“Yeah, of course not, it’s not like he wrote his phone number on your receipt or anything,” I retort.
“He probably just has a gothic kink,” she says with a wink.
“Because you know all about kinks, right?” I scream-laugh at her.
“I do! Do you?” Van says, laughing.
“Mmm, I have a broad idea. Let’s just say that my romance books are very educational.”
“Lyna! You sneaky little slut! You have to let me borrow one.”
“Sure, just check the triggers first.”
“Triggers!” she screams. “You’re a naughty girl, you know that?”
I wink at her. “A girl has needs, what can I say? Anyway, I didn’t hear you say youweren’tinterested.”
“Mmm, true. I’ll keep you posted, but only after you tell me all about your date with Victor,” Van says, poking her tongue out at me.
We keep giggling and chatting until we suddenly realize it’s already 6 p.m. Both agreeing, it’s time for me to head home and get ready for my date.
For once, I’m genuinely excited about having a night that feels almost normal. Considering how far my life has strayed from anything resembling ordinary, from your mother and brother dying in a fire to repressed trauma that causes you amnesia, panic attacks, and to always be the new girl.
This is a welcome change.
4
Avilyna
9 PM
Arriving home,I rush straight for the shower, the weight of the day still hanging heavy on my shoulders. As I pass through the garage, I notice Dad’s truck isn’t parked, though that’s hardly unusual.
I quickly texted him to let him know I’m home, just in case the school tried to reach him today. After my shower, I take my time moisturizing my skin that feels drier than the Sahara, and honestly, that’s not a cute look. I’m halfway through slathering on lotion when my phone buzzes—Aaron. I answer, angling the phone to the ceiling, killing the vibration that was only adding to my nerves.
“Hi! I can’t see you!”
“Calm your tits, I just got out of the shower.” Hurrying to get dressed, Aaron keeps talking to the drywall.
“Sorry, sorry! I’m just excited for you!”
“You mean you’re living vicariously through me.”
“You know me so well.” I can practically hear him grinning. “Okay, show me the outfit!”
Vanessa had already given her fashion verdict: black denim mini skirt, mesh tights, and my black Dr. Martens. I paired it with a dark grey turtleneck, letting my natural curls fall loose foronce. My makeup is minimal: some mascara, a flick of eyeliner, a touch of blush, and tinted lip balm. I hate foundation; it erases my freckles and makes me look like someone I am not.
Aaron gasps dramatically.
“Damn, girl! You look hot asfuck! You’re so lucky, those curves make that outfit look like it was made for you.” I’m about to sass him back when the passenger door next to him opens, and Daniel climbs in.
“Hi, Dan!”
“Hey, Lyna. Wow, looking good.” He smirks. “I hear you’ve got adate.”
“At this rate, the whole world will know.”
“Sorry,” Aaron chimes in, shrugging, “but you can’t expect me to keep secrets from my boyfriend.” Dan throws an arm around him and plants a kiss on his temple.
