Come Clean

Tammy sat for 15 minutes, thinking all sorts of plans, but none of them were possible. In the end, she decided to come clean to Alice, and hope her former friend would help her past this predicament. She cringed as she headed back to the door.

“Alice?” Tammy said, her voice wavering a little.

“Yeah? You finally dressed? I could use some air conditioning.” Alice responded, panting between her words.

“About that, I can’t get dressed.” said Tammy, cringing as she said it.

“What do you mean? Just throw on a shirt, and some pants. It doesn’t have to look pretty, it’s just you and me.” Alice asked, confused slightly.

“I mean I actually can’t get dressed. My door’s locked.”

“Why’s is it locked? Can’t you just let me in while we talk about this? It’s way too hot out here.”

“I can’t let you in, I’m not dressed. Like I said.”

“Look Tammy. We’ve had plenty of sleepovers together. We’ve seen each other in our PJs, not wearing make-up, and changing pants. I promise there’s nothing you’re wearing right now that’s more embarrassing than what I’ve already seen.”

“Oh I’m pretty sure there is.” Tammy said, sarcasm and some frustration mixing into the statement.

“What are you wearing?” said Alice, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

“...”

“Tammy? What are you wearing?”

“...I’m not wearing anything.”

“What? You mean you aren’t wearing anything at all?? Not even some panties, or a bra? No towel??”

“No.” said Tammy, her face reddening from her friend’s shock.

An awkward pause ensued, Tammy too embarrassed to say anything, and Alice processing the information.

“Why?” Was all Alice said, and all she needed to say. Tammy recalled that night with her parents, telling her what her mom had said, then told Alice what happened last night, how when she got out of the shower, her clothes, and towel were gone. Tammy explained how after surveying the whole house, she wasn’t able to find a single sheet, cloth, towel, large pillow, or any form of cover at all. She told her how she woke up this morning, thinking maybe she could do it, but didn’t take into account her mom would send visitors to check on her.

Alice stayed quiet the whole time, and although Tammy couldn’t see it, she was nodding and listening to every detail. At the end of Tammy’s long recounting of events, there followed a long, unending silence. Tammy simply leaned against the door, her nude figure braced against the door frame, while Alice put her back on the door, and processed all this new, confusing information.