Beneath the Surface|COMPLETED

twenty|did you pose for that photo?

Monday, January 7th, 2019

8:17 AM

"Yo, Amara! Why does Lakeview get to see what you've got underneath all those clothes?" Roger shouts when he sees me in English, causing some of the boys to snicker.

I had only been in school for less than an hour and I already wanted to leave. I wanted to pack up my things and never come back.

Everyone was looking at me. It's possible that I'm being paranoid, but I swear I can feel their stares. I can't keep my head down in a small school like Dawson.

After Tyler had posted that picture of me on Instagram, my notifications had blown up. I had received (and ignored) texts from Jordan, DMs from Lakeview boys, and the comment section wasn't exactly pleasant. I had called Emery that day to meet in person so that she could tell me what she knew about that night. Apparently, someone had taken a video of Isaac and Zoe making out at the party. Not only did I find it kind of weird and creepy that someone had taken that video, but I was hurt. I thought maybe the time we had spent together and the kiss we had shared that night meant something. Then again, I can't imagine what he must have thought or felt when he saw the picture of me. If he even saw it. We haven't spoken in days.

Xavier hasn't said a word to me either. I've tried talking to him, but he's been avoiding me. As far as I know, Rosie hasn't seen the photo. If she has, she has not shown any sign of it. My parents, of course, have no idea what's happening.

"Shut up, Roger." Emery glares at him. To me, she says, "Just ignore them."

"That's what I've been doing since that picture came out," I replied. Granted, it had only been about a week since this started and today was the first day of school, but that didn't mean I was used to or ready for it.

"Alright, settle down. The holidays are over and it's time to focus," Ms. Harper says as she gets to the front of the classroom. "Luckily, today all you need to focus on is replying to your pen pals. You may sit wherever you like for today, and start on your response once I hand you your letter."

We've only written to them a few times, but I know that Annaliese has two cats (Ginger & Snap), a younger brother, and her favorite color is yellow.

Dear Amara,

I am exited that Chrismas is soon. I love making cookies and getting presence. Do you celebrate Chrismas? Oh! Ginger and Snap will be getting there own swetters for New Year's. Isn't that exiting! I will see if I can send you a picshure.

Your friend,

Annaliese

I smile at her typos and excitement. I can't help wish I could go back to this age, or any time really, to where I wasn't dealing with all of this. Pushing the thought away, I reply to Annaliese.

Annaliese,

I'm sure that Ginger & Snap look adorable in their sweaters. I do celebrate Christmas! I had a good time with my family. Did you have fun making cookies? What is your favorite movie?

Your friend,

Amara

Once I'm finished, I put it in an envelope and go to the front of the room to turn it in. On my way back, I scan the room for Isaac but see that he's not here. That's unusual since, from what I recall, he's never missed a day of school. Maybe he's running late or he's sick, I try to rationalize. He's probably fine and I'm just overthinking. Seeing as I have a bunch of time on my hands, I go over to Ms. Harper's desk and talk to her about All American until the class is over.