E + A

happy

"She hasn't talked to you at all?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Really."
He tucked the hair behind his ears, their deep lavender eyes gazing at me with a lost look. I stared back.
"How long ago did that happen?" Carlos asked.
"Two days ago. She ignores me in class now."
They sighed quietly, looking down. He rubbed his face and looked back up.
"If I can help at all, let me know."
"I don't need you too."
"I know, but if you need someone to knock some sense into her, y'know," he cackled softly, making me smile and look farther down.
"Don't say that."
"I know," their smile faded slightly, "I made you laugh though."
"Shut up," I laughed, taking the pillow behind me and shoving it into him, making them giggle.
"You know I'm right," they teased, throwing the pillow back at me, adjusting his legs. "Did you finish the back?"
"Uhh," I stumbled, picking up the paper and turning it over, sighing and letting my head hang in disappointment.
"That's fine, Eric. I'll help you,' they started, scooting closer to me.
"I wish I could focus."
"I know you can."
"Without help? I can't do anything right."
"Don't say that."
"I say what's true. I can't finish anything, I can't focus, I can't commit to anything I plan, I'm messing everything up."
"No, you aren't. She's the one completely ignoring you. It's not your fault."
"Every small thing I do is my fault to her."
"She's wrong. It hasn't even been that long since-"
"She isn't wrong. Stop saying that." I said angrily.

The silence made my ears ring. I put my head down lower, covering my ears to make it stop, clenching my jaw.
"I'm sorry," I started shakily, gripping at my hair.
"You're fine."
I let out a weak breath.
I can't cry right now. Why am I even trying to explain myself?
He laid his hand against my back, slowly starting to rub it. He leaned over and rested their head on my back, letting out a soft breath. I sighed heavily.

I caught up to her in the halls.
"Al," I stammered.
She kept walking.
Everyone is looking at me. It burns.
"Alexis,"
It's so bright in here.
I made a pained face because of the sounds and lights around me. I began to sweat.
"Alexis!"
"Quit following me around."
"I'm trying to talk to you," I stated.
"Does it look like I'm trying to listen?" she snapped.
I stopped, taking a moment to keep myself together.
"Can we please sort this out? I don't know what I did."
"Do you ever shut up?"

The reflection of the light glared at me through the mirror. The sink pouring hot water made my face ache.
It feels like I'm suffocating.
I wiped my face off and tried to relax, looking back up into the mirror.
The sink is so loud. The water on my hands made me cringe. I bit my lip hard, breathing heavily.
I furrowed my eyebrows, shoving the sink handle back and watching the water drain.

"Al," I started.
"What?" her muffled voice peeked through the phone.
"Can you tell me what I did wrong?"
"You made us late to school is what you did wrong."
"I didn't mean to, I'm sorry," I hesitated.
"I know," her voice softened, "I need help with homework again, too."
"Yeah, me too. I always do."
"Mhm."
I paused.
"Come over."
"I will."