They stood with their boots immersed into green grass, dim reflections of her outfit shined under moonlight. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, and spring was not what it seemed. Unlike the seasons, people do not come back next year, and when you think the weather is starting to feel warm again, you’re just telling yourself that to low the goosebumps on your arms. The tip of their shovel digged into the ground, with their arm propped above the handle. Hera has learned the hard way that this life is not a movie, nor a fairytale, this was just another sad ending. A flat bed of soil laid fresh in the shape of a large rectangle at their feet.
Here lies Daiane Meyer. The tombstone read in Hera’s handwriting. Beneath the rough surface, her body was made of paper, letters from Hera and monthaversary bouqets carefully assembling her form. What a waste. All that effort, turned cold on her pale lips, warm undertones growing cold and blue. Why did it never work for them? Why did every path she took in that maze lead to a dead end? Ane didn’t exist anymore, and who knew what happened to Dai, disappearing like a ghost. The same happened with AJ, and any person before. They were never enough, never loved in return. All those years it took to open their heart, and just months for it to harden, cracked from any angle. What was it that they did wrong? Were they not attractive, too crazy, too broken? How can you rip someone in half and then call them too broken?
They were supposed to grow old together, and go back into the earth holding hands. A second vacancy lay across the ground, dirt piled up next to it. They dug two graves, but only one was needed. If you find yourself sinking, even if it’s six feet deep, get up. That’s what Hera would tell you. Who does life think it is to put you down? No one’s gonna help you if they see the white flag. If anyone’s gonna give a f^ck, it better be you. Because sometimes, you drown and the lifeguard is right there. Make them notice you.
Hera let go of the shovel, and it thudded softly on the earth. She strutted away with a smirk, looking in front of her with black eyes soaked in desire. Ariana put her hands on their shoulders, pulling herself real close. She wore a little red dress, and Hera’s jacket to stay warm. It looked much better on her curves. So pretty. They took the cigarette from her hand, taking a blow and grabbing her by the waist as they blew the smoke into her mouth. Her touch made nicotine feel like ecstasy, and they heard her pick up her heel, slightly swinging her leg back to enjoy their rough kiss even more. All Hera had been looking for, right there in front of them. Just like she was the whole time. Cherry waves became an ocean, encompassing the two in a storm of red.
Unfortunately, that picture in her head was only real where their mind dared to linger. They still had a couple things to figure out, including the fact that she was still a b^tch. Ari had snuck out to her locker during the school day, and she seemed approachable to Hera cutting class as usual. The person walked over to where she stood, and leaned their side against the array of compartments against the wall. “You apologized to Persephone.” They said, informing her that they knew. No one owed each other this conversation, but they wanted to hear the story from the girl herself.
