The next morning, I woke up with a hangover. I managed to make it through Sunday without anyone noticing. But now comes Monday, I have to see everyone again.
I make my way to English and sit next to Alice just like always.
Alice leans over and whispers, "You okay? You look a little out of it." I nod and try to focus on the teacher's words, but my mind keeps drifting back to Saturday night.
The rest of the class goes by slowly. I'm dreading the next class already. Why did I have to mess things up with my goddamn lab partner? I take my time at my locker, trying to buy more time between having to see Finn. Eventually, I walk into chemistry and sit next to him.
His face is impassive as he focuses on the teacher, not even acknowledging my presence. The tension between us is palpable and it makes the class feel twice as long. I try to concentrate on the lesson, but my mind is elsewhere. It's weird that he's not acting like his sunny bubbly self around me anymore.
At the end of the class, I gather my stuff quickly, trying to escape the awkward silence. I still have to deal with Ana and Hazel in my next class though.
I sit at the table by them. They stop their giggling and start whispering and making small glances at me. The class starts and now it's ten times more boring. they don't say a word to me the whole class.
History class is boring like every day. I don't have any friends in the class.
Finally lunch. I go and sit at me and Alice's normal table. She gets there a few minutes after I sit down.
"Hey," she greets me, her voice filled with concern. "How are the classes so far?" She asks.
"I am being completely ignored by everyone, but I guess it's not that bad," I say
"Well, that's their loss then," Alice responds, her tone determined. "They don't know what they're missing out on."
I give a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Alice. You're a really good friend."
Alice grins back at me. "Of course, Y/N. Anytime."
lunch comes to an end and now I get my free period. I get in my car and drive to the park. I go into the garden and sit on a bench. I put on my headphones and sit there with my thoughts.
I don't think I'll ever get why my mom decides to reach out randomly. She has been gone for years and she knows that she's never going to come back. Even if she did, none of us would forgive her. I've seen her Facebook, and it's not like she would ever need to come back either. She's doing just fine in her new life, with her new family. It's clear that she moved on long ago, so why can't she just let us do the same? Why does she have to keep reopening old wounds? Even when she's not here anymore she finds a new way to ruin my life.
I feel my eyes watering, but I quickly wipe the tears away. I refuse to let her ruin my day again. Not this time. Shaking my head, I put my headphones back on and lose myself in the music, letting it drown out my thoughts.
My phone alarm goes off and signals that it's time for me to get back to school. I walk to art class and sit across from Ellie. We aren't close, but she's one of the few people I can actually tolerate in this class.
"I heard about what happened at homecoming," She says
"How? it's not like it was actually a big deal, just friends arguing," I say
"Well, I didn't hear about it, I heard it happening when you were storming out I was also sitting outside doing something," she says
"Oh," I respond, surprised. "I didn't realize anyone else was there."
"Well, I'm kind of glad you didn't notice I was there," She jokes
"why?"
"Well.. nevermind," She trails off
"Well, now I'm curious!" I say
"Alright," she sighs, "I was actually out smo....." she whispers too quiet for me to hear her
"What?" I say. She leans across the table and whispers in my ear
"I was having a cigarette" she whispers
I lean back in surprise, not expecting that at all. "Oh, okay," I reply, trying to mask my surprise. "Well, your secret's safe with me."
"It's not like you weren't drunk," She says "I guess we both have our own vices" She jokes
"Well, it's not like.. I didn't bring it... I don't do it normally!" Isay
"Hey, no judgment here," Ellie responds, a hint of amusement in her voice. "We all have our ways of coping, don't we?" We both laugh, and for the rest of the class, we work on our art projects while sharing quiet conversation. It's nice, having someone to talk to who isn't part of the whole drama.
"You know, we should hang out outside of school" She suggests
"That sounds fun," I say
With that, we exchange numbers and agree to meet up sometime. I leave the class feeling surprisingly better. Maybe things aren't so bad after all. Then I realized I have gym class next, Finn, Ana, and Hazel, all in the same class.
I walk into the gym, my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel their eyes on me as I cross the room to the lockers. I change into my gym clothes quickly, trying to avoid making eye contact. Once I'm ready, I join the rest of the class on the gym floor, doing my best to act like everything is normal.
Luckily we were having a free day today. I decided to just walk around the track listening to music. They were outside too, and I could feel their eyes on me. I decide to ignore them and continue walking. The music in my ears drowns out the world around me, providing a much-needed escape from the tension.
Eventually, the bell rings, signaling the end of the period. I quickly change back into my regular clothes and head for the door, eager to leave the suffocating atmosphere of the gym. As I walk out, I can't help but feel a sense of relief. Today was rough, but it's finally over.
"Hey Dad," is ay walking into the house and throwing my bag on the floor
"Hey sweetie," he responds, looking up from his newspaper. "How was school today?" I shrug, not really wanting to get into it. "Just another day," I reply
I walk to my room and slump into my bed. The day is finally over.I lay there for a while, just thinking about everything that happened. The silence of my room is comforting after the chaos of the day. Eventually, my thoughts drift and I fall into a restless sleep.
