ME & HIM ✔︎

5

UPDATED

—

"Wake up! I'm not trying to be late for work."

Footsteps echoed on the stairs, each thud sending a ripple of dread through me. I groaned. It's the freaking third day in a row. The least I could do was rest. I had no energy or desire to go to school today. I buried my face deeper into my pillow, desperately hoping to drift back into sleep.

"Ari, wake your ass up! I know you heard me coming up here. Don't make me make you," my aunt's voice boomed as she entered Ariana's room.

A small grin crept across my face, knowing it wasn't my room that she first invaded. At least I had a few precious seconds before she barged through my door. The sound of her footsteps grew louder, and I squeezed my eyes shut, feigning sleep like a pro.

The doorknob rattled, and a moment later, I felt her presence looming closer. I cracked open my left eye, just a sliver, and was immediately blinded by the harsh morning light streaming in. I huffed, fully aware that my time was running out.

"Wake your butt up! Stop pretending you're sleeping," my aunt declared as she yanked the curtains wide open, flooding the room with light.

I opened my other eye and shot her a glare, my annoyance palpable. "Really? Why can't we just skip school until next week? A little break would be nice," I groaned, my voice thick with sleep.

"Because," she replied, the word clipped and final, before slamming my door behind her with a decisive thud.

Mornings with my aunt were always a rollercoaster. Her mood swings could rival a tempest, and I had grown accustomed to her brand of annoying wake-up calls. I rolled over, staring at the ceiling, contemplating the day ahead. Maybe I could negotiate with her later. Maybe I could convince her to let me stay home today. But for now, the bed felt too comfortable, and the world outside too overwhelming.

I lay on my bed for a moment, lost in thought, when my phone began to ring. I raised my right eyebrow, puzzled. That was strange; my phone never rings.

Glancing at the caller ID, I saw a number I didn't recognize. Reluctantly, I swiped to answer. "Hello?"

"Chi! It's me, Sofia." A wave of confusion washed over me. How did she even get my number? I had seen her at Domino's two days ago, and despite everything, I missed her.

I sat up, swinging my legs back and forth on my queen-sized bed. "How did you get my number?"

"Well... your cousin kind of gave it to me."

I slapped my forehead and shook my head in disbelief. Of course, she did. I didn't recall Ariana talking to them two days ago. I remembered stepping away to use the restroom. They must have approached her then.

"B-but don't tell her I told you. Anyway, it's Monday, which means school. I was wondering if you're coming today or maybe next week."

I got off the bed and opened my closet, contemplating what to wear. "I am actually. Clarissa is making us go, even though I told her we could always wait until next week."

I pulled out a black T-shirt emblazoned with 'PARANOID' in bright orange. As I rummaged for cargo pants, I smiled to myself. Being a tomboy, my wardrobe was filled with practical clothes, and I had an abundance of shoes—just no heels.

"I'm really glad you're back, China. I hope we can rebuild our bond. I missed you, Chi, and I'm so sorry for not reaching out." Her voice cracked, and I couldn't help but smile.

"It's okay. I forgive you."

Progress.

"For real!" she squealed, making me wince as I instinctively pulled my phone away from my ear. Annoyance bubbled up, and I contemplated hanging up. "Okay, okay, stop the yelling."