VOICEOVER
Once a semester, the universe conspires to remind you that your enemies are also human. They cry. They laugh. They have mothers who embarrass them and secrets they'd die to protect. And for one night, you forget why you hated them in the first place. That's the danger of peace. It makes you vulnerable. It makes you forget that the knife is still in the drawer.
THE APARTMENT – 8:00 PM
It was Nelly's idea.
She'd rented the space; a small apartment off-campus that belonged to her aunt. Cozy couches. String lights. A fridge full of drinks and a table full of snacks. She'd invited everyone. Vicky's squad. Her squad. A peace treaty, signed in wine coolers and cheap chin chin.
Vicky arrived first, with Zuru and Zizi. Ese came alone, as always, a book tucked under her arm.
Nelly greeted them at the door. "No fighting tonight. Deal?"
"Deal," Vicky said.
They hugged. It was awkward. It was a start.
Kelly came next, then Rose. Mandy arrived last, looking nervous. She scanned the room, found Vicky, and nodded. Vicky nodded back.
No words. No daggers. Just two women who had agreed to try.
Zuru was already on the couch, pouring herself a drink. "Okay, bitches. Let's get this over with."
Zizi sat beside her. "You're so romantic."
"I'm honest. There's a difference."
Rose laughed. A real laugh. It surprised everyone.
THE GAMES – 9:00 PM
Someone found a deck of cards. Someone else found a bottle of something strong. The room warmed up.
"Truth or dare?" Kelly asked.
"That's how wars start," Zuru said.
"Then let's start a war."
They played. It was stupid. It was fun.
Zuru had to admit she'd once cried during a commercial about a puppy. She denied it. No one believed her.
Kelly had to show everyone her search history. It was mostly recipes and conspiracy theories. "I'm boring," she said. "I know."
Rose had to kiss Zizi on the cheek. She did. Zizi didn't flinch.
"Your lips are soft," Zizi said.
"Don't tell anyone."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
Mandy had to share her biggest fear. She thought for a moment. "Being ordinary," she said.
Vicky looked at her. "That's not a fear. That's a motivation."
"Same thing."
Nelly had to call her ex-boyfriend. He didn't pick up. "Good," she said. "He was an asshole anyway."
Ese was asked a question. She answered in one word. No one pushed.
Vicky had to reveal her body count. She said "two." Zuru snorted. "Liar."
"You don't know my life."
"I know you."
They laughed. The tension was gone.
THE TALK – 10:30 PM
They were all slightly drunk now. The conversations had shifted from games to something deeper.
"I never told anyone this," Nelly said, staring at her cup. "But my dad left when I was twelve. Just... walked out. Didn't say goodbye. I've been terrified of being left ever since."
Kelly put an arm around her. "He was an idiot."
"He was."
"That's why I stay with Oliver," Nelly continued. "Even when he's awful. Because leaving feels like dying."
Vicky reached across the table. Touched her hand. "I get it."
"Do you?"
"My mom... she's not around. She chose work over me. Every day I wake up scared that Aaron will do the same."
Mandy was quiet. She was thinking about Jon. About the way he looked at her with those sad, trusting eyes.
"My parents are church people," Rose said. "Heavy church people. They don't know I'm gay. They don't know anything about me. If they found out..." She shook her head. "I'd rather die."
Zuru leaned forward. "Then don't tell them. Not yet. Protect yourself first."
Rose looked at her. "You're nicer than you pretend to be."
"I'm not nice. I'm practical."
"That's the same thing."
"No, it's not."
They smiled at each other. Something shifted between them.
Zizi was quiet. She was watching Ese. Ese was watching the table.
"What about you, Ese?" Zizi asked. "What's your story?"
Ese looked up. "I don't have one."
"Everyone has one."
"Then mine is boring."
"You're not boring."
Ese held her gaze. "You don't know me."
"I want to."
The room went quiet. Ese looked away.
"Maybe another time," she said.
Zizi nodded. She didn't push.
THE BONDING – 11:30 PM
They were all on the floor now, cushions scattered, drinks half-empty. Someone had put on music; old school Burna Boy. Zuru was singing along, badly. Kelly was harmonizing, even worse.
Vicky leaned her head on Mandy's shoulder. Mandy let her.
"You know," Vicky said, "I thought I hated you."
"I know."
"But you're not terrible."
"High praise."
"I'm trying."
Mandy smiled. "So am I."
They sat like that for a while. Two women who should have been enemies, sharing warmth.
The song changed. Something slow. Something sweet.
Zizi was looking at her phone. Then she looked up. Her face was calm. Too calm.
"Oh, Mandy," she said.
Mandy turned. "Yeah, what's up?"
Zizi held her gaze. Her voice was soft. Casual. Like she was asking about the weather.
"How long have you been fucking Arie?"
The room went silent.
The music played on.
And the next song began.
"E don cast... last last... na everybody go chop breakfast..."