Face It Read online

  ~

  My phone buzzes.

  It’s Alex.

  -Hey, you didn’t say bye.

  -Bye lol.

  My stomach twists as I send the message. That’s not what he meant. He’s going to know something’s up. I always say bye to him. Ugh, what a stupid move. Of course I would do that. Why am I so f——ing stupid?

  -R you ok?

  -Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?

  -Because you always tell me bye. Plus you didn’t look to good on your way out.

  -My stomach hurt is all.

  -Uh huh.

  Here it comes.

  Guilt.

  -No, really.

  -What aren’t you telling me, Sophia? And don’t say nothing.

  -But it’s really nothing. Just stomach ache.

  -Ik you better than that.

  He really does.

  -I’m fine. Don’t worry bout it.

  -Promise?

  -Promise.

  -On my life?

  No, I think to myself.

  Go ahead, lie.

  I take a shaky breath as my stomach twists a little more. I’m just trying to protect him from getting laughed at when he lectures everyone about Jesus, is all. There’s nothing wrong with that.

  But why do I feel so terrible?

  -On your life.

  -Ok. Good. I’ll be praying for you. Goodnight, sweet dreams. God Bless.

  -Night. You too.

  I set the phone facedown on my bed and run my hands over my face. A sound rose from my stomach that sounded like a whale. Is that what guilt sounds like? A flipping whale?

  Whale.

  I pick at my legs. They’re really muscly, but… they’re so… so flabby.

  I shake my head and pick the phone back up. I call up Charlie, my boyfriend.

  “Ello?” He slurs.

  I put my head on my hand.

  “Are you drunk?” I ask, almost disgusted.

  “Well, I wouldn’t say that,” He giggles hysterically. “I’m still perfectly—Oh! Sorry man, I didn’t see you there. Yeah, I know… hot right?”

  I clear my throat.

  “Babe! I forgot you were there,” He giggles. “Call me tomorrow. I’m really busy,” He slurs. “Bye.”

  The connection ends.

  I look at my clock.

  If I plan to have a party tomorrow night, I can’t look worn out and tired. I need sleep.

  Even if that means I have to face her again.

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