Page 43 of I Wish You All the Best

I don’t add that I’m currently digesting more cool-ranch dust than anyone probably should.

Nathan: So what’re you wearing ;)

I swallow all wrong, and it’s almost like I’ve been swallowing knives instead of a handful of Doritos.

Nathan: jk jk, kiddinggggg!!!

He sends this last one a few seconds later. I wonder if he can tell that he almost gave me a heart attack.

Me: don’t do that. Please.

Nathan: Okay, I promise. Pinky promise even.

Me: Sorry… Pinky promise.

Nathan: It’s my fault, my fingers are as bad as my mouth lol

Nathan: I just realized what that sounded like. Again, my bad.

I type a quick “lol,” even though I don’t feel like laughing.

It’s not even that what he’s saying is gross or anything. I don’t hate the idea of kissing someone, or even having sex with them. But there are just things about my body … things I’m still not quite over. It’s hard to describe.

Nathan: Still there?

Me: Yeah sorry, got distracted.

Nathan: It’s cool lol, I know the feeling.

Me: Yeah. So what are you up to?

Nathan: Trying to study, at least a little before next week.

Me: I should probably do that too…

I have a Calc and an English test, plus an essay on Chaucer and a lab to get ready for in Chemistry. All in one week. It’s like Thomas, Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Kurtz got together to see what would lead to the quickest emotional breakdown from me. Joke’s on them, because I already know it won’t take much.

Nathan: At least you’ve really only got 3 classes, I’d kill for Art again.

Me: True, I guess.

Art’s no walk in the park, but it’s definitely easier compared to some other classes.

Me: Hey will your parents be there tomorrow?

Probably the most awkward way to ask that question, but I want to be prepared. For what, I’m not sure.

Nathan: Nah, they’re going to see my cousin at a science fair, apparently it’s an all-day kind of thing.

Me: Oh

Nathan: Why? You want to meet them?

Me: Oh no.

Shit. I might as well just actually put my foot in my mouth. It would be easier than this.

Me: Sorry, I meant …