Urban Threads

Note: this story contains verbal abuse...

Stella: Hey Lake, I’m at the mall. 👜

Lake: cool. could ya get a couple t-shirts and socks for the girls? They’ve outgrown all of theirs. Tx Stel. You’re awesome. Xx 😎 ps. Sizes 6 & 8.

Stella: 👍

Stella: Got em. Close call. they checked my bag coming out of the dept store. Good thing Tammy sewed the secret section into the bottom. It holds a ton. Phew. 😬

Mum: Hi Stella, we haven’t heard from you in a while. Will we be seeing you over the holidays? You can take the train from Manhattan. We’ll pick you up at the station.

Brett: I need to talk to you right now Stella. My sister told me what you did. You don’t think a father has any rights?! You should have talked to me first! Where are you?

Lake: Maxie’s sick again Stel. Not sure if we should risk taking them to the hospital. Can you get painkillers too? something for stomach bug?

Stella: maybe try the clinic, no ID needed? Going to the pharmacy now. Back shortly.

Welfare Department: Dear Ms. Green, Please call the office immediately. You were NOT in attendance at your scheduled Benefits Review meeting on June 9th at 2:30PM. Please complete job search form 2B by EOB, June 16th. Reply Yes to confirm receipt.

Stella: YES

Stevie: Hi sweets. Whatchya up to? You wanna come by for pizza and beers tonight? Monique said she saw you at the mall this morning in black mini skirt and fishnet stockings. Woohoo! 🥳I’m off to the gym. 🏋️💪😁 ps. You can wear that tonight if you like wink wink 😉😜

Stella: Hey Lake, I’m on the subway now, heading back to the park.

Brett: Stella you slut, you’ve made a big mistake. You should have asked what I wanted. You bring nothing but shit into my life. I don’t know what i ever saw in you. Shoulda known better than be with a c$%# like you. Youse all the same. Privileged. Fucked up. Entitled. Think you're better than the rest of us. F$%# off Stel.

Stella: I’m here Lake, but camp’s gone. Where did everybody move to? Should I be worried? 😟

Lake: Stel, I’ve taken Maxie to the walk-in clinic. They were burning up with fever. Try Paulie?

Stella: Paulie, can’t find the camp. Where is everybody??

Paulie: We left in a hurry. Park security. You remember the area where we were last year at Christmas? We’re just beyond that.

Stella: I thought they fenced that off.

Paulie: Apparently not yet. Cya soon.

Stella: On my way. Got the goods. Put the kettle on, my hands and feet are cold.

Brett: I’m sorry i ever met you. You f’#%$ slut. You’re probs off iwth that sleezy steviebeing lezzos together. Call me for fuck’s sake. Don’t know whereu are.

Stella: Look Brett, this is exactly why I did what I did. 🙏

Mum: Stella, can you let us know if you are coming for \ Thanksgiving dinner? I need to know how many to cook for. Hope you can come! X

Stella: Mum, i’ll decide last minute. I’m sure you can manage the numbers. [message deleted]

Lake: Stel, Maxie is gonna come back to camp with me. It’s an infection. Clinic gave us antibiotics. Any chance you could search out a good heavy sweater or blankets? Doc said the cold is killing them. 🥶

Stella: Yep sure, I’ll head out now. Hugs.

Lake:👍🤩

Welfare Department: Due to your absence at the Benefits review assessment meeting on June 9th, your fortnightly welfare payment has been cancelled. To reinstate your benefits please attend the next meeting on June 23rd at 1PM. To contest this decision please click here.

Stella: Yikes Lake, I messed up. Salvation Army was all out. I hit the camping shop instead. Bad idea. Security all over me. A big uniform dude grabbed my arm. I managed to pull away. Must be on cctv. might have to lay low. At least I got several blankets and sweaters.

Lake: Dang Stel, yes, no more playing Robin Hood for a bit eh? you rock total legend you.

Stella: shucks. 😳 back at ya. 😍

Mum: Your father and I are really hoping you can join us for Thanksgiving Stella. Peter will be here too. We’re going to bring Nan over from the home. It will be all of us. Except of course Judy. 3 years without her now. Feels like yesterday. You must miss your sister. Dr Judy. anyway, hope you can come.

Lake: woohoo. thanks for all the clothes Stel. Sorry I missed ya. You make a great thief! 😁All us peeps are grateful.🙏 Little Tom loves the yoyo. Jerry is supa stoked to have a jacket. Hope you found your hoodie and sweatpants waiting for you. I washed them! Lol 🎶😃

Stella: sooooo good to be wearing my clothes again. And clean! Thx L. ☺️ doing a food run now. at the bins, then handing it out at usual places. Wanna come? Get’s a bit lonely out here. 🥹

Lake: you never stop! I’m beat Stel or I would. Wanna stay close to Maxie in case their fever goes up again. Tx for blankets.

Peter: Mum says you’re not answering your phone. Are you okay? You coming to Thanksgiving.

Stella: hi Pete. not coming. Too hard. Will text mum later. She’s so persistent argh.

Pete: I get it. Say hi to Stevie for me. Ttyl.

Stella: Hey Lake and Paulie, u dudes okay without me tonight? I might go to Stevie’s for a bit. needing some special TLC.

Paulie: Sure Stel, we’ll be fine. Everybody’s nice and warm w/blankets and🔥fire. No cops around. cya tomorrow?

Lake: oh la la, a little bit of lovin’. Lucky you GF. Go for it!!! Ps. Maxie is sleeping, seems a bit better. Luv ya Stel 💕👩‍❤️‍👩🌈 nite nite.

Stella: awesome. I’ll bring donuts in the AM. 🍩

Mum: Hope you’re not out on the streets again Stella. Can you reply please?

Brett: Babykiller! That’s what you are. You think you’re so caring, miss goodie 2 shoes. you’re more messed up than all of us. You’re a murderer. You know that?! Grow up. I’m going to make you pay for this.

Stella: Brett, just letting you know I’m blocking you. Now.

Stella: Mum, I won’t be there this year. I’m not feeling up for it. Going to spend it with friends. Yes, I miss Judy always. Dr or not. Hope you have fun.

Stella: Stevie, sorry I didn’t reply earlier. Been flat out. pizza and beers still good? And cuddles. Been a big day. Love ya. 🥰

Stevie: Fabulous!!!! See you soon. I’ll order the usual. Mr. Bo can’t wait to see you too! 🐶😍

Stella: might have to sneak in the back door. omw 💜🐾🐒