The ancient compact car gave a worrying rattle as Lizette drove it into the school parking lot. Kimmy hadn’t said a word since they left Coach Karen’s house. The parking lot was still mostly empty because they were earlier than normal. Lizette found a spot close to the school and parked.
“You ready for this?” Lizette asked.
Kimmy had been through hell for the last four days and it showed. The bruises on her face had faded to a mottled purple and the swelling had gone down around her left eye. The stitches were visible where the nurse had shaved her eyebrow around the wound. Instead of hiding her body in long sleeves and jeans, Kimmy had picked out one of Lizette’s sundresses to wear. It left the crusty stripes on her shoulders, arms, and legs visible for everyone to see.
“Yes,” Kimmy sighed and looked over at Lizette. “Kiss me.”
Lizette gave a half-grin and leaned over to give Kimmy a sweet kiss. Their first out in public, Lizette considered with a sigh.
“Thank you,” Kimmy said as she cupped Lizette’s chin. “For everything.”
“What are friends for?” she asked with a shrug.