What's Wrong With Us?

T Is For Trauma

“Just saying...” Arch rolled his eyes before grabbing her wrist and pulling her to join the others. Macky sighed, her mind racing with the implications of Arch’s words as she tried to muster the courage to confess her feelings.

★

They trudged through the forest path toward their campus, choosing a secluded route to avoid the prying eyes and gossip of other students, especially since Celest and Kief were popular among their peers. As they arrived beneath the towering acacia tree, Ria, Kief, Ox, and Macky immediately lay down on the grassy forest floor without a blanket, prompting Arch and Celest to recoil in disgust.

“Girl, someone did who-knows-what on this grass, and now you’re lying on it,” Arch said with sass and disgust, pretending to gag.

“Your germophobia always kills the mood, Archie,” Macky groaned, rolling her eyes. “Just grab the picnic blanket from my bag and lay it down.”

Arch groaned but complied. Kief stood up to assist him, and together they awkwardly arranged the food and drinks on the picnic cloth. Celest observed their efforts with a mix of curiosity and indecision, debating whether to help or simply watch. Ultimately, she decided to stay out of it, quietly taking her place on the picnic cloth once Kief and Arch had finished.

As soon as she settled, the others joined her, their hunger apparent as they eagerly reached for the food. Laughter filled the air as they playfully competed for the best bites, their enjoyment evident as they devoured the spread.

“Who’s your favorite Disney princess and prince, guys?” Ria asked with her mouth full of chicken and eggs, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. After swallowing, she added, “Mine is Tiana and Naveen.”

“Moana and Naveen, probably,” Ox replied between chews, their face smeared with bits of food.

“Merida and Shang,” Macky said, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she chewed thoughtfully.

“Definitely Belle and Aladdin,” Arch chimed in, his tone polite as he continued eating.

“Rapunzel and Rider, they’re just perfect for each other!” Kief exclaimed, his excitement evident.

“Rapunzel and Flynn, too!” Celest added, setting her plate aside and playfully shaking Kief while giggling. “How about the best advice you guys ever received?” she asked eagerly.

Kief, hiding his face from the others, especially Arch, who smiled at his shyness, took a sip of his protein shake.

“Mine was from my aunt,” Celest said, her voice softening. “She said you can appreciate someone else’s beauty without questioning your own.” She returned to her food, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“My best friend Mike said, ‘Just do it already and stop wasting time. We’re on the clock here,’” Kief chimed in, taking a hearty gulp of his drink.

“Don’t let doubts hold you back. Always remember, the world fears your abilities. Keep pushing forward with confidence,” Ox shared, quoting advice from their uncle.

“My older sister told me not to spend another year doing the same shit,” Ria said, taking a sip of her soda with a half-smile.