vale. it wasn’t a name that estella thought she recognised and she definitely knew it wasn’t a popular name. it was unusual even, and she was sure if they’d have met before then she would have remembered a name like that. except, there was some familiarity there but she could blame that on the ways she’d seen similarities between herself and the other in such a short period of time. was there something eating her up inside? was there something that riddled her mind every night and plagued her every time she tried to sleep? what did it matter? what did este care? as they walked, estella stuffed her hands deep into the pockets of her tracksuit pants, trying to bring some warmth to her cool fingers. she could hear vale’s footsteps a few short steps behind her and she listened attentively, making sure the step was consistent. she was probably tired. a little intoxicated. a little bit hurt - both physically and her pride. “i did what any good person should have done. intervened. however, i did it…” estella said clearly, turning to look at the younger woman with the faintest impression of a smile on her lips. what a strange way to consider that you could possibly know someone… but este still didn’t need the gratitude.
as they walked closer to estella’s home, she continued to cast glances at the other, making sure she didn’t look like she was flagging too much. she was a little concerned about that arm of her but she’d be sure to get some ice and compression on it and maybe vale could evaluate it again in the morning. guiding vale down chestnut drive she fumbled in her pocket for her keys. “we’ll get you warmed up first… some water…” she stopped outside one of the houses, looking up as the porch light flicked on. “come on…” she jerked her head and ascended the three steps to the decking, opening the front door and holding it open for the other. “head straight through. you can sit on the sofa… or in the armchair if you like…” letting the door click shut behind her, she kicked off her shoes. the place was fairly large but there were minimal things. in the living room, the sofas were large and plush, facing toward a large television. it was separated by a small island to the kitchen (which estella wandered into) and began to gather ice from her freezer into a bag. “how do you feel?”
it was warm here . it was safe here . she wasn’t being interrogated or gated in , she wasn’t being patted down , her breath wasn’t being checked . it was different , but not in the kind of different that was considered negative . if she’d been allowed to stay forever vale would’ve done , but how unrealistic could her ideas get by the end of the night ?? she’d blame it on the alcohol although the whole situation had been more than sobering . letting herself fall onto the couch her injured wrist sat , balanced , in her lap , as her other hand slipped off the heels that were too high for slender ankles anyway . without the extra inches she was miniature , like a woman only smaller . a girl . with her freckles , her slight stature and the fact she dressed like a child masquerading like an adult she was always checked for ID at the bar and even then she was often shunned and accused of holding a fake . gnarly blisters beat up the backs of her feet , and she dragged them up beneath herself to force her body to contort as small as possible against the furnishing . now the world had quietened down around them she was suddenly back in her shell : soft , sensitive , gentle ..
the place was nice , barer than she’d imagined , but anything was empty compared to her apartment . for starters they were all crammed into one space , her and her roommates ; by design they owned three times the belongings and took up three times the space . their home was stocked with trinkets , flooded with animals , decorated with strange lingering odours and blasting music , and yet that was where she called home . this was different . that was quickly becoming her favorite word to explain such a strange , twisted scenario . “ i’m okay . thank you . i think the pain relief of the alcohol has worn off , though , ‘cus this thing hurts a lot more . but you’re right , i don’t think it’s broken . “ thank god for that . it meant they could remain on the couch and treat her wound right there , without the need for her running into anybody she knew or that knew her family . in a small town with tight connections news travelled quicker than she could keep up with . “ is it just you .. that lives here ?? “
