The Virgin Ceremonies

Chapter 12: Virginia: A Full Refund

Chapter 12

Virginia: A Full Refund

With my backpack over my shoulder, I walked down the sidewalk, the city sounds of people and traffic in my ears. My eyes were tired from all the crying I'd done after Beau left, and my thighs were tired from all the sex. I wanted to go home and rest my mind and body.

I finally turned on my phone. It was back to the real world for me. I stopped as I crossed the street, right in traffic. A cabbie honked at me, and I yelped, hurrying out of the way, staring at my phone. I'd missed dozens of calls and texts from Quinn, Tom, my aunt, my mom, and even my dad.

"Oh, no. Oh shit, shit, shit," I said.

I quickly opened Quinn's text messages, reading them: "Where are you?

"Everyone's freaking out.

"I couldn't reach your phone, so I called Tom, and now he knows you lied to him.

"Why didn't you tell me?

"I wouldn't have called him.

"He called your mother. She's freaking out.

"Tell me you aren't where I think you are.

"Ginny, please respond. It's me.

"Don't do this.

"For God's sake, you are making the biggest mistake of your life."

It was worse from my mom: "Where are you, Virginia?

"Quinn said you were going to visit Tom. Tom said you were coming here.

"Did you lie to both of them? Where are you?

"Answer your phone!

"You are in so much trouble, young lady.

"You'd better be dead in a ditch.

"I am furious!"

From Tom, it was no better: "Where the fuck are you?

"Why does Quinn think you're here?

"Did you lie to me about visiting your mom?

"My dad asked me because your dad asked him.

"What the hell is going on?

"WTF?"

Even Aunt Olivia sent me one: "Virginia, call me immediately."

"I am so fucked," I said aloud. "Utterly fucked. Stupid, stupid. Goddamn it, Quinn."

I called her first, and she answered immediately.

"Ginny?"

"Quinn, why did you call Tom? Damn it. Why?"

"Oh, thank God you're okay," Quinn said.

"You completely blew me out of the water."

"I didn't know I was telling a secret!" she said. "I was worried! Where were you all night? Please tell me you weren't with who I think you were with."

"I wasn't. I went to a Christmas party at the dorms. My phone died, and I fell asleep."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Why don't I believe you?"

"I don't know. Sounds like a 'you' problem. Look, I gotta call my mom. Would you call yours? She left me a text and a voicemail, and I have enough fires to put out."