Finding Mayhem

by Layla Frost

“She doesn’t get it. She’s a total bitch.” “Everly,” I drawled, not bothering to suppress the sigh in my voice. To be fair, she didn’t, either. Except a dramatic eye roll accompanied her sigh. I could clearly see it despite my laggy computer screen. Actually, I was beginning to suspect I could clearly see it because it was a video call and not in-person. She’d never done anything like that before, but the online aspect seemed to make her feel more comfortable expressing herself. Albeit in a slightly disrespectful manner. Since I’d met with her a handful of times, and it was the first time she’d opened up, it was a win in my book. “Fine,” Everly said, flopping onto the pile of giant stuffed animals I kept in my office—or what used to be my office. “She seems like she doesn’t get it. And she acts like a total… witch.” Someone’s actions in a singular moment didn’t label them who they were. Or who they would always be. Someone could act like a bitch in heightened moments, but that didn’t make them a bitch. That said, Everly’s mom really was a total bitch. I didn’t say that, though.