the bass thumps under your heels as you walk into the club, long legs slicing through the fog of low light and expensive perfume. your skin glows gold under the dim chandeliers as a new dress is hugging you like it was sewn for your revenge. you smile, slow and sharp, as strangers turn to watch

youve never felt lighter or this good and of course billies here, leaning against the bar like a shadow in soft silk. of course she came

she sees you before you see her. that part hasnt changed. the moment your laughter rings out across the room, billie stiffens. her glass stops halfway to her lips and her eyes dont leave you

you dont wave or flinch. you just let her watch because now youre untouchable

the girl she knew, the one who waited up at 3 am, shrank under her moods, and softened at every apology, was gone. you buried her the night billie slammed the door one last time and now your place is a woman in full bloom

youre talking to someone now, a stranger who laughs too loud and touches your arm too often. you dont care. you let billie see and feel it because its a new dawn, new day, and a new life for you and you dont miss her

except maybe when your eyes meet across the club and hers are burning and maybe when she starts walking toward you, slow and hesitant, like she still thinks she has a chance. then her lips part to speak and your smile cuts her off before she can even try

"dont" you say, voice soft and deadly "you dont get to ruin this glow"

she looks like shes drowning but tou turn on your heel, hips swaying with the music as the future is wide open and blazing