Fat.

Chapter Thirteen - Why I'm a Liar PB Cups and Stories Untold

Shouldn't I be feeling upset? Should I be comforting Max? Do I look chubby in my now-wrinkled uniform?

James ruffles his wavy hair. "So, why are you in the hospital so early?"

I pause for a second. Does my mascara look raccoon-esque? "Well, my grandmother is really sick, so I came to check up on her." I wipe black makeup grains with my fingernails under my eyelashes. I just lied.

Why the Hell did I lie? I didn't even need to. I mentally groan as James's eyebrows furrow. "'She alright?"

Clearly not if she's in the hospital, I say to myself. Except she's not sick at all. I shake my head, "No, she has.." I try to think of an answer. "Cancer. She has cancer. She is extremely sick."

My heart pounds in my chubby torso like a gong.

What. Did. I. Just. Do?

"That is upsetting to hear. It must be really hard for you to deal with."

Guilt. Guilt. What did I do? Okay, no more lying starting... now.

I take a deep breath, "Well, she's been sick for an extremely long, long time." I say. Technically this is true, both of my grandmothers are dead. So 'grandma' isn't in her best health, anymore.

"Really?" He asks. "So is your grandmother terminal?" He asks quietly, bending over the cafe table to look at me.

I wring my hands under the table and look upset. "I really don't feel comfortable talking about this..." I mutter. This is true. I don't feel comfortable talking about this. I feel like a horrible person using cancer as an alibi.

I look up at James, wondering if he can see through my veil of falseness, and what he does next is a surprise to me.

His hand lifts onto the table and it opens up. "I don't bite." He smiles a little.

I cringe. And hold his hand.

I look at him, sweat prickling the back of my neck. "Okay," I mutter.

"Look," he says. "I know what its like to have someone with cancer. My uncle, Charles, had cancer and passed away when I was twelve. If you need help, I'm only a text away."

I am left hot and flustered. I try to suck in a large breath and fail. I look at my chicken noodle soup and lift some into my mouth. It works like a charm and it makes me breathe again.

How do I get out of this one? I exhale as I see the coffees for my aunt and Max. "Look," I say to James. "Thanks for giving me your lunch break. I need to get to my brother." I say this in one large and rushed phrase. I stand up.

James wave his hand, stands up and hugs me. He feels warm and relaxed. Still not letting go, he clears his throat. "Well, actually it wasn't my lunch break. I lied. Sorry. There weren't any customers anyway."

Letting go I look at him and laugh nervously. "Why would you lie to me? Ha ha." I balance on my feet.

James smiles and I smile back. "You have a nice smile. Bye." I say quickly before walking away.

I walk passed the fancy flower shops and press the elevator button to go up before realizing I forgot the coffees. "Shit."

I run back to our table to meet James half-way holding the coffee cups in a tray in one hand, and a single rose in the other. He gestures to the rose in his other. I smile nervously.

He hands the coffees to me and then passes the rose. "Give this to your grandmother for me. A get-well present."

I accept the rose. "Th-thank you." I stammer. I walk away quickly, my shoes clacking after each step. "Text me," He shouts, heads turning to look at him. I smile and nod, then rush to the elevator.