Prodigal

~4.11~

Awkwardly, I walked over to the food counter. I picked up a can of Coke from the bucket that was full of ice and soda cans.

“You look as socially uncomfortable as I am.” A girl said to me. She was about sixteen, had caramel skin, dark hair, and her makeup was on point.

“You’re so right.” I said. “And thank God you had enough courage to break the ice with me.”

“I know it sounds cliché, but you look kind of familiar.” She said to me.

“Emelia Hemmings.” I said. “Daughter of Luke Hemmings.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve seen you in the tabloids. But I’m sure that’s the absolute worst depiction of you there is.”

“I’m so glad you know that.” I responded. “What’s your name?”

“Ashley Spark.” Ashely said to me. “I’m guessing your speech is about transgender rights?”

“Something like that.” I responded. “The speech that got me nominated was a passive aggressive attack to one of my classmates, so I need to modify it for this event. What’s yours on?”

“Why the American two-party political system is damaging to our world’s youth.”

“I can tell you’re smart.”

“And I can tell you’re brave.” Ashley said. “Hey, after this we’re going up to a hotel room where the real party is, do you want to come with?”

Not understanding what she meant by “where the real party is,” I said yes.

Notes

it's been a while; how are you?