Don't fall

Chapter XXV: Fuck it

         -Come on, it can't be that bad. -I hear Claire trying to convince me from outside the stall.

-Oh, it's bad alright. -I say, looking down at my skirt.

-I bet you look adorable. -She tries to comfort me and ends up doing the exact opposite.

-How much? -I ask leaning against the door.

-What?

-How much do you bet?

-I don't know... -She stutters for a second. -Twenty bucks?

I immediately leave the stall harshly and I stand in front of Claire, who gives me a confused look.

-You owe me twenty bucks. -I sigh looking down.

-What? No! You look lovely. -Claire tries to fake a "shocked" voice.

-Ugh, that's awful. Do you know how much coke I had to snort and how many idiots I had to beat up to become the degenerate teen I am today? -I pout ironically walking towards the mirror to neaten my bandana.

-No, and I would like to stay in the dark on that one. -She says, concerned.

-I hate myself. -I whisper.

-Oh, please! You look cool, you definitely look cool. You look like the feminism chick. -She realizes and I look at her in confusion. -You know... "We can do it". -The phrase leaves her mouth weakly as she poses like the woman from the We Can Do It! poster.

-You're a very interesting human being. -I smirk, still confused.

-Thanks... -Claire looks down, a little embarrassed. -Shall we go now? I bet Sarah is looking forward to seeing... This. -She gestures at me.

-Is that really necessary?

-You will be having therapy in 3 minutes so... Yeah.

-I hate you. You know that, right? -I click my tongue.

-Nah. You like me. I'm your friend. -She giggles and bumps me in the shoulder.

-Fuck off. -I walk away trying not to smile.

We walk side by side on the way to Sarah's office and I receive quite a few looks of confusion. I didn't realize people actually knew what I looked like before and noticed a difference. They're usually so numb and uninterested. Finally, we reach the white door and Claire allows me to take a deep breath before we walk in. I open the door and Claire closes it behind us. Writing on her clipboard and sitting on her chair, Sarah hears us coming in, but maintains herself focused on the page.

-Hey... -Sarah turns around and looks at us. Her eyes scan me from top to bottom and she interrupts her own sentence in shock. A faded smirk appears on her lips and I actually blush. -...guys.

-I told you. You look lovely. -Claire gives me a little nudge with her elbow and I roll my eyes.

-Can we just skip the whole "first impressions" thing? I feel bad enough as it is. -I say whilst I try to sit on the floor without showcasing my underwear to the whole world.

-I love you to death but I cannot stay quiet in this situation. -She walks excitedly towards me and sits next to me. -You look so...

-Cute! -Claire exclaims.

-Hot! -Sar exclaims at the same time.

They exchange a look of agreement and go back to looking at me.

-Okay, that's enough of a review. How about we study now? -Embarrassment shows itself in my voice, making them giggle.

-Damn, you really are desperate. -Claire jokes. -Unfortunately, you guys are gonna have to hang out by yourselves. Sister Theresa has been noticing my absence so I owe her some favors today. I'll be back later. -She turns around and opens the door to leave.