Tεrribly Pεrfεct

Chapter 15: Truth Be Told

The next morning was a dull one. To be honest, it was probably my mood that made it so and unfortunately there was nothing I could do to stop it.

"Here," Jessica finally came up, tossing me a few Advil, "This might make you feel better."

I stared at the pills for awhile, wrapping my fingers around them and finally placing them in my mouth.

"I can't keep doing this," I sighed, plopping my head down on our dining room table.

Jessica was silent, I couldn't tell if she was mad at me yet or just as frustrated as I was. This morning I woke up and she was right by my side, sleeping in my bed almost as if we were teenagers again. I knew this circumstance was different, but it still felt good to know she was always there for me.

However, after we got up, she had barely spoken three words to me. I couldn't tell what exactly her problem was and I really hadn't asked, I don't think I'd be ready to hear the truth from her just quite yet.

"Mandie!" Hannah huffed, coming to my side, "How did you get home last night? You ran off again and we seriously thought you got kidnapped this time!"

I winced, lifting my head, "Yeah, I ended up just hanging at the pier over by the fire pit. I just needed some space."

Jessica shot me a disapproving look quickly, clearly knowing exactly what I did last night. I ignored it, facing away to focus my attention on Hannah.

"Oh," She responded, frowning slightly, "Everything OK?"

My stomach turned, why did she always have to be so sweet? I couldn't even wrap my brain around how awful it was that I had to lie to them day after day. Who deserved that? I mean, I know they'd never understand what I (or more so we) were going through, but I still felt bad for making up stupid lies just so they could go about their daily normal lives.

"Yeah," I mouthed, tired of hearing my own voice.

"Alright, well Stephanie and I have class in thirty - you guys want to grab some breakfast?"

I glanced at the clock, noticing it was way past noon, but we had all had such a late night yesterday that I don't think any of us woke up until after then anyways.

"No," Jessica answered for me, "Mandie isn't feeling well and she's just going to stay home today."

Hannah's eyes narrowed at Jessica, possibly attempting to see what we were up to.

"Alright, well if you guys change your mind, we'll be at the commons," Hannah finished, sending me a clever smile.

If only she knew.

"Come on, lets go in my room," Jessica whispered, pulling me by my arm. I slid off the chair, following her as I watched Hannah give us a curious look over.

"Jessica, you're not making this very subtle," I muttered, finally entering her room as she closed the door.

"So what, do you expect me to just be OK that you're hanging out with Jesse all of the sudden?" She blurted. I was so caught of guard with her words that I took a step back and fell against the wall. I gripped the side of her bed to steady my legs as I began to take a few breaths.

I forgot, I forgot she could see all of my thoughts now. Not that she couldn't before, but this time now I knew she was able to.

"Jess, it's not what you think," I cringed.

"You're right," She threw a finger in the air, "It's what I know."

"No, really, I didn't expect to see him there. It was a total accident and I swear if I would have known, I never would have left you guys in the first place!"