Your Own Story

Can't catch a break

(Saturday morning, 10:00 am)

-

I sit up in my bed, rubbing my eyes sleepily. I lean over to grab my phone and lay back down in bed. I check my notifications, one new message from Vivian. I sigh and open the message.

Vivian: You took me to the nurse's office?! Are you fucking thick?? You got me suspended! I can't believe you! I thought you cared about me >:(

I leave her on read, not having enough energy to reply to her bullshit. I grogily get out of bed, running my fingers through my hair and slowly walking to the bathroom. I close and lock the door, slowly taking off my clothes and turning the shower on. After a few minutes, I check the temperature of the water. Half the time my apartment didn't have hot water cause the maintenance sucks, but luckily the water for my shower was warm. I set my phone on the bathroom counter and get into the shower. For a few minutes I stand in the shower with my eyes closed, letting the water hit my face. After a few minutes I rub my eyes and turn around, wetting my hair and grabbing some soap. I rub the soap across my chest and arms, then rinse it off and grab some shampoo. I continue to wash my hair, hearing my phone go off a few times. Knowing it's probably Vivian I groan quietly as I rinse the shampoo out of my hair. After finishing up, I turn the water off and step out of the shower. As the cold air hits my skin, I feel shivers run down my spine. My jaw tenses up and my teeth start to chatter as I reach under the counter for a towel. I wrap the towel around my waist and grab my phone. I once again check my notifications to see more messages from Vivian.

Vivian: Really, your gonna leave me on read? Wow ok you coward

Vivian: Raaapphhiieee answer me :(

Vivian: I didn't mean it, I miss you :(((

I roll my eyes, clearing the messages and walking into my bedroom. I close my blinds and lock my door. I set my phone ontop of my dresser and dig through the drawers. I decide to text Kara to help me with my outfit.

Raphael: Kara I need help with my outfit :/

As I wait for my response, I put on some boxers and run my fingers through my damp hair. Shortly after, I hear my phone vibrate against the wood of my dresser. I pick my phone up and see her response.

Kara: Wear something that makes you look smart. According to James he likes beanies ;)

Raphael: James knows Milo??

Kara: Lmao apparently

Raphael: From where??

Kara: Apparently they have the same math class and talk sometimes

Raphael: And he never brought this up??

Kara: It's James dude lmao

I smirk at her response, setting my phone down and pulling out a white t shirt, a camouflage jacket and some black skinny jeans. I quickly put on my jeans, jumping around to pull them up. I throw myself onto my bed and try to catch my breath, rolling over onto my back and buttoning my pants. I lay there in defeat for a few seconds, sighing and getting up. I walk back over to my dresser and pick my t-shirt up, pulling it over my head and threading my arms through it. I pull open a draw of my dresser, putting on a black beanie and looking in the mirror. I look at my freckles, counting them with my pinky. Same amount as always, fourteen across my cheeks and nose. I put my phone in my back pocket and walk back into the bathroom. The air is thick and humid from my shower and the mirror is fogged. I wipe the condensation off the mirror with my hand, making a big enough space to see myself. I grab my toothbrush and toothpaste and start to brush my teeth. For some reason I was nervous about going to the library with Milo. I had thoughts about being gay, but never this strong. Although I didn't know him very well, I really liked him. His looks, his presence, everything had a very warm and friendly feeling about him. I finish brushing my teeth and rinse out my mouth, walking back into my bedroom and checking the time on my phone. It was now 11:00 am, so I needed to speed up. I quickly walk into my kitchen and eat a protein bar, wiping off my lips and grabbing my laptop. I quickly run into my bedroom once more, putting my laptop into my backpack and put on my jacket. I swing my backpack over my shoulder and put my phone into my back pocket. Right before I can walk out the door to the elevator my mom stops me, "Where are you going?" She says with her thick latina accent. I quickly turn to her, "The library, mom. I have a project I need to work on." I say, tapping my foot impatiently. "Not work here?" She says in broken English. I shake my head, "I have to work on it with a partner." She crosses her arms, walking away. I roll my eyes and quickly walk out. I get to the elevator and quickly press the button, waiting anxiously to get to the main floor. My phone vibrates from an incoming message and I take my phone out of my pocket and check it. It was Milo.

Milo: Hey I'm on my way :)

Raphael: Ok, see you there

I smile and put my phone back in my pocket as the elevator door opens. But to my surprise, the person on the other side of the door is Vivian.