I closed my eyes, trying to repress all the selfishness inside me. “Mom, if you only dedicate your life to working and being a mom, you’re not living anymore. You’re surviving. And that’s not fair. You don’t deserve that. All I ask is that it’s not with Jordan.”
I sat next to her. “You like him, don’t you?”
She nodded.
“I don’t want you to feel bad because of me. The point isn’t that you go out with someone, but the fact that it’s him. I don’t like it, Mom. I know how his son is, and I don’t think he could be much better.”
“How’s it going with Jasper?” She changed the subject.
“Good. I like tutoring him. He’s a bit stubborn, but he’s really smart.”
“I’m happy. I knew you’d be able to get him on the right track.”
“I didn’t see him yesterday because he was at his therapist’s. I think he goes twice a week,” I muttered, nervously scratching my index finger on the tear in my jeans.
“Was Jordan there?”
“No, only James was home.” My eyes went wide, but it was too late now.
“Ah. But you were out for two hours.”
Her inquisitive gaze met mine, and I already knew she was about to give me the third degree. I had to nip it in the bud before she pounced all over me.
“June, that guy really has way too many issues.”
“Yeah, I know. Look, just promise you won’t make out with Jordan anymore.” I made air quotes.
“Certainly, June. If there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that you wouldn’t make out with his son. Now go study.”
She mimicked my air quotes then went back to rinsing her brushes, confusing me even more.
William:June, I have to talk to you
I was indifferent to William’s text. As a matter of fact, I was getting a bit hungry. After talking with my mom, I went in the kitchen for some milk and cookies. It was five p.m., what better time than now? I’d spent Friday night in that awful place full of shady people, Saturday afternoon I was at James’s, and we all know how that went, and today, my life became boring again. Homework, Netflix, and food. Maybe it was better like this.
My phone vibrated. I didn’t look at it. If I did, I’d give in to the temptation of answering, so I waited for it to stop.
A call from William. I ignored it.
How was I supposed to react? Didn’t he have anything better to do than call me?June, I shouldn’t have said that stuff to you yesterday. I tried everything to stay away from you when all I really wanna do is talk to you. For real this time.
I wanted to pretend I didn’t care and that dipping my chocolate chip cookies into the milk was more important, but my instinct got the best of me.
I went to his Instagram.
I didn’t want it to show that I looked at his stories, but I was so curious. I noticed a post from two hours ago.
How did it occur to them to post a photo like that?
It was a mirror selfie of a shirtless Will and James, fighting for my attention. My eyes darted from left to right without knowing who to stop and look at more. I didn’t even examine the caption about training and working hard.
I put both hands on my face, rubbing it nervously. I was treading in very, very dangerous waters.
June:I don’t think there’s anything to say, Will
I sent it quickly.
His answer came just as quick.
