Just Good Friends

Chapter 45

JULIE's POV

~Thursday~

My alarm clock beside my bed reads 8:25. I'm supposed to be in class, but I'm not. Sigh.

Yesterday was hard for me... maybe even the worst day of my life. I keep replaying the scene in the back of my mind; I even dreamt about it. Those hard glares from my ex-cheer squad, the room spinning, the feeling of being suffocated, Dana's laughter as she kicks me off of the team. I can't believe she would do that. Over some rumors? 

Speaking of the rumors, the cyberbullies are still blowing up my social media. I'm currently scrolling down my timeline, seeing people add more and more crazy stuff. Somebody said I had gotten an abortion; another claimed I slept with every single guy at school which is physically impossible. I just don't get it. Why me? Why now?

"Julie?"

I quickly hide my phone under the covers and grab a Kleenex, coughing into it and frowning. My mom quietly knocks on the door before peeping her head in.

"You alright?"

"No, mom. I told you I'm sick..." I cough.

"Poor thing. Everyone is coming down with the bug." She walks into my room and feels my forehead with the back of her hand. "I called the school and told them you won't be in today."

"I hate missing class..." I force a fake sneeze and pout.

"I know, honey. But your health is more important right now. One day off won't hurt. I set out some cans of soup in the kitchen with oyster crackers that you love. Keep drinking your tea."

I eyeball the half-empty cup of tea on my nightstand and nod.

"All right. I'm going to work now. Call me or your father if you need anything." She kisses my forehead before leaving the room. Once she does, I sit up in bed and resume looking at social media like before. My blood boils looking at the comments from random people I don't even know... why don't they just leave me alone?

DIGGY's POV

RINGGGGGGGGGG!!

"Have a good day, everyone," Mrs. Raymond, our Spanish teacher, says.

I gather my books and walk out of the classroom, heading to my next class. As I pass people in the halls, I catch a few that glance at me or snicker. I simply ignore them. I've sort of let go of the social media messages and rumors. I'm trying to put it in the past and forget about it, but I'm still curious about who started them.

"Yo, Diggy!" Chris surprises me and wraps his arm around me.

"Yo. Hey, Chris." 

He squeezes me and hits me on the back, smiling. "Yo! So are those little social media gremlins still bothering you?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Well, forget 'em. They're just haters. Plus, it's not like you and Julie are a thing anyway." Chris lets go of me.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"That it's not your problem. It's not like she's your girlfriend." He shrugs with a chuckle.

I stop walking and turn to him. "No, she's not. But she doesn't deserve to be slandered and called names. Nobody does."

"Whatever you say, Dig."

"Yeah, well, I gotta get to class," I reply.

Chris holds me back before I go anywhere. "Hey, wait! It's the first week back and I know it's already been stressful for you with the rumors and everything... but I'm having a party at my house tonight. I invited the basketball team, cheer squad, and a whole bunch of cool people. Are you down?"