My Life Being Dead

My Life Being Dead, Chapter 14

In biology the next day I sat down with my hands promptly folded on the table, waiting for Adam so that I could initiate phase three: “Doubt”. This phase would be harder, not only because I’d be forced to lie to Adam, but because I’d have to convince him that the woman he loves is cheating on him. Even if it’s true, I knew it’d be hard to just put it out there. I’d have to go about it the right way.

Adam came into the classroom in obvious frustration. He sat down without saying goodbye or even a parting glance to Melody, who sat in the front. For a moment I thought that maybe I didn’t need phase three, four or five, but then he turned to me and said, “I need advice.”

I smiled sweetly in return. “On what?”

He sighed and lowered his voice as the teacher started rambling on about some cell’s cycle. “Rumor has it that Melody’s not who I thought she was. She said it’s not true but I’m not sure if I should believe her.”

I pretended to look appalled. “Well what did they say about her? It can’t be that bad.”

He looked over at Melody and shook his head. “That she’s also dating Marc Benson, and that she was in a porno.” He wouldn’t look at me.

I shook my head, but kept my mouth shut.

He looked over at me and stared. “Do you know anything about it?”

I looked back at him with sympathy dripping from my expression and shook my head slightly while looking down. “I’m sorry, Adam.”

He looked at her then back at me. “Did you see it? They said there’s a tape.”

The teacher shushed us from the front of the classroom and Adam went back to pretending to copy the board down.

I turned to him and whispered softly, “No, but I’ve heard it. I’ve heard a lot of things but I never thought that they could be true. I’m so sorry, Adam.”

He looked back at me with a pained expression. “Thanks.” He turned away and gazed at Melody.

Phase three, “Doubt”, complete.

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I was sleeping soundly that night when I heard a soft knock on my door. I don’t know how it woke me up, but I opened my eyes and went to open the door. It was Adam.

“Adam? What’s wrong?” It was dark and I couldn’t see his face or upper body. I could only see his hands, which was what let me know it was him.

He didn’t speak, he just enveloped me in a hug and walked back to my bed with me. I laid down beside him and kissed him lightly. I tasted salty water on his face, and realized that he was crying.

“What’s wrong?” I had a strong feeling of what was wrong already.

I felt him shake his head, and he pressed his lips back to mine. I put my hand on his face and felt his tear soaked cheek. I caused this. I was hurting him.

Before I could make myself be quiet, I muttered, “I’m sorry.” I knew that that phrase wouldn’t give me away, because if I hadn’t known what was going on, I’d still be sorry. Sorry he was hurt.

He sighed. “I really love her. I just don’t know what to believe.” His voice was defeated and tired.

I put my arms around him. “Just try and forget about it for now, Adam. It’ll be alright. Worry about it tomorrow.”

He seemed to shake for a second. I supposed he was crying. “I’ll try.”

We were silent for a second. I was trying to ward off the guilt that was beginning to fill my head.