Amy was driving home from work when she saw Julie scurrying naked in the street.
“Julie?” she called out as she stepped out of the car.
In her mad rush, Julie couldn’t quite make out Amy, but the fear from realizing that someone had recognized her, combined with her less than optimal running stance (with her arms over her crotch and breasts) caused her to slip and tumble to the ground.
Amy ran towards her and reached out her hand. Julie grabbed it, and let Amy help her up before standing in front of her awkwardly, unsure if she should try to cover herself up again.
Amy took off the flannel shirt she was wearing and handed it to her. “Here, cover up some,” she said.
Julie grabbed it and put it on. The flannel was already oversized on Amy, and on Julie it was practically to her knees, which was a relief.
“What happened?” asked Amy. “What are you doing out here?”
“I was kind of streaking,” Julie admitted. “I usually do it in the woods. Only this time, somebody stole my clothes, so I had to run naked the rest of the way back.”
“Did you see who took them?” Amy asked.
“No,” she said. “And I don’t have any idea who it could be.”
“Well, my folks should be asleep by now. If you want, we can swing by my place and get you something to wear.”
“I’d like that,” said Julie.
“So between this and Rosie’s party,” Amy said as they walked to the car, “I guess the universe must really want me to see you naked.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry about that,” said Julie.
“It’s fine,” said Amy. “It’s not like I never hooked up at house parties. I’m sorry I freaked you out.”
The two of them got into the car.
“I guess I was a little freaked out myself,” Amy continued. “Maybe…because it was you.”
“I’m sorry?”
“I just mean…you used to come over all the time to play with Rosie when we were kids. And I guess that’s still how I saw you. As a kid.”
Julie shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She wished she was wearing underwear.
“But you’re not. You’re all grown up now.”
The two of them entered the house to find Beth descending the staircase clad in a dressing gown.
“Julie!” she exclaimed. “Heavens, what happened to you?”
“Mom, Julie’s had a rough night. She doesn’t want to get into it right now.”
“Can I get you anything? Water? Tea?”
“I’m fine, really,” said Julie.
“Fine?” asked Beth. “Out there? Dressed like that?” With her eyes, Amy pleaded with her mother not to pry further.
“It’s okay,” Julie said. “I’m really resilient to low temperatures.”
“Is that why you want to move to the northeast?” Amy asked her. “Put that theory to the test?”
“I can make you some hot chocolate,” Beth offered. “How does that sound?”
“That would be nice, thank you,” Julie replied, deciding it would be easier to accept Beth’s hospitality than try not to.
“Maybe you want to go take a shower or a bath or something,” suggested Amy, “and then… as sexy as you look in my flannel, I’m sure you’ll want something else to wear.”
“Well, it’s late,” Beth observed. “Why doesn’t she just sleep here?”
Julie ran through her options in her head. It was really late, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to risk waking up her parents. And besides, she thought, she was getting pretty sleepy. “If I’m not putting you out,” she said finally.
“Of course not,” Beth insisted.
“I’ll go find you some pajamas to wear,” said Amy.