Hell On Earth

seven | i'm really sorry

Luke is about to open his mouth when my phone vibrates.
I sigh and scoop it up, glancing at the caller ID and seeing my mother's name.
I pick up. "Hey, Mom."
"Colina?"
"Yep."
"Good to hear from you, honey."
"Same here, Mom."
"Your father and I have made a decision."
"That's ominous."
"We will be temporarily moving to Maryland, with Shiela, until our house is ready, which will take until mid April."

I think my heart is failing me.

I think I've stopped breathing.

But somehow I haven't died.

"What?"
"Not all of us," she adds hastily. "Although you can. Dad and I will be staying with Shiela. You are welcome to join us, or you can stay here. Ashton's parents have already said you're more than welcome to stay with them."
"I-uh-I'll stay here." I stutter.
"I figured, but I just thought I'd offer."
"Thanks for that."
"Your father and I will be leaving the day after tomorrow, during your school hours, so we'll come by Ashton's tomorrow at noon. That okay with you?"
"Yeah. Yeah, Mom. Sure." I say, not sure why my head is spinning without me being dizzy or lightheaded at all.
"Okay, Colina. I'll see you tomorrow."
I press the button to end the call, staring at nothing, as I sit down on the couch.
"What happened?" Luke asks. "I-I mean, if you want to tell me."
"My parents." I whisper. "They're moving east."
Luke takes in my face, his eyes picking up on every tiny detail. "You're not kidding."
I sigh. My head feels too heavy and it drops into my hands.
"A-and I'll be staying right here." I stutter, somehow managing to pick it back up and look into Luke's eyes, the emotion shooting through them clear as day.
Doubt.
Shock.
And one I don't know.
"So where are you going to stay?"
I shrug and look down at my lap, calloused hands, my palm rough with the grip of a water polo player and my fingertips toughened by guitar knotted together. "My parents said Ashton's place."
I look back up at Luke. "But that doesn't feel right. Ashton may be my best friend, but I can't make her family take me in."
Luke's eyes are searching my own, flicking through my words like the pages of a book. "Are you saying you want to stay here?"

My mouth feels dry.

I swallow hard.

And I nod.

I feel a blanket drape over my shoulders.

I've been sitting on the leather couch, knees tucked to my chest for I don't know how long.
Luke rubs my shoulder without a word before going to his bedroom.

My vision is blurry.

My glasses aren't on me.

They're on the armrest.

Not that it matters.

My eyes are closed.

I exhale and tilt my head back.

I pull the blanket around me.

My phone buzzes once.

I don't bother picking it up.