Rory Power

Wilder Girls

Natalie Baye

Riley 🫶

To my mother, and to me, and to the versions of us who never thought we would arrive here together

She's never liked us much, not since she complained that there were no boys on the island, and Reese gave her the blankest look I've ever seen and said, “Plenty of girls, though."

"Get some sleep. I'l be right here." And I did what I did, and I saw what I saw, but Byatt is here, and I fall asleep like it's the easiest thing in the world.

"I’ll save you some food," Byatt calls. “Whether you like it or not." I wave over my shoulder. "Thanks, Mom."

"Are you sure?" She tries for a smile. "Because you look terrible. Like, that's a Beth in Little Women face." "Oh no," I say flatly. "Do you think I might be sick?" "At Raxter?" She raises her eyebrows, face stamped with fake surprise. "Never."

"No, thanks," Reese says. "I think we'll keep them." She looks at me, and my heart feels too big for my chest. So this is what it's like to have Reese go to bat for you. 

And in the meantime she's lucky to have you looking for her" It runs through me like a current. "Looking for her?" Like she's missing, like she's gone, and I heard Headmistress right, I know I did.

Our laughter alls away as the curve of her body fits to mine. She's still smiling when she kisses me. So am I.

Wilder Girls quotes

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