Just didn’t really have a connection with anyone. You know?
Me
I do.
Zayne
Dot?
It’s 3 a.m.
Me
I know. I’m sorry.
Zayne
It’s fine. I’m just wondering if you have any other questions?
Me
None that you can answer for me, unfortunately. I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Zayne
Zayne
Goodnight, Dot
Chapter Twelve
I skip school the next day.
It’s silly, I know. Immature, even, at best. But I do it anyway because it’s the only solution that makes me feel better when the problem of Carlton and Zayne comes to mind.
Carlton, because he’s suddenly started acting the way I’ve wanted him toall year. Like I belong with him and his friends, like I’ve somehow earned my way into his group, even though I haven’t.
Like he wants me to be his girlfriend. Trouble is, I’m not sure I want to be anymore. But if I’m not a part of Carlton’s group, where do I fit in? Without him, I’m not sure if I’d even have any friends at all.
Instead of drumming up an answer to that, I hide in my bed. Pulling the covers over my head, I scroll through social media, liking pictures and posts until my eyes burn. Beau already left for school, and Dad is at work for his TSA job. I texted Carlton, telling him I wasn’t feeling well, and he offered to bring me soup after school. I haven’t responded yet. Partly, because I’m worried turning him down will arouse suspicion, and also because soup does sound pretty good. It’s been a long time since I’ve had an appetizing, home-cooked meal, with Mom away andDad constantly working, and with the exception of Saturday brunch with Beau, we’ve been living off frozen meals, canned dinners, and Dad’s attempts at cooking.
I shut my eyes, numb to the voice in my head telling me I can’t just run away from my problems, and then my phone goes off. But it’s not just the typical notification sound.
It’s Little Birdie’s. My stomach clenches as soon as I hear it.
“Please don’t be about me,” I mumble, even though there’s no one else here. I bring my phone to my face, squinting against the brightness after having my eyes closed, and read.
Hello my darling flock!
I’ve returned with a juicy worm, or two, for you to snack on!
Most of you know Rue Sullivan as the quiet, shy, and sweet drama club girl who tends to mind her own business. Boring, I know. Until recently, I’ve hardly seen any potential in her when it comes to newsworthy gossip.
But, fledglings, I have discovered Rue’s biggest secret! The poor thing has an unrequited crush! Yes! I’ve heard her discussing it myself, with none other than Meredith Evans! Now the only mystery to solve is who Rue has been pining after. You know I’ll find out. And when I do, you will, too!
In other news, our favorite It Girl Bardot has been behaving these days. But a passerby so kindly shared the news with me that she was recently at Boston PublicGarden with none other than Zayne Silverman! The pair was huddled near the duck pond, with a blanket to keep them cozy. Who knows exactly what was exchanged between the pair? I would be obliged to any insiders willing to send me the play-by-play through my delightful app.
Until next time!
Yours Truly,
