she does. We’re different people and I must respect it. Even though my beliefs tug to be noticed, I must keep this in mind.

My eyes meet hers, and I smile. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m not condemning you. This type of friendship is new to me, and I will make mistakes.”

She throws her arms around me. “Sky, hush. I’m so glad we became friends. We learn from each other, which is a great thing.”

I point a finger at my chest. “You learn from me?”

“Yes. Since I met you, I see how sometimes my decisions can be reckless. I also recognize what a wonderful thing it is to have such faith as you do. It’s commendable.”

I tuck my hair behind my ears. “Aw! I love you.” This time I give her a hug.

***

It’s been a month since my first nail painting. Olivia hasn’t missed a beat. Every week, she shows up carrying a handful of nail polishes. It brings us closer. This evening, we are going out, although Olivia won’t tell me her plans. In my closet, we argue over what I’m going to wear. Her dress code philosophy is the more skin, the better. I hide most of my body under whatever dress I have in my closet, which isn’t much. Aside from what I owned at the convent, I’ve bought a couple more outfits, and Olivia snuck some of hers in. Those I pushed all the way to the back of the closet.

Ms. Adeline hasn’t been feeling well, so I’m unsure if I should leave her alone. When I voice my concern, Ms. Adeline dismisses it and tells me to have fun tonight.

In my room, Olivia bounces on the side of the bed, waiting for me to pick an outfit.

I hold a long dress in front of me as I say, “I don’t know if this is a good idea. Ms. Adeline doesn’t look well. I offered to stay home, but she told me to go.”

“Well, there’s your answer.”

I nibble on the end of my finger, still pacing the room. Ms. Adeline has helped me out so much. I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for her. What if something happens while I’m gone? Ms. Adeline has no one. Maybe I could ask Ms. Babs to check on her. I shake my head, remembering the diner is open late on the weekend.

“Earth to Sky.” She laughs. “That’s funny—earth to sky.” When I don’t react, she places a hand on my arm. “Sky, she’ll be fine. She’s old. Of course, she’s going to have bad days.” I nod yet still walk around the room. “Let’s pick out your outfit.”

My arms drop to my side, giving her a sideways glance. “No need, Olivia. I’ll wear this blue dress.”

“Huh?”

With my hands on my hips, I ask, “What?”

She falls back onto the bed. “I guess you don’t want to meet a guy. At first, I assumed you wore those clothes because of comfort. Now, I’m guessing it’s because you don’t want a guy approaching you.”

I walk to the side of the bed. “That’s not fair, Olivia. You know I want a husband and children. You’re trying to guilt me into wearing something Idon’tfeel comfortable in.”

Her eyes meet mine. “Is it working?”

I fall onto the bed next to her. For some reason, I’m too tired to fight her on it. Before I change my mind, I lift my arm, pointing at the closet and say, “Go ahead. Pick whatever you want me to wear.”

She gets off the bed, humming with the shuffling of hangers.

“This outfit! It’s perfect!”

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