Hate Is Another Word For Love

Chapter 11

Really they should've expected this.

Both Bri and I chickened out.

I mean, we live in the country with horses and I'm not happy, but I'm too much of a baby to leave.

Ethan will hardly speak to me and Braxton is mad, so Bri is the only person I ever talk to.

I text her.

Me: i'm so depressed and miserable

BRAXTON'S POV

I pass my sleeping sister on my way to the kitchen, but her phone lights up. My eyes flicker to it for just a moment, just enough to see a text from Erin.

I stop.

I can't help it. I'm nosy.

I peek at the screen.

Erin: I'm so depressed and miserable

My heart pangs.

I look at my sister one more time, and then take her phone off charge, grab a bag of Cheetos from the kitchen, and then bolt upstairs.

I lock my door and sit on the bed.

Hesitantly, I swipe to unlock the screen and text Erin back.

I miss her, but price keeps me from grabbing the phone and calling her.

I think about it for a minute.

Is this really right?

Of course it's right. I'm making sure my girlfriend, or whatever the hell she is, is okay.

Me: why

A minute later, Bri's phone vibrates.

Erin: I hate being away from you guys and I feel guilty because I love Vermont. I have an eating disorder or something because I can't stop eating. My pants don't fit me. Braxton won't talk to me and I bet if he ever sees me again I'll be a fucking hippo. He probably hates me. My brother hates me because I didn't want to run away, my new school sucks, and I have no wifi so I can't watch Netflix

My heart hurts at the thought of her pain.

I don't hate her.

Me: you shouldn't feel guilty about loving Vermont. Braxton and I miss you guys a lot. We can just see you over summer. Who gives a fuck if you can't stop eating? Food is amazing. Braxton doesn't hate you. Sometimes he cries because he misses you, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't give a flying fuck if your gaining weight. He thinks your beautiful either way. You brother doesn't hate you, jus give him time. As for school, fuck em, but don't actually fuck em. And for the wifi, that's probably the saddest shit I've heard all day

A few seconds later, I get a text.

Erin: Braxton

I bite my lip.

Erin: why'd you take Bri's phone

I delete the messages, put her phone back, and then text her with my own phone.

Me: I saw you texted her and said you were depressed and miserable and couldn't resist. She's asleep

Erin: I feel like shit

Me: I understand. Look on the right side. It's already April. Two months and it's summer and I'll be in Colorado before you can realize I was gone. Now, don't get an eating disorder. Love yourself. You're beautiful. Get up and do your homework or something good.

Erin: I'm going running...in sweatpants

Me: good for you. Now, pick your head up darling, your tiara is falling.