Dano looked outside of her window in the passenger’s seat of her car. Streetlights whizzed past while prostitutes, pimps, bums, and pedestrians went about their night. ‘I wouldn’t be riding in this car to this God forsaken meeting if it weren’t for Ashley.’ she thought angrily. ‘Ugh. Fuck. It’s not her fault, it’s Skinny’s. Besides, if it weren’t for her there wouldn’t have been a truce in the first place.’ Her mind drifted to an event that changed her life along with many other people. A moment in time when her life and Ashley’s were in eminent danger. Specifically, when Aiden saved their lives.

“This is fuckin bullshit man turn on the radio or some shit.” Andrew complained, startling Daniella from her thoughts.

Exhaling audibly in annoyance, Gideon reached towards the stereo and pressed play on the CD. Albany by Kev Brown flowed through the speakers, having a calming affect on the whole car. It was one of the few songs all 5 of them could agree on. It was real, it was deep, it was about love and loss.

Alejandro, better known as Caesar, sunk slightly into the leather seat and bobbed his head to the music. “Yeah homes that’s what I’m talkin about.”

“Happy now Axis?” Aiden asked, referring to Andrew.

“You know it Playboy.”

Dano had tuned them out long ago, listening to the lyrics as they seemed replay her and Madison’s situation word for word.

I don’t even know what to say. I made this beat and thought about you today.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you last it’s like time moves to fast to keep your grasp.

The car ride back to Madison’s house was spent retelling funny stories about mutual friends and the antics they got up to while they were together. The sound of laughter was a refreshing reprieve from the mess that had currently befallen the two girls and the people they knew. In truth, Dano was just happy to be given a second chance at anything with her former flame. She’d missed her.

When we did hang out the whole vibe was chill.

She pulled up to the Duarte residence, much to her dismay, and cut the ignition. They sat in silence for a while, not wanting the night to end, but at least Daniella had the reassurance that there would be future moments like this one. It was the only thing she had at the moment. “I’ll walk you to the door.”