When my computer accepts it, I turn my attention back to my phone and nearly choke on my tongue. Oh no.
Oh no!
Oh no, no, no, no, no.
My stomach churns and my mouth goes dry. Everything inside me quivers as my head spins. How did I accidentally hit send? The text went through! I’m staring at a chat that now has something in it.Mytext. To Hugo Bladen. My chest tightens and my breathing becomes shallow.
How do I take it back?
I’m shocked when I receive a text back.
Hugo
Hey!
I stare, unsure what to do. He responded? Ohmigod, he responded! I chew my lip for a minute as I determine where I’m supposed to go from here. I’m nearly to the point where I performan internet search for ‘how do I follow up ‘hey’ from a boy I’m in love with?’. Too far, right?
Another text from him makes me jump. Chills race down my body.
Hugo
What’s up?
Fuck. Me. Are we having a conversation?
Not if I don’t respond.
Chewing the inside of my lip, I take a deep breath and remind myself that this is just like when I’m in my game. No different. I’m behind a screen. I can just be me without anyone looking at me.
After another deep inhale, I open my eyes and look at my phone.
Me
Playing a game online. Wbu?
Do people still use wbu? Ugh. I’m lame, aren’t I?
Hugo
Not a thing.
I nearly ask him about the girl he left with, but I think that might be far too creepy. Before I’m tasked with how to make this conversation continue, I receive another message. I must be exhausting to have a conversation with since the other person has to carry it.
Hugo
What game are you playing?
That’s an easy question, at least.
Me
Creature Community
Of course, once I tell him, I feel really lame.
Hugo
Yeah? Is it any good?
