Chapter 4
One step. Another. Stevie’s feet felt like lead, heavy and without any purpose as she trudged up the stairs to her apartment. She was well aware of Bucky walking behind her, but had no intention of speaking to her. She wanted to get away from all of it. Everything was too much just then.
“How was it?” Bucky’s voice behind her was kind and gentle. She wasn’t going to leave, because she knew Stevie would never ask for help, but she clearly needed it. Right then more than ever.
“S’okay. She’s next to Dad.” Came Stevie’s emotionless reply. She kept walking.
“I was gonna ask,” Bucky began, the two girls slowing down as they reached Stevie’s apartment door. Bucky didn’t want her friend to be alone that night. Stevie turned around.
“I know what you’re gonna say, Buck. I just…” Stevie trailed off, digging around in her purse for her keys.
“We can put the couch cushions on the floor like when we were kids.” Bucky continued, pleading to all the gods that Stevie wouldn’t insist on being alone after her mom’s funeral. “It’ll be fun! All you gotta do is… shine my shoes, maybe take out the trash.” She leaned down and moved the brick off of Stevie’s spare key. Bucky knew that Stevie would want to take care of herself, but she refused to let her do so. “C’mon.” She begged as she held the key out for her friend.
“Thank you, Buck,” Stevie said, taking the key, “But I can get by on my own.”
“The thing is,” Bucky said, trying so hard to get Stevie to see that Bucky would always be there for her, “You don’t have to.” The taller girl put her hand on Stevie’s shoulder, squeezing it tightly. “I’m with you till the end of the line, pal.”