The Perks of Being Too Beautiful

Ch12; Empty Tables

Chapter Twelve

Cullen went home last night. I told him to. He didn't bother arguing with me, though I could tell he knew I was hiding something. It was for his own good, I kept telling myself. Except I wasn't sure if I even believed that.

I woke up and I called James right away. Dialing his number, I can't help but feel selfish in a way. Guilty, even. I feel like I'm using James to forget about Cullen. I don't want to think I was doing such a thing because I really like James. But I call him anyway. He picks up after two rings with a tired voice. "Hello...? James here."

"James! Hello!" I say a little too eagerly.

He clears his throat and I can imagine him shifting in his bed, as if I could see him straightening his back, and brushing his hair with his fingers. "Aria! Hello... It's good to hear from you." His voice sounds back to normal.

I laugh. "You're still sleeping? Are you aware we have school today? It's Monday." My voice does not sound mine.

He doesn't answer for a moment, and at first, I think it's because he can't recognize my voice. But then, he blankly says "School starts in two hours."

I look at the time. He's right. It was only 6AM. I guess it's because I'm so used to being woken up early that my body began doing it naturally. Hurry up or you'll be late, Cullen's voice echoes in my ear. I mentally push him out of my mind.