Marcy fiddled with the bottle of cider, the amber liquid swaying back and forth as they walked down the deserted street. The sky was clear, and the chilly air felt easier to breathe.
“You like this, don’t you?” Anne asked, pointing at the cider.
Marcy laughed, the sound echoing softly through the night.
“I do, but to be honest, your hair smells like fruit punch.”
Anne stopped and stared at Marcy, trying to figure out if that was a compliment or a tease.
“Is that good?”
“It’s you.” Marcy shrugged, glancing at her out of the corner of her eye.
Anne felt her heart skip a beat.
“I don’t even like you that much.”
Marcy laughed, short and light.
“Really? Because you seem to like it.”
Anne snorted, looking away.
“Okay, I like it. Damn it.” ---
Later, sitting on the couch in Anne’s room, the cider between them, Marcy said,
“Call me at midnight.”
Anne arched an eyebrow.
“Why?”
“Let’s try.”
Anne fell silent, her eyes fixed on the bottle in her hands. She knew what Marcy meant, but putting it into words felt daunting.
“Okay.”
--
“Do you still wear that?” Marcy asked, pointing to Anne’s sweatshirt.
“I do. So what?”
“You only wear it because I said you liked it, right?”
Anne shrugged, pretending not to care.
“Maybe.”
Marcy laughed, moving a little closer.
“What about your hair? Can I touch it?”
Anne hesitated for a moment, but nodded.
“Go ahead.”
Marcy’s fingers tangled in Anne’s hair, gentle and careful.
“It’s softer than I thought.”
Anne couldn’t help but smile, even if she tried.
---
They were lying on the floor, the lights off and the bottle of cider forgotten beside her. Anne turned her head to look at Marcy, who was staring at the ceiling.
“It’s good to talk to you,” Anne broke the silence.
“It’s good to hold your hand,” Marcy replied, reaching out to Anne.
Their fingers met in the darkness, and Anne squeezed lightly.
“Even if we’re just friends…” Marcy began, her voice hesitant.
Anne turned fully to her, her face inches away.
“We can be more than that.”
Marcy smiled, the kind of smile that made everything worthwhile.
“Then let’s try.”
---