Luna sank into a kitchen chair, relieved. Owen delivered a cup of coffee.
“So,” Owen said. “What’s the plan for today? I still think we can turn this trip around.”
Luna stayed with the Mann family for ten more days, bringing in the new year. Scarlet didn’t call again. There were no more late-night incidents with Vera and Tom. Griff showed Luna how to use a chain saw and let her cut down the Christmas tree from their backyard. No one was precious about the tree-trimming. Tom couldn’t find the box of ornaments. They used whatever was on hand. They strung jujubes instead of popcorn and hung a few key-chain flashlights, which Vera had purchased as stocking stuffers. It was the best Christmas Luna had had in years. Not that it had much competition.
* * *
—
Luna had grown so accustomed to being a guest in the Mann house that the drive back to campus filled her with dread. She thought for sure Owen would mention the letters on that drive. When he didn’t, she imagined it was possible to put the whole thing behind her. She also imagined that 2004 would be a Scarlet-free year. She was disabused of that notion within just a few days of returning to Markham. Scarlet showed up at Luna’s dorm with a white lily in lieu of an olive branch.
Luna tried to politely send Scarlet away. “It’s not a good time.”
“You have to let me apologize,” Scarlet said, gently shoving her way into the room and plopping down on the floor. “I’m sorry about mentioning the letters. I was drunk. Confused. He’s so hot and cold. It’s like whiplash. But why was he so angry? And what is this big secret?”
Luna was stunned that Scarlet had the nerve to ask about the letters. And was that even an apology?
“Have you heard the legal metaphor fruit of the poisonous tree?” Luna asked.
“Uh, I don’t know,” Scarlet said.
“I didn’t tell Owen about the letters. He went digging through my stuff and found them. That’s not cool. He shouldn’t have seen them in the first place. Because of that, I don’t think I need to tell you anything. And the fact that you asked is fucked up. Whatever is between you and Owen has nothing to do with me,” Luna said.
“You’re right. Sorry,” Scarlet said. “I won’t ask again.”
“Thanks,” Luna said.
“So, are we still friends?” Scarlet asked.
“Sure,” Luna said, defeated.
The response was purely one of self-preservation. Keep your enemies close, that kind of thing. Luna hoped she and Scarlet could manage a surface-friendly acquaintance deal. But then Scarlet just kept turning up like she’d always done before. And, like before, it felt easier—safer, really—to just let her in.
* * *
—
A week or so into the new semester, Owen and Casey were hanging out in Luna’s dorm when Scarlet showed up. Casey invited her in. When Scarlet saw Owen, she hesitated, thought about leaving, but decided to play it cool instead. She sat on the floor next to Casey and asked about her holiday. Scarlet nodded at Owen as if he was an afterthought. Owen understood why Luna was allowing Scarlet to remain in her orbit, but he would not do the same.
“Well, I’m going to get a slice. Later,” Owen said.
He moved fast. Luna locked the door after him.
“You see that?” Scarlet asked. “He won’t even look at me.”
Luna sighed very loudly, trying to convey how tired she was of the Scarlet-Owen conversation.
“Do you really like him that much?” Casey asked Scarlet.
“I did,” Scarlet said.
“Why?” Casey asked.
“We were good together.”
“When, exactly?” Casey pressed. “When he was drunk and you were in bed? I hate to break it to you, but they all seem in love for somewhere between three and five minutes.”
“Tell me what to do,” Scarlet said.
“Back off for a while. Maybe start seeing someone else,” Casey said.
“You’re right!” Scarlet said. “Genius. He’ll get jealous.”
“I think you should move on,” Luna said.
“You’re right,” Scarlet said. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
“Got any liquor in here? I need a drink,” Casey said.
Casey could sense the tension. She didn’t need a drink but thought it might help Luna.
Luna took a bottle of vodka from her mini-fridge and poured shots. The girls drank. Scarlet, who hated hard liquor, followed her drink with a chaser of nauseated sounds. Casey scowled. Luna rolled her eyes. Scarlet stretched out her legs and arms in a luxurious yawn and rested her back against Luna’s bed, as if she was planning to stay awhile. Luna’s anger roiled quietly.