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CHAPTER EIGHT
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CHAPTER SEVEN – Cory
"I'm heading out to work now. You'll be okay, right?"
"Yeah, Mom." I barely mumble, not bothering to turn toward the door.
"Okay. There's food on the stove, but if you don't want that, I left some money on the counter."
"Okay." My voice is flat, lifeless. I hear her sigh softly in defeat before she closes my door.
It's been two days since what happened at Abel's house, and I've been in bed ever since. I came home, locked myself in my room, and cried. For hours.
I keep telling myself it shouldn't bother me. That I barely knew her. That I should be over it by now. But that voice in my head—the one that hates me—keeps winning.
I invited her over. We talked. I almost kissed her. I thought something was starting. I thought maybe—just maybe—something good could happen. I was so stupid to believe that.
No one wants me. Not even my own mom, not really. She tries, but all I ever do is push her away. If my mom doesn't want me, how could I expect a stranger to?
I shift in bed and try to think about literally anything else. I'll probably just take another edible and pass out again. That's been my routine: smoke, eat, sleep. Repeat.
I reach over to my nightstand and pull out the half-empty bag of gummies. Without even lifting my head, I pop two into my mouth and chew slowly, swallowing with a sigh.
Hopefully this time they actually work.
I never fell asleep.
It's been three hours. I'm high, yeah, but still wide awake—stuck with my thoughts, which is the last thing I wanted. I was trying to escape, but apparently not today.
So, I guess I'll call it a self-care day. I ordered some new makeup and skincare, wings, snacks—basically enough junk to keep me occupied and distracted. I have the munchies anyway.
I walk into the living room and grab the remote, pressing the Disney+ icon on the screen. I'm not in the mood for anything heavy. Romance is off the table.
I scroll until I land on Lab Rats—my favorite show from back in the day. I smile when Adam pops up on the screen in his ridiculous superhuman suit. God, I used to love him.
