WEN: 096A33
Exhibitor Name: Daniella Smith
Division: Creative Writing--
Class: 04 Short Stories (
Voice rusty with lingering smoke, Whitney said, “I haven’t had a Marlboro in so long. All he has are Camels.”
“How long have you stayed with Wyatt?”
Erin’s eyes were pensive, and she wiped ash off her knee. “Don’t know. I’ve lost count.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. “Yeah?”
“Mhm,” she murmured. “Feels nice to finally be out. The air is fresher here.”
“Where do you live? I can help you get back.”
“If it’s alright, I’d rather not say.”
I blushed in embarrassment, fearful I pressured her.
“It’s not you,” Whitney Reassured me, noticing my reaction, a trace of amusement on her tongue. Tentatively, she put her hand on mine. “It’s just a matter of trust. Wyatt kind of messed that up for me.”
I swallowed, taking note of the way her pale hand contrasted with my tan one. “What will you do now?”
Erin’s face glowed with the orange light of her cigarette. Her hair was doused with a pretty yellow. “To be honest, I’m not sure. I’ve dreamed of leaving too many times to count, but I haven’t actually considered what I’d do after I left.” “Neither did I.” To my surprise, Whitney laughed. She had pearly white teeth that were infinite times straighter than mine, and her nose scrunched up with the intensity of her grin. I laughed too, and suddenly we were clutching at each other's shoulders and cackling wildly at the sheer absurdity of the hole we dug ourselves into.
“Christ,” Whitney breathed, leaning back and catching her breath, “what the hell do I do? I live miles away from here.”
I was catching my breath too, and I was suddenly stricken with a thought. Without thinking, I said, “you can stay here with me for a while.”
“I-” Whitney said, looking at me with shock. “Really? You just met me.”
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