Hood Ornaments

Tori hid in the library gathering books for her research paper. She began writing and highlighting on notecards. It was a productive and much needed distraction for the day. It was also an easy and believable excuse to avoid Michael. By the time he was out of class, she could sneak back into the studio to work on her projects. She was excited as well as shocked that Professor Holmes liked her mixed media piece, but she felt uneasy putting her pain on display. Then she reconciled that’s what most artists do.

Even if they don’t acknowledge it.

Speakin of acknowledging, Tori also knew that she would have to have that heavy conversation with Michael at some point. Maybe he would understand that she wanted to have her mind clear for the exhibit. She also needed her mind clear to comprehend the research she was doing. So she took a deep breath and continued reading, writing and highlighting. She was doing that for a couple hours before she checked her cell phone for the time. At that point, she was preparing to head to Starbucks to get a latte and then to the studio. But then she felt a hand upon her shoulder. She jumped and let out a small gasp.

“I’m sorry Victoria. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

It was Ladee, and the sight of her infuriated Tori. If it wasn’t for Ladee, she wouldn’t have to reenact mission impossible all around campus. Why she had to go and tell Michael was beyond her. She leered at Ladee, causing her to frown back.

“I said I was sorry.” She said as she snatched her hand away from Tori’s shoulder.

“You fuckin should be,” Tori hissed back in a suitable library tone, and then she abruptly gathered up her note cards and other belongings and pushed by Ladee so she could exit the library. Then, she made a beeline to Starbucks. At that point she needed more than a latte, she ordered her favorite drink with two shots of expresso because she figured she was going to need the energy to paint, write, and avoid Michael. If she didn’t go to sleep maybe Ladee would feel uncomfortable with her in the room and give her some peace. Something that she hadn’t had in a long time.

“Victoria, wait!” Ladee shouted from the top of the library steps. Then she jogged down them to catch her, but Tori didn’t turn around.

Ladee decided to step in front of her

“Victoria, I didn’t mean any harm. I still don’t. Michael asked me if I noticed if something was wrong with you or if he had upset you and…”

“And you took it upon yourself to tell him I was gang raped?” Tori said pulling Ladee by her elbow so she could keep what little bit of privacy she had left, “I’m not understanding what part of that you thought was okay?”

“I …didn’t…but Michael and me are…and you and I…”

Seeing Ladee’s dismay, Tori relented in her anger, “Look. I’m sorry if I was a little harsh. It was my fault. I should have known where your loyalties lie…”

Ladee’s face took on one of sadness, “No Victoria, it’s not that. I don’t ever want you to think that. You’re my friend. Michael I have known all my life. I was just…”

“I know. Trying to help. It’s cool. Let’s forget about it. I have a lot of work I need to get done.”

“And there’s still some work we need to finish.” Michael’s voice startled the both of them. Tori’s whole body tensed up, but she figured she may as well get it over with. Reluctantly walking away with Michael, Tori looked over her shoulder at Ladee who looked as though she was about to get hit by a semi.

“Ladee, I’ll see you at the dorm later.”

Ladee nodded.