“Okay, I never thought I’d say this… But after wearing that stupid jumpsuit for nearly two freaking years, jeans just feel… weird.” Katie laughed softly, glancing down at her outfit as she spoke. “Way too stiff!”

Harper smiled “I’m sure you’ll get used to it.” She assured her friend, trying her best to hide her sadness.

Though she’d always known this day would come, seeing Katie go was not going to be easy. Harper’s heart already sank at the thought of saying goodbye to her friend. They’d seen each other every single day for the past year… It would be so strange living without her now.

“What time is your cousin supposed to pick you up?” Harper asked, forcing a smile.

Katie shook her head. “He isn’t. He works til six.” She explained. “But I’m supposed to be at the bus station in like half an hour.” She explained. “I left my bag out front. The shuttle should be picking me up pretty soon… They’re supposed to come let me know when it’s here.”

“The bus? Ugh!” Harper replied sympathetically. “That’s so lame.”

Her friend shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. “I should probably start getting used to it… They’re still not giving me my license back yet. One of my parole conditions for a while.” Katie rolled her eyes as she took a seat beside Harper on the bed.

Harper shook her head. “Jesus, that’s gonna suck ass.”

“Yeah, tell me about it… But hey, small price to pay to finally get the hell outta this place.” Katie laughed. “No offense.”

“None taken.” She assured her with a smile.

“And hey, you’ll be up for parole too pretty soon too, won’t you?” Katie asked.

Harper shrugged. “In like five or six months, yeah. I think I can submit my application in a few weeks.”

“Well then, I’ll be sure to save you a seat on the bus, deaf girl.” She teased. “You’ll be out of here in no time.”

Harper just shrugged. Six months didn’t feel like ‘no time’. And there wasn’t a guarantee that her parole would get approved anyway. It wasn’t worth getting her hopes up, was it? She did her best to chase the thoughts from her mind. There was no sense in worrying about it now.

“Um, so… Katie?” She asked softly, breaking the sudden silence that had fallen between them. This would likely be her last time speaking privately with Katie for a long time. She had to make sure to at least get a proper goodbye in while she had the chance. “Since you’re leaving basically any minute now, I, uh… I just wanted to make sure I told you how much I, um…” She began awkwardly, her voice trailing off a bit. “I mean, I just really appreciate, uh… Shit. I suck at this.” Harper couldn’t help but laugh.

Katie quickly joined in her laughter. “Oh no, you’re not trying to get all sappy on me, are you?” She teased.

Harper rolled her eyes, but smiled. “Fine, I’ll cut to the chase, I guess. What I’m trying to say is thank you.” She said seriously, relieved to have finally gotten the words out. “You’ve been such a great friend. I’m not sure I could’ve made it through this past year without you.”

The other girl smiled warmly at her. “I’m sure you would’ve managed somehow… But you’re welcome. And for the record, you’re not such a bad friend yourself, deaf girl.”

Katie hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward, pulling Harper into a tight hug.

Harper swallowed hard against the sudden lump in the back of her throat as she pulled away from her. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine herself growing so attached to the girl who used to make her life a living hell.

“So, what are your plans for when you get out of here?” She asked. “Besides staying with your cousin.”

Katie shrugged. “Going back to school, I guess. I’m not even sure what for yet… But I’m signed up for a couple general classes next semester. Hoping my credits from a couple years ago will still count for something too.” She paused for a moment. “Damn though… this isn’t gonna be easy. Even if I graduate, not a lot of career options out there for a convicted criminal.”

Harper’s heart sank. It all felt so unfair. In her grief, Katie had made a stupid decision, sure. But it was just one careless mistake, and now it would cost her so much… Katie had once revealed that she’d been going to Uni in the hopes of one day becoming a Math teacher. It was a dream that could never come true now.

Harper couldn’t help but wonder what kind of dreams were even still left for someone like the two of them. The thought just made her even more upset. She chased it away as best as she could.

“I really hope you figure something out… But actually, I’m sure you will.” Harper tried her best to sound positive. “You’re gonna do great out there. You’ll be okay.”

Katie laughed. “That’s a total load of bullshit and you know it… But thanks anyway.”

For a moment, Harper considered arguing. But what would be the point? “So you promise you’ll come visit sometime?” She asked, changing the subject. “If you’re allowed to, I mean.” Harper wasn’t quite sure what the prison’s policy might be. “Or even just call, at least? Give us the scoop about life on the outside?” She teased.

“I’ll keep you updated.” Katie smiled. “I don’t want you worrying about me, deaf girl… But, uh, I can’t lie. I might be worrying a little about you.” She confessed.

Harper raised an eyebrow. Why should Katie be worried about her?

Katie almost seemed to have heard Harper’s unspoken question. “Look, I swear I’m not usually one for like… meddling in anybody’s personal business… But whatever’s going on with you and Ivy, you’ve gotta do something about it, deaf girl. Before it drives you both crazy.”

Harper felt her stomach turn unpleasantly. “I… I don’t know what you’re –”

“I’m not blind, Harper. Or dumb.” Katie shook her head. “Everyone knows you two are crazy about each other. And I know all this stuff with Erik and his new girlfriend totally sucks. But… I dunno. Maybe this is a sign that it’s finally time for you to move on too?”

Her cheeks grew warm at Katie’s words. What the hell was she supposed to say to that? Was there even any point in trying to deny it? Still though… she doesn’t get how hard this is!

At last, she shook her head. “You always make everything sound so easy… But trust me. This isn’t. Not by a longshot.”

“What are you so afraid of though?” The other girl asked. “I mean, I’ve seen the way she looks at you, Harper. She isn’t gonna say no, if that’s what you’re worried about!”

Harper shook her head once more. “It’s not that. It’s… a lot of other dumb shit.” For a moment, her brow furrowed in irritation. “Look, can we just not talk about this right now? Let’s not ruin the moment.” She tried to smile.

“I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.” Katie admitted. “It’s your choice. And I get that it probably isn’t easy. I just really want you guys to be happy, y’know? Maybe it’s time to start living a little, deaf girl.” Her lip curled slightly as she spoke. “That’s all.”

Before Harper even had a chance to reply, they were interrupted by the sound of a soft knocking and the gentle creaking of the opening door.

“Katie?” The guard asked kindly. “The shuttle’s here for you.”

Harper’s heart sank. Don’t go, she wanted to say, their previous conversation all but forgotten. Don’t leave me. But it was no use. Her friend had earned her freedom. It was time for her to move on, just like everyone else in Harper’s life seemed to do.

“I’ll see you around, I guess.” Harper gave Katie a small smile as she spoke. “Good luck out there, Katie.”

“Thanks, you too… And promise you won’t forget what I said?”

Harper simply nodded. What else could she do?

“Good.” Katie’s lips stretched into a smile. “Take care of yourself, deaf girl.”

—————————————————

We have not seen the last of Katie in this story, but I will say that we will not be seeing her nearly as often as we used to 😦 So I’d like to take a second to give a huge shoutout to xbecky685x, who created Katie for my Gen 6 casting call.

I’d always planned for Harper to get picked on at school, but her bully wasn’t ever supposed to be any kind of significant character. But the moment I looked at Katie, I just knew this girl had a story, and that she would become a significant person in Harper’s life. So thank you so much to Becky for creating this wonderful sim! ❤