Dear Diary

Chapter 95

The next day Cole wasn't at school. I didn't know whether to be relieved or worried. Relieved because I wouldn't have to face him after breaking up with him, but worried about what might have happened to prevent him from coming to school. 

Although ... I had a pretty good idea what it could be.

As I walked into the school building something immediately felt wrong. People were looking at me more than usual, whispering more than usual and, for once, I felt like they could all go jump in a lake. 

I was too exhausted to care.

After I heard my parents talking last night, sleep failed to come to me. The whole night I tossed and turned - earning the odd irritated grunt from Dobey. I couldn't sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, images would flash across my mind - images of Cole and the heartbreaking look on his face. I only started to doze off when the sun came up, but then I had to get ready for school. Now add the fact that I didn't sleep much the night before last night to the mix, and you'll get a very I-don't-give-a-flying-fish Lizzy on your plate.

I was just finished grabbing my books for the day's classes and closed my locker when I felt a group of girls surround me. I looked at my friends and raised an eyebrow when they stared at me cautiously. 

I sighed, knowing the look. "What happened now?"

It was silent for a moment before Natalie spoke. "Is it true?" When I gave her a baffled look she explained, "Are you and Cole actually ... a thing?"

I felt a familiar pain enter my chest at the mention of the dark-haired boy. My eyes immediately trailed to Anne who instantly shook her head, letting me know silently that she didn't spill. 

I believed her.

I turned around and pressed my forehead against my locker and let out a soft groan. Can no-one ever just mind their own business? 

"Where did you hear that?" I muttered.

Natalie seemed to be the only one brave enough to speak. "Someone saw you and Cole behind the west wing after break yesterday. Word is that you've been seeing Cole behind Richard's back. We know he tutors you but they say you were getting quite ... handsy. Is it true?"

Why did I feel a sense of déjà vu? Oh wait, that's right, because this has happened before. I sighed. I should've known that our little 'chat' would've gained attention. But whoever it was clearly didn't stay long enough to see what happened next and stretched the truth a little to make it juicier.

My shoulders slumped. There was no point in hiding the truth from them anymore. The whole point of keeping us a secret was so that my parents didn't find out ... and because I'm still Richard's fake-girlfriend. 

"It was true, but we never went as far as the rumour states," I mumbled, my forehead still leaning against the locker.

"Was?" I could hear the confusion clearly.

"I ... don't really want to talk about it right now," I whispered, my voice clogging as the memories from yesterday resurfaced.

Silence came over the group and I took a deep breath, trying my best to put on a brace face and turned to my group. 

"Come on, we're going to be late for class."

-

The rest of the day didn't get any better. As the news about Cole and I spread, I noticed more heated looks from the girls as they passed me, some looking me up and down then rolling their eyes. I remember the first time I was the hot topic of gossip I was shrinking in my boots. Now I just stare straight ahead and wipe off their hateful glares with the back of my hand.