Let's Talk About Sex

Chapter 8

Death. That has been what has been on my mind lately. It's been a few days since Zora nearly died. They said that her heart had stopped beating for a while, and that's why she's in the hospital even longer. Of course you already know that, but I can't get my mind off of it. They told us the day after that she was breathing again, and her heart is beating. But nobody could visit her. I didn't go to school the next day, and my mom allowed it. 

But I am forced to go today.

As I walk through the halls, I still feel people's stares. I still hear the whispers. I know I am still a topic of gossip. I wanted to know who spread the rumors about me. I didn't actually sleep with anyone. I wouldn't, because its against girl code.

I sat down in my second period English class. A girl came up to me and sat down next to me. Since this used to be a science class, so instead of desks we have rows of tables. The girl who sat next to me had the biker look, with reddish-orange hair.

"Hi there. The name is Rayna. I'm new here." The girl, Rayna, spoke in a British accent. I just waved at her, not really knowing what to say. "What's wrong? You look upset." She said after a moment had passed. 

"Nothing. It's just my friend... And the rumors..."

"What rumors?"

"Just... Ugly, ugly rumors someone spread about me."

"Oh, I know that feeling. Been there, done that. You know what you need? You need an encouragement."

"A what?"

"An encouragement. Something to make you happy. A song, a poem, a book- Oh I have the most perfect thing!" She reached into her backpack. She put a book in front of me. It was black and had smoke blowing from the bottom. Looking for Alaska by John Green. I had never heard of it. 

"What's this?"

"You mean you have never heard of it? Ever?"

"Nope. Not once in my life."

"Wow! This is the best book ever! You really need to read it." I glanced at the book, then her, then the book again.

"Okay, Rayna. I will take your word and read it."

"Good." She said, just as the bell rang. I went on with the day and started reading the book. I actually liked it so far. This Alaska girl... I wish I was her.

At the end of the day, Blaze walked up to me.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"We need to go visit Z. Lily agreed to drive us."

"Okay." Was all I said. I walked with him in silence as we went to go see Zora.

We eventually got to the hospital. Surprise,surprise, only two people could see her at a time. I volunteered to be the odd one out. I sat in the small waiting area. A girl, no older than 18 came up to me.

"What are you here for?"

"My friend is in a coma."

"Well that doesn't sound good. You look stressed. Wanna smoke?" She asked. I was baffled. Maybe she thought I was 18 also.

"I'm not 18 yet, though."

"And do I look like I give a shit? Come on. Oh, the name is Cherie, by the way." She spoke with a Cajun accent. I shrugged and followed her out of the hospital. Once we far enough away, she pulled out a pack of cigarettes. She handed me one and lit it. Well, here goes my first time smoking a cigarette. I took a long drag and held it for a second or so before I let it out.

"Is this your first time?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah."

"Well damn girl. I would have never guessed that in a million years! You are a natural!"

"Thanks, I guess." 

"How did your friend get in a coma?"

"Car wreck."

"Drunk driving?"

"No. She was crying and didn't notice the tree."

"Well that sucks."

"Yeah." I mumbled.

"Seems like something else is bothering you. What's up?"

"Stupid people spreading slutty rumors about me. Spread rumors about my friends too. That's why she is in a coma."

"I have been in that position." She nodded.

"How old are you anyways?"

"Nineteen. Graduated last year, and I got as far away from home as possible."

"Oh. Well, I should be getting back, I might be able to see my friend now."

"Okay... What is your name?"

"Veronica. But most people call me Ronnie."

"Okay, Ronnie. I'll see you around. If you need a smoke, just call me." She said, as she handed me a piece of paper with her phone number. "But after the first couple, they won't be free anymore."

I watched as she walked off. I went back to the hospital. Blaze and Lil were in the waiting area looking for me.

"Where were you? We were worried sick!" Lily said. I raised a brow at her.

"Gosh, mom. I was out with a friend." I said sarcastically.

"Ha, ha. Very funny. Now really, where were you?"

"Some girl offered me a cigarette, so I went outside to smoke with her. I figured it would pass time."

"Oh."

"You really smoked?" Blaze said. He was staring at me with wide eyes. 

"Yes. Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know... I am just shocked. Anyways, the doctor kicked us out and said no more visitors. Sorry, Cookie."

"It's fine. I guess." I sighed.

"Let's get back home."

We rode to our houses in silence. Since my house was the closest, I was dropped off first. When I walked upstairs, Felix and his new girlfriend were going at it. If you can't tell already, my brother is kind of a manwhore. I went to my room and put my earbuds in. I laid down and went to sleep.