Error Number: 505

10 - hi

Eden's POV:

I walk into school and open my locker. A note sits on the shelf. I look around, and then open it.

Eden,

I know you hate me. And I know you think the feeling is mutual. But it's not. It really isn't, Eden.

"Who the fuck?" I whisper.

I'm gay. That's why I've bullied you, Eden. I've had nothing but internal homophobia my whole life. I know that's not an excuse, but it's a reason I treated you the way I did.

In all honesty, I had a crush on you. I'm not even gonna lie. I had a crush on you and I was beating myself up so much for it and now I feel fucking horrible.

I want to talk to you. One on one. But if you don't want to, that's okay too.

I know this is cliche, but I wanted you to hear me out and honestly, I was scared as shit you'd leak it.

-Jessica

"No fucking way!!" I say. I throw my hand over my mouth and laugh.

Okay. Thank god I get here early.

I grab my book for English and head to class. The teacher isn't there... but...

Who's in there early? Jessica.

She looks up at me, her eyes filled with anxiety. Poor girl probably didn't sleep last night.

"Hi, Jess," I say. She slides her lip into her mouth. I hand her her letter.

"I didn't take a picture. I laughed, though um... you were the last person, Jessica. Last person in my head."

"I'm not in a good mood today. But I understand. I mean- comphet. Peer pressure... makes sense. Although bullying me because of things other than my sexuality... doesn't make sense." I sit on top of the desk across from her.

She sighs and looks up at the ceiling before pulling up her shirt. Scars line her stomach.

"Self projection?" Her voice breaks.

"Listen- you don't have to forgive me, Eden. I understand. I... wouldn't forgive me either but I had a dream you killed yourself and it was my fault. And it made me feel..." she shakes her head.

"Anyways. Um- yeah no this was stupid, Eden I- bye." She walks out in tears still. I raise my eyebrows and sit down in my usual spot.

I'm not forgiving that bitch. Fuck her. She blamed that shit on me stealing her spot in the 8th grade play? And thought that made everything all okay?

I don't even wanna fucking be at school. At this school.

I want to go to the boarding school that's for students who want to do something technology related.

My mom asked me about it a couple months ago. And I didn't want to do it because I didn't want to leave Ellie.

But now she fucking hates me, so I really don't give a fuck.

I can't leave her alone with her pastor, though.

Me:
Momma

Momma:
Buttercup?

Me:
I wanna go to that boarding school we talked about. Can you still apply?

Momma:
Absolutely I can.
Is this because of Ellie, though?

Me:
...

Momma:
I won't tell you what to do. I'll do your application right now. Unless you want to wait until we get home so we can do it together