Hey, Darling.

“Kennedy’s like an onion,” John said as we walked out of the ice cream shop. We were lagging behind everyone else.

“Or one of those really complicated flowers,” he added. “He’s got lots of layers. And right now you’re hitting the hard layer. Probably because you didn’t want to kiss him so he thinks you think he’s lame.”

“I was drunk!” I exclaimed. “And he was too! So I didn’t like a drunken kiss? I really don’t see the big deal.”

“He’s not rational like that. He acts on impulse. Which basically translates into that everything he does is pretty fucking stupid.”

“I know that. I can tell. I just don’t see why he has to be such a jerk.” I said, staring at the walking bodies ahead. It wasn’t because I really cared, per say, but rather I hated all mean people. Especially if their meanness had no reasonable explanation.

“Then tell him that.” John shrugged. “Let him know that it bothers you.”

“It won’t do anything,” I argued. “I’m just some girl. I don’t really matter.”

John rolled his eyes and scoffed simultaneously. “You matter a lot more than you think.”

I was just about to pull out my best bewildered gaze and ask him to elaborate when he moved his long legs a little faster and stepped in pace with Mia, leaving me trailing behind.

I huffed. I didn’t enjoy the current situation. I didn’t know what to do about it. I had gathered, from his time spent with Bonnie and ignoring the rest of us, that Kennedy had no interest in me. Though that did bother me (even if I denied it) I still wanted, if anything, to be friends. I still had the remainder of our game of Truth fresh in my brain, and honestly he didn’t seem that bad. I actually kind of liked talking to him. I think I could probably get used to talking to him.

With that said, I was still in a predicament. What was I supposed to do? March right up to him, grab him on the arm and demand that he be kinder towards me and we have a proper friendship. Though the outcome might have been desirable, I knew I didn’t have the guts. I barely had enough confidence to talk to him without alcohol in my system. And even when I did talk to him sober I seemed to light up like a tomato. I wasn’t exactly sure of what I should do.

I was in the midst of burying myself within my own thoughts when I heard feet slap next to me. I attempted to shake myself out before looking to my right.

My gaze met kind eyes and a gentle smile.

“You okay?” He asked me quietly.

I nodded. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

“About?” He asked.

“Stuff. I dunno. Lots of random stuff,” I answered. “Like whether I can get this skirt I want switched from a zipper to Velcro effectively.”

He laughed, and I laughed with him, and then the mood shifted considerably.

“So…” He trailed off, staring ahead. I noticed him fumble with his hands. “I hear you and Kennedy kissed…”

I couldn’t stop the sigh that left my mouth. “I guess. He only did it to shut me up.”

Garrett nodded. “Then what happened?”

“I threw up.”

He looked a little shocked for a second, chuckling slowly. “Really?”

“Yup. I didn’t really mean to, but I’m not very good at handling my alcohol…” I tried to explain.

Garrett just shrugged. “It’s no big deal. It just explains a lot.”

I inwardly groaned. What was with these boys and being so vague about everything they said? Especially when those things involved Kennedy?

“Why does everyone use placeholders?” I asked myself quietly, shaking my head. I stared down at my legs as I watched, counting the cracks in the pavement as we made our way to the thrift store.

Apparently, Garrett heard me. “What do you mean?”

I blushed slightly, embarrassed that he heard me, but still felt the need to explain. “No one ever explains anything! They say ‘a lot’ instead of how much or say something totally mystifying and then walk away! It’s irritating.”

Garrett looked a little stunned at my outburst, but he nodded slowly. “I don’t mean to be vague. It just explains…a lot. Like Kennedy’s behavior. He’s not usually like this.”

“So he’s not usually an ass?” I mused to myself. “Huh. A little hard to believe.”

Garrett laughed. “He’s not, I swear. He’s generally kind of nice, but I think you have some type of effect on him.”

“Why? I just want him to be nice.” I stressed. Really, kindness wasn’t that hard. I didn’t care if he was fake and wasn’t even genuine when he talked to me; it would be better than acerbic words and those sharp side glances he seemed so fond of.

“I don’t know why,” Garrett seemed as perplexed as me about Kennedy’s behavior. “He’s been different. Just ignore him, though. Don’t let him ruin your day.”

“That’s kind of hard,” I said sadly, feeling my shoulders sink slowly. “He’s been doing a pretty good job of it already.”

“Don’t worry,” Garrett smiled at me. “I’ll beat him up if he tries anything.”

I smiled at him. “Thanks.”

We approached the thrift store quickly. It looked appealing from the outside: there were well-dressed mannequins in the window and from what I could see, lines of racks containing clothing. The second I stepped inside, I saw the shoe rack. It stretched from one side of the store to another, and it reached from floor to ceiling. I just about fainted at the number of high heels and the overwhelming sensation of getting to rummage through everything in the store.

“I need a cart,” Mia gasped, turning to look at me with an excited expression on her face. “Molly, are you ready?”

“I am ready.” I laughed slightly, but felt the excitement bubble inside of me.

The boys were looking at us like we were crazy.

You have to be a true thrift store junky to understand the excitement when you see racks upon racks of untouched, good-conditioned vintage clothing. It bubbles over you, the possibility of finding that amazing piece of something. It was a puzzle. A search. It was amazing.

In my typical fashion, I headed towards the dresses first. I was so excited that I hadn’t even noticed Garrett following me, but when I did I just flashed him a large smile.

“Is this exciting for you?” He asked.

I nodded happily. “Very much so.” I started rummaging through the racks, looking at each piece of clothing slowly. It wasn’t long before I found a navy and white sailor-type dress. It looked like it would fit, so I hooked it on my hand and continued searching.

I was silent as I picked up more pieces of clothing. It had barely been ten minutes and I already had four hangers in my hand, each containing I dress I wanted to try on.

Garrett cleared his throat and I looked up surprised. I had forgotten about him standing there.

Immediately, I apologized. “I’m sorry. This must be so boring for you.”

He shrugged. “Not really. It’s just kind of amusing. Do you want me to hold that for you?”

He gestured towards the dresses in my hand.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “I don’t want you to be like, my personal cart or something.”

He shook his head. “Nah, it’s fine. It’ll give me something to do.”

I smiled at him and he smiled back. In the back of my mind, I wished that Kennedy acted like this. Then I cursed myself for not thinking Garrett was good enough and overlooking his kindness. I was acting like an ungrateful bitch.

I handed him the hangers and went back to looking. We kept light conversation as I searched the racks, then moved on to sweaters, shorts, purses, and eventually shoes. I had an impressive pile of stuff as I tried on a pair of rounded-toe yellow kitten heels. They had a strap over the foot and the color was still shiny, making me think that they were either a replica of a vintage or really well taken care of.

Everyone else was scattered around, finding their own stuff to do. I had moved over to look at Garrett, who was standing next to the bathing suits, when I saw a piece of shiny crimson catch my eye. I said nothing as I moved closer, using my hand to softly push Garrett out of the way as I snatched up the one-piece bathing suit. It reminded me instantly of the fifties. It had a sweetheart neckline and thick halter straps. I immediately wanted to try it on.

“What?” Garrett asked at the absolute look of admiration on my face.

“It’s beautiful.” I smiled happily at the garment in my hands, feeling like such a nerd for obsessing over clothing so heavily.

Hi, my name is Molly, and I have a passion for fashion.

Hi, my name is Molly, and I totally just ripped off the Bratz slogan.

“Try it on.” Garrett nodded, eyeing the dressing booths at the back of the store. I couldn’t tell if he was just doing this to be helpful or if he actually cared about how excited I was. Either way, I did as he suggested.

I took the bathing suit in the booth alone, though I knew I probably should have taken something else to be productive. I didn’t feel like it.

I slipped out of my shorts and tank top slowly, sliding off my shoes as well. I kept my undergarments on as I stepped into the suit, pulling it up over my torso and untying the thick straps. I reached behind me and tired the straps into a full bow.

I turned to look at myself in the mirror. The outcome was desirable. The suit fit snugly, slimming over my curves. It took five seconds of glancing before I realized that I was going to buy it and possibly wear it a hundred times this summer.

I was just about to take the thing off when I heard conversation outside of my door.

“Where’s Molly?” I could tell it was Mia.

“She’s trying something on,” Garrett answered, and I wondered if he was just sitting there staring at the door, waiting for me.

He was too nice. He had been nothing but helpful since the second I met him (which, technically, I guess, was at the party but I don’t really remember him that well) and he had made my crappy day that less depressing. I decided I liked him. As a friend, of course.

“Ooh,” I heard Mia murmur approvingly.

“Molly?” She called.

“Hmm?” I answered right back, untying the halter straps.

“Let’s see!” She yelled excitedly. “If you like it enough to try it on, I wanna see.”

I rolled my eyes at her, not willing to step outside of the dressing room in the tiny garment . It was alright for swimming, sure, but not just for walking around the middle of a store in.

“No thanks.” I declined.

“Molly,” I heard her whine. “Pleaseeee. It’s just Garrett and I. And besides, we’ll see you in it when you go swimming.”

I sighed heavily, knowing she was not going to give up soon. She was stubborn. “Fine, but I’m only coming out for a second.”

I retied the straps, took a deep breath and opened the door.

I stepped out and Mia let out a low whistle. “Hot damn, girl, you look good.”

“Really?” I asked her, scrunching up my nose. “’Cause I’m not sure how I like it.”

Mia shook her head quickly. “Nope. You look great. You’re buying that.”

I smiled at her and nodded, before looking over to Garrett. His face looked a little red and he was looking down at his face, like he didn’t want to look at me. I just nibbled on my lip before shrugging. He didn’t seem like the type to embarrass easily.

I smiled at Mia again, doing a little twirl as she demanded, and stood there for a second. I made a move to go back into the dressing room.

“Jesus, put some fucking clothes on,” a sharp voice said loudly, and I looked up to find Kennedy standing next to the jewelry, looking rather unimpressed.

“No one wants to fucking see that.” I think it was the tone of his voice, or the look on his face, but it hit me hard.

My first reaction was to cry. Then I wanted to punch him. And then I wanted to run him over with John’s car. I felt my stomach drop, letting his comment take straight to the heart. I didn’t know what to say. I bit my lip harshly, trying to stop the tears from pooling in my eyes. I could already feel them, and I made my way to move before they decided to spill over.

I had just slammed the door behind me when I heard Mia hiss.

“Why do you have to be such a fucking jerk?”