Just as they were making their way over to a nearby restroom, Abby spotted a familiar figure in the distance. The discomfort of her stomach ache was forgotten, and replaced with a strange sense of amusement.
Abby: “Darling! Hey, Darling, wait up!”
She took off, and Rita had to fight to keep up. Abby called that person ‘darling’. Maybe Rita really had overreacted then. Abby must use pet names for all her friends. It wasn’t meant as a romantic gesture at all.
The stranger turned and smiled when they saw Abby approaching.
Darling: “Hey Abby! You look good. How have you been?”
Abby: “I’m doing fantastic! Darling, I want you to meet Ghost. Ghost, this is Darling.”
Darling: “Damn. Only a few short months and you already caught yourself another, huh? I bet you’re not even losing sleep either. Well, good for you.”
Rita: “Did you say their name was Darling?”
Rita whispered to Abby, but not quiet enough to evade Darling’s hearing.
Darling: “I’m right here you know. Any questions regarding me can be directed to me. And actually, Abby, I’m...uh...I’m going by Daryl now.”
Abby: “Oh, wow! Good for you, Daryl. I know you were nervous about going public. You seem a little different, actually. Did you...?”
Daryl: “Yup. Started my injections two weeks ago. Can you tell?”
Abby: “Absolutely! I’m happy for you. I know you really wanted this.”
Daryl: “Thanks. I appreciate your support.”