The Lonely Hearts Club

Chapter 31: Tears and Kisses (Bree)

I can't stop crying.

I think it hurts so much because I know Savvy is right.

I do have a lonely, pathetic life.

Hades only talked to me because he pitied me, and then he left like I was nothing, because I am nothing to him.

As for Lana and Coco, they're nice, but again, they're doing it because they pity me. 

Right?

Embarrassment curdles in my stomach like sour milk.

When I lay everything out on the table like that, it cuts me to the bone and makes me feel so ashamed.

Jamie holds out his hand and I slip mine in his palm.

I need to get away from the pounding music and loud chatter—away from all the people with fun, adventurous lives.

Jamie leads me into one of the four bathrooms while I stare at the ground, avoiding eye contact with the people who blatantly stare at me.

I wish they would stop looking at me.

"What happened to make you so upset?" He asks once we're inside the bathroom which thankfully smells like lemons.

I shake my head, I really don't want to talk about it.

I'm going to go home and wallow in my own embarrassment and I certainly don't want Jamie feeling it on a second account.

"Was it Savvy?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Why do you say that?" I ask, trying to sound calm.

"She's not a very nice girl." He looks behind him as though she could be there, listening.

She's not, of course.

All that's in the bathroom is a blue toilet, a small sink, and a rusty soap dispenser.

"I've seen a few random girls talk with your friends, and after Savannah is done with them, they are all brought to tears." He sighs.

It's kind of comforting to know I'm not the only one she threatened.

"She knew just what to say to hurt." I smile and Jamie hands me a few pieces of scratchy toilet paper.

I wipe my eyes and force myself to smile in the mirror.

My makeup isn't as smudged as I thought it would be.

Waterproof mascara is a lifesaver.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Jamie asks.

Cautious, anxious Bree has been sidelined and in her place, is a lonely, sad Bree who craves human connection.

"Can you kiss me again?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

I'm so fucking tired of being alone.

I want someone to hold me, I want someone to kiss me, I want someone to love me.

"Of course, darling."

I kiss Jamie for a long time.

It's comforting and nice to have someone touching me.

But of course, nothing good ever lasts.

Bangs and yells pierce the air outside in the club and Jamie lifts his mouth away from where he was kissing my neck.

"What on earth is going on?" He asks.

"I think it was gunshots." I mumble.

"I'll investigate, you stay here." He says.