Iyisha looked from Reya to Marybeth, standing on the worn carpet in the middle of the apartment living room, and this time the realization came clearly.
So this was the friend.
The one Marybeth had been trying to reach.
Reya recognized her immediately.
"Marybeth!"
She crossed the small space quickly, nearly knocking into the coffee table, not caring.
Marybeth moved at the same time.
They met in the center of the room and hugged tightly, shoes pressing into the carpet as their bodies collided with enough force that they had to steady themselves. They laughed into each other's shoulders and held on longer than most people did anymore.
Iyisha watched from near the door, aware of Malcolm beside her, aware of the room, aware of everything at once.
Marybeth pulled back but kept her hands on Reya's arms, looking over her face carefully as if confirming she was really there.
Then she kissed her.
It was quick and certain.
Iyisha blinked.
