Trying to live #Wattys2024

Chapter 14 Part I (Edited)

Summer Before Junior Year

Dear Diary,

I'm feeling a mix of nerves and excitement right now. Ms. Denvers, the head of my block, said someone called for me! I can call them back in a few minutes. I'm sure it's Henry. It has to be Henry.

Scott might call, but he's not really the calling type. He prefers texting. I, on the other hand, am too lazy for either—yet I wait for calls like they're candy. I don't have anyone else here, except... well, Maya. But I'd rather not count her.

I know I haven't told Henry anything—about how Mom treats me, or how I treat myself, or how much it all hurts. But now, I really want to talk to him, to tell him everything. Even the way Maya asks me questions about my life. She literally asks about my life, and I answer her (leaving out the juicy details about Mom and me). It feels weird, but every time I ask her about herself, she dodges or ignores my questions.

She won't even tell me why she's here, but I don't tell her either because my reason is plain stupid. I just know she's homeschooled because her parents moved around so much, and she doesn't know if they'll move again. For now, though, she's here.

Anyway, I'm about to call back (Henry <3) and hopefully have a nice chat.

Bye

Beginning of Junior Year

I didn't realize how foolish I could be. If you want to understand just how foolish, read my entry above. Here I am, sitting on my bed with a bottle of whiskey (a terrible joke) from Mom's cabinet, re-reading my diary.

It's hard to comment on this entry because it's cringeworthy and naïve to have assumed that my ex called me. It wasn't him. He never called. Henry probably enjoyed himself and decided it was best for me to be left alone.

I know my departure wasn't pleasant for either of us. He was angry, but how could he not call? I needed him—maybe anyone. Writing and reading what I wrote about Maya is painful. That's why the whiskey and the party downstairs. Damn Scott! Doesn't he know I didn't want people in my house or room? I had to lock my door!

Every time I look out my window and see the Avilla mansion, I can't shake the feeling that someone from there called me. The phone call wasn't one I expected, but it helped me. The person on the other end reached out more than Henry ever did. For that, even if I wouldn't admit it, I am grateful <3

Bye

Cam

That was the person on my mind. I was searching for him as I walked upstairs. After our cleaning session in the library, I hurried home and texted Rose that something important came up. She probably knew I was lying, but she sent me a thumbs-up emoji. I even canceled my "date" with Cam, opting instead to do my homework, eat something, and sleep as if I had nothing to do.

But I did feel guilty for the way I talked to Cam. It wasn't his fault. He didn't know that I didn't deserve to laugh or smile. It was my own doing. I shouldn't be angry with him.

I found Cam in the gaming room. The room was stocked with games and furnished with a wide couch and lounge chairs. My gaze swept the room until it settled on a familiar figure. Cam was lying on the couch, engrossed in a book. He looked comfortable in casual clothes and barefoot. His dirty blonde hair was tousled in every direction. Sometimes, I forgot his natural hair color was black like Henry's.

Suddenly, his book slipped from his hands and fell on his chest. I tiptoed to the couch and watched him. Cam was clearly asleep, and I wanted to talk to him. I sighed; this would have to wait. Falling asleep with a book could be uncomfortable. Cam lay straight, one arm behind his head and the other resting over the book on his stomach.