Madeline yawns, huge and exaggerated. She sifts through her closet. When she looked out her window a few moments ago, she had noticed the trees were swaying just a bit heavier. The wind had picked up and it was time for an evening jacket.
She pulls out an old, worn, burgundy cardigan. It was one of her favorites, but as she begins to put it on she realizes it smells like cigarettes and Daphne, her old roommate turned lover turned enemy. A terrible combination.
She immediately pulls it off and tosses it into the corner of her room where a pile of her other clothes lived.
The next is a vintage light brown, corduroy blazer. This one smelled like Robin, her random hook-up at a random concert for a random band. She didn’t mind this smell, still, she looks in the mirror and notices it doesn’t go with her outfit. She pulls off this jacket as well.
Madeline goes on for a few more jackets, each one smelling like a different girl. She knew this was a quirk about herself. She couldn’t help but hold onto smells, and define each person and each moment by it.
Finally, Madeline settles on her oldest article of clothing, a very faded black hoodie. She throws it on and zips up, examining herself in the mirror. This jacket didn’t smell like anyone, yet.
As Madeline leaves her apartment she pulls out her cell phone and starts to dial. On the other end, Kai answers, groggy sounding.
“Are you still sleeping!?” Madeline almost shouts into the phone.
“No. Yes. Sorry. What time is it?” Kai responds, coughing to clear her throat.
“It’s almost 7. We’re going to be late for the concert. Are you ready? I’m heading over there right now?” Madeline pulls out her keys, searching for her car. She had a terrible memory and never remembered where she parked.
“Okay. I’ll be ready.” Kai says, no urgency in her voice at all.
“What the hell were you doing all day? I can’t believe you were still asl–”
“I had to go to that funeral early this morning.” Kai cuts off Madeline.
“Oh…” Madeline pauses in front of her car, keys in hand, she lets them dangle in front of her door. “Fuck. I forgot. I’m sorry. I’m such a bitch.”
“It’s okay. I’m going to jump in the shower, but I’ll be ready by the time you get here. See you soon.” Kai hangs up.
Madeline curses under her breath, getting into her car. “Stupid insensitive bitch, what the hell is wrong with me?! Damnit.” She starts her car up and peels away, heading towards Kai’s place.
