Survival Of The Fittest

Mercy couldn't stifle a giggle. Even now, she felt an illicit thrill when somebody so much as swore openly around her house. Maybe that was a sign that she still wasn't very grown-up. She didn't care that much, honestly. People who thought that swearing made you more grown-up still needed to grow up some more themselves.

"Yeah," she agreed. "No point in worrying so much, right? I'm serious about coming over to hang after, by the way. We can get some movies together and order a pizza or something, it'll be fun."

No- it'd be fucking awesome. No booze or boys or drama needed. She could be happy with just good food, good movies, and a good friend.

"Think about it anyway, okay? Now let's do some more." Mercy hopped to her feet, brushing grass off of her legs once more, and took a running start into a series of cartwheels across the yard.

This time, she stuck every landing.

((Mercy Ames continued in Wow. Fantastic, Baby.))

Aliya smiled as Mercy announced that she was serious about them hanging out after prom. There was something so simple and pleasing about it. It was a memory they'd be able to keep forever.

"What's there to think about? It sounds dope."

She stood along with Mercy and continued with practicing, focusing less on trying to nail it and more on enjoying the moment.

((Aliya Kimia Nemati continued elsewhere...))