That October Night

Chapter 27

        A WHOLE WEEK had passed and instead of things getting better; things only got worse. I assumed that finally accepting that I wasn't okay would help but it didn't.

My nightmares grew darker. Josiah looked so real in them, I could almost touch him.

Taste him even.

I forgot what it felt like to have a goodnight's rest. My lack of sleep, however, only made room for my grades to go from good to great. Insomnia also helped me master a dance move that I was unable to.

Speaking of dance, Kat uploaded the video of us dancing at the ball game on the internet and I was furious. People started to notice me at school, and soon people on the internet would too.

And that meant only one thing.

Josiah was going to find me.

"Look, Ray, you're overreacting." Kat again made an attempt to convince me that I had no reason to be worried. "What I'm more concerned about is how I can't find any of your social media accounts."

"Kat, have you ever thought that maybe not everyone is into social media?" I countered.

"We've got like almost 1 million views. All thanks to Bre, Kat and you, Ray," Hakeem coaxed.

Malik rolled his eyes. "You think this is about popularity? You're even more stupid than I thought." I gave him a grateful look, surprised that we were on the same page for once.

He ignored me, stealing a quick look at Lola. They announced to us that they had broken up, but they were still on that stage of awkwardness with each other which made sense.

How is it possible to see your ex every day and still be friends?

Kat sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry that I didn't ask for your permission before I put up the video. That was wrong. I'll delete it...but first, you have to look at the video yourself."

After hesitating, I finally took the phone from her. "Holy shit! Is that...."

"Yes! Chris Brown shared it." She scrolled up to the comments, pointing at a specific one. I squinted my eyes at the comment.

It was Chris Brown again. Please find that girl, the comment said with a fire emoji.

"What's the shade room?" I asked, my eyes skipping over the hundreds of comments.

Lola laughed, blowing her gum in the process. "Girl, we need to get you up to date like pronto."

Hakeem popped her bubble with his pen. She laughed, blowing another one. It was as if they didn't hook up in an empty classroom three weeks ago.

They were completely back to normal. Therefore, allowing Hakeem to date a girl named Brooklyn without having to look over his shoulder.

"It's only one of the juiciest page on Insta ever!" Kat shrieked. "Does that mean that I can keep or delete the video? Just sleep on it for one more night and then I promise, I'll do whatever you decide."

Kat, I haven't slept in days, I wanted to say but instead said, "Sure."

The bell rang for last period so everyone left, leaving Bre and me to gather our things. Today she looked different without her usual bun but her hair in four cornrows and big hoop earrings hanging down her ears.

She finished the last equation on her calculus assignment with a satisfied twirl.

"Why is that you don't talk much?" I didn't expect her to answer, but I had to get the question out.