The Warning Colour (Part VI) – The Age of Independence

"It's the friends you can call up at 4am that matter." 1

- Marlene Dietrick2

At ten past five I stashed my overnight bag and cooler of food in the trunk of my second-hand Ford, along with a wad of saved-up emergency cash, and yelled goodbye to my family and the Kingsleys, saying I'd see them later. I wasn't lying. I would see them later – just two days later.3

I drove to Tash's first. Parking my car in her driveway, I got out and knocked at the door, then let myself in like always.4

"Tash? Come on!" I yelled, walking into the kitchen to grab a cookie.5

"Coming babe," she yelled from upstairs.6

I stuffed a packet of biscuits and juice in my bag: snacks for later.7

"Hey, Hols," she walked into the kitchen, fumbling in a bag, then looked up sharply, "Looking good. Might wanna put some jewellery on though."8

"Nah. But damn, you look good too." I smirked at her. Tash was decked out in a sequined strapless top and beach shorts, with her hair hanging in loose curls and from her ears, small, simple hoop earrings. Me – just a pair of black denim shorts that cut off a bit above my knee in a stylish frayed hem and a longer sea-green top. Those were clothes I could look decent in and escape in.9

"Holly's wrong," said Derek, appearing in the doorway, wrapping his arms around Tash, and pecking her cheek, "You look beautiful."10

I grinned, though jealous for a moment. That could have been Ian and me. But then I shook myself. You can't forever dwell in the past, like I had been for the past seven and a half years. But I was going to change that this weekend…11

"Holly, come on," Derek called, as Tash was making her way outside.12

"Tash, my car," I waved her over. We argued for a second – her car was much hotter – but then I sent her a no-arguments glare, and they hopped in to my old Ford.13

By the time we got there, people - Tash's hires - were finishing decorating and setting up the pile of wood for the bonfire.14

I tied my red hair in a high ponytail. Flip-flops and no fancy jewellery.15

People were already there. They stopped to wish me and then carried on to party with their own friends.16

"Tash, who've you invited? I don't even know some of these people." I muttered, grabbing my friend's arm.17

"From school, and work…you know. Whatever, have fun. It's your party."18

"Let's cut the cake," I said.19

"What, now? It's not even seven."20

"The people need cake!" And I dragged her to the centre table, then grabbed a megaphone from a passing kid, "OKAY PEOPLE! CAKE TIME! GATHER ROUND!"21

A crowd formed and a chorus of Happy Birthday, lead by Tash, rang out. I cut the cake, ate a sliver and everyone cheered and clapped.22

Tash quickly assigned two people to cut and pass out cake, but grabbed my elbow before I could disappear, "Holly, why are you in such a rush? Where are you going? Are you feeling okay?"23

"Tash, chill. I'm okay. Can't a girl want cake on her birthday? Look, I saw someone I want to talk to," I yanked my arm out of her grip, pointing vaguely at the crowd. "I'll catch you later, 'K?"24

Ignoring her perplexed look, I bolted off, attempting to blend in with the crowd. It took me over five minutes to get through the sea of people and to my car. With the cake cut, I wouldn't be needed 'publicly' anymore, so I left a small note in Tash's bag, and with a wary glance, I got in my car and turned the key in the ignition.25

And I drove.