Why We Laugh (#Wattys2018)

17. I Laughed Along With Her Lie

Hello!

This book has been my most successful and high achieving original book.

This chapter is intense in the beginning. While it is not directly told or confessed there is an underlying event in this chapter that is very serious

17.

I crossed my legs in the air as I lay on Reece's bed. I had my textbook open, quizzing him.

I don't know why I was studying with Reece, I mean he was really smart. But I was here.

"There's always this extra credit question," I said, "where you have to balance a chemical equation."

He nodded, "I know that."

"Define the four main macromolecules and their monomers," I quizzed.

He didn't even hesitate, "Proteins and Amino Acids. Carbohydrates and Monosaccharide. Lipids and Glycerol and Fatty Acids. Nucleic Acid and Nucleotides."

I sighed, "You're going to ace it. I'm sure of that."

He didn't look that certain. There were dark circles under his eyes from sleepless nights. On those nights I had to wear a mask to block the light from his room that shone right into my eyes.

But he still managed to look incredible. The more time I spent with him the more I noticed his slim figure.

The door creaked open.

Our attention shot to the small figure that stood in the door frame.

Her eyes were watery and looked dead. She looked lifeless. Her whole body was trembling in fear and sorrow. I had never seen her like this.

I had never seen anyone looks so sad.

So vulnerable.

She looked weak and frail.

Reece's eyes widened, "Oh, Eliza!"

He leaped to his feet and embraced the girl.

She was wracked with sobs as she grabbed the back of Reece's shirt.

"Eliza?" I asked, shocked.

Her head snapped in my direction and then I saw it. A bruise on her cheek, a big black and blue swelling cheek.

Her whole body tensed as if Medusa froze her. As if she looked into the monster's eyes.

"M-Molly," she stuttered, coughing between letters.

She covered her bruised cheek her forearm, her hands wiping her eyes. And then...well...she smiled. She smiled brightly, despite her tears and trembling lower lip. It was fake.

"What's wrong!" I exclaimed, panic filling me. Who hurt Eliza?

Who made her sad?

She whimpered, pushing away from Reece and stumbling out the door.

"Eliza," Reece called desperately, then he turned and signaled for me to stay as he chased after her.

Oh my god.

My heart was beating so fast and my mind was in chaotic panic.

Her smile was haunting.

I stepped out of the threshold, observing the empty hall.

"Eliza? Reece?" I hollered.

Silence.

It was so silent that my ears felt like they were bleeding. I heard my heartbeat and blood pumping and my thoughts became voices in my head.