The Whisper Seekers

Ellie Hater

There wasn't a single good moment to bring up the whole I'm dating Liam and am a horrible friend thing the entire day we were at the mall. Harper spent most of the time moping around, craving sympathy for being dateless, and I definitely didn't want to add to her misery.

We still managed to squeeze in some retail therapy, though. I picked out tall, sparkly stilettos, and we each chose something glittery to wear in our hair. Lily kept texting pictures to Adam for approval on every little thing before she bought it, even though I'm pretty sure he couldn't care less if her shoes are satin or glitter.

I sent a quick text to Liam to let him know I was now officially ready for the dance, making absolutely sure Harper's eyes were nowhere near me when I did it.

On Monday, homecoming mania has taken over our school, kicking off with the first spirit day: Pajama Day. I walk into Biology wearing yoga pants and a cute, fitted t-shirt since cheerleaders are basically required to participate in the entire week. Pajamas on Monday, crazy hair on Tuesday, hats on Wednesday, backwards clothing on Thursday, and school colors on Friday.

I notice Liam hasn't participated today. He raises an eyebrow at me as I take the seat next to him.

"I happen to know that that's not what you wear for pajamas," he jokes, and I roll my eyes at him.

"Well, that's another secret between you and me, isn't it?" I nudge him in the ribs, trying to cause minimal pain as Harper sneaks up behind me.

"Hey, Ellie! Hi, Liam," she says as she pulls a chair up next to me. Liam and I exchange warning looks. She still doesn't know about us, so don't do anything that'll make her suspicious, I warn him silently, and he puts his hands up in mock surrender. I don't want her to beat me up, he jokes, and I find it funny that we both came to the same conclusion about what she'll do when she finds out.

Derek staggers into class and eyes the two of us sitting together. He takes a seat across the room from me and casually throws his arm around a girl he's never even noticed before. It was nice not having him around last week, but now that their suspension is over, the awkwardness is obviously back. Liam glances over, and Derek glares right back. I'm glad there's an entire classroom between them.

Don't let him get to you, Liam, I tell him, and he finally breaks off his death glare.

Class starts, and Mrs. Hagar begins handing back our last two quizzes. When I receive mine, I immediately flip them over, embarrassed by the grades. I forgot to answer the last five questions on the first one, and I got caught cheating on the second. Now, I have to ace everything else just to pass the class.

Don't worry, I'll help you out, Liam elbows me, and I catch a glimpse of the big red A's at the top of both his papers.

Derek obnoxiously fist-pumps when he gets his tests back, and I seriously can't believe I dated him for as long as I did. Now, every little thing he does makes me cringe.

I scan the room and notice Ian is missing. I glance over to Liam and he notices the empty chair as well.

Check if Marissa is in your French class today. I nod and look back up at Mrs. Hager, who has already started the next lesson. She makes us draw partners for our lab and we are all split up until the bell rings. I walk back to my original desk to grab my book bag and glance one last time at Ian's empty chair, hoping it remains that way for the rest of the week.

************

Ian remains missing until Wednesday, and when he finally shows up to class, he looks awful. His eyes already looked hollow before, but now large, dark circles sit beneath them, making his pale skin seem even more washed out. His hair is greasy, and he really should have taken advantage of Hat Day.