We're In This Together

2. Guilt on the Tongue

Roxy's POV

I'm exhausted. I've been at work all day and that isn't fun. Then I went to a wedding, which meant I had to get all dressed up and get in uncomfortable heels that I had to wear for hours. And going to that wedding just reminded me of how lonely I fucking am.

On the bright side, I'm finally home and in my comfy bed.

With a contented smile, I sink into it with my body in a star position because, yeah I'm alone, but being alone means I can have the whole bed all to myself. So suck that loneliness! I got a whole bed.

My eyelids fall shut and the tiredness takes over me. I smile as I move into a fetal position, cuddling with a pillow because that's more comfortable than any human body will be. I'm on the bridge of sleep—when my fucking phone rings!

I let out a loud groan and rub my face while sitting up. The temptation to just silence my phone and go back to sleep is definitely there, but for some reason, my need to make sure everyone is okay and alive overcomes it.

And then anxiety sprouts out as the phone continues to ring. What if someone died and they're calling to tell me? My brain goes to the worst. And I hate it. What if dad got out of jail? What if he's the one calling? What if- Oh my God! Just answer it!

I quickly pick up the phone and answer it. Hesitating first, I speak. "Hello?"

There's a second before the person talks back and that second is filled with suspense and fear on my end. "Yeah—Hey—Wait, nevermind that doesn't sound right. Ugh!"

I flinched from the random groan on the other end, it startled me so much that I didn't notice how familiar the voice sounded until she spoke again. "Jeez, I'm stupid," She sighs. "This is, uh, Charlie, from the party. The girl that was a bitch but you still decided to be nice enough to leave your number to. You probably didn't want me to use it. But, oh well! Here I am. Calling you. And rambling. Are you still there?"

Resting my head against the headboard of my bed, I rub my eyes and turn on my lamp. My voice filled with a fake happiness to cover my tiredness. "Oh, yeah! It's me, Roxy. I'm glad you called."

My cheeks heat from embarrassment as I realize I had put my name on the note; she already knew who she was calling. Ugh, I'm an idiot.

There's an awkward silence on the line and I bite my nails as I wait. But then, I decide to ask, "So, what's up?"

Charlie laughs awkwardly. "I was hoping we could meet up. You know that coffee shop down the Cypress street...the one in West Monroe?"

"Mhm."

"Well, I need someone to talk to ... I was thinking we could meet up there?"

A small smile slides onto my face and I nod my head while saying, "Yes, ofcourse! That would be great!"

"Great!" She matches my energy and says, "See ya there then."

"See ya," I respond before she hangs up.

I set my phone down beside my lap and take in my bedroom. Looking around, emptiness is all it's filled with. The dim lighting from my lamp doesn't help. My body only has a big T-shirt and underwear covering it, exposing my thick thighs that I hate so much.

While sighing, I get up and grab a bottle of water out of my mini fridge before going to get dressed.

***

Jeez, she's even hot in skinny jeans and a crop top. Her hair is pulled back in a bun, with pieces framing her face that form waves.