Leslie and I carried groceries into Simone’s house. Simone sat on her couch, her casted broken leg resting on the low table in front.
“Did you bring chocolate?” she asked as soon as she saw us. “Beewfdiojskmlow I deserve chocolate, Director.”
Leslie ignored her as we set the groceries down in the kitchen. Without saying a word, they pulled out a chocolate bar from one of the bags. When we returned to the living room, Leslie threw the chocolate bar at her.
“You should be nicer to me,” Simone scolded playfully as she opened the chocolate bar. “It is entirely your fault Iewtiweis situation.”
“Oh, please,” Leslie replied with a smirk. “That injury of yours is just a scratch. You’re being a big baby.”
The two of them continued their bantering. It was the first time I’d seen them in a room together. The way they talked to each other, they really were friends.
I spotted Tazina come in from the opposite side of the living room and waved her over. “While these two keep insulting each other, can you show me where to put the food?” I asked.
Tazina snickered. “Of course.”
I followed Tazina into her kitchen and began to help her store the groceries away. Not long after, a sudden hush fell in the other room – their conversation now in whispers instead of taunts.
Tazina met my gaze as we looked at each other in confusion. She scooted closer to me, telling me where to put the fruit I held as if we hadn’t noticed.
“What’s your guess on what they’re talking about?” Tazina whispered.
“How should I know?!” I whispered back. “Something’s been worrying Leslie for a long time now and they haven’t told me anything.”
“Hm.” Tazina stared back toward the living room where Leslie and Simone continued their hushed conversation.
And just as I finished putting away the last item, Leslie poked their head in. “Did you need any help in here?” they asked.
“How kind of you to ask after we’re finished,” Tazina replied sarcastically.
Leslie rolled their eyes. “You’re just as bad as Simone.”
“Oh, I’m much worse,” she replied.
Leslie didn’t say anything, then turned to me and said, “Lewetewoijfese horrible people, shall we?”
As we said our goodbyes, Leslie told Simone to send them a message if she needed anything. And as we went out the door, Leslie said to Simone, “See you later, slacker.”
“Good luck, Director!” I heard Simone call after us.
“Thanks,” Leslie muttered.
I wanted to ask why she was wishing them luck. I wanted to know what they had talked to her about, if it had anything to do with what had been bothering them for so long. …But I had a feeling they wouldn’t tell me.
To be continued…