The Text

After we hung out at the café, we exchanged numbers and went our separate ways.

The moment I got home, I threw myself onto my bed with a sigh. It had been a long day—long, but not in a bad way. My mind was still spinning from everything that had happened, from every glance, every accidental touch. From her.

I barely had time to let it all settle before my phone buzzed.

》Cillicule - Wyd?

A simple abbreviation. My lips twitched as I typed back.

》Ashanty - Nothing much, just laying down. You?

The response was instant.

》Cillicule - I'm watching a scary movie. It's about vampires, and for some reason, I thought of you. I wonder why that is.. Do you know?

I rolled my eyes, a warm flush creeping onto my face as I bit my lips and smiled.

》Ashanty - Oh, get out of here with that… Is that really why you texted me?

》Cillicule - Well… I actually texted you for something else.

That caught my attention. What could she possibly want to talk about?

》Ashanty - What is it? Are you good?

A pause. I could see the little typing bubble flicker, disappear, then return. Finally—

》Cillicule - I'm fine- it's just that my friends and I are going to a skating rink this Saturday. Are you up for it? I kinda… talked to them about you. We want you to come.

I stared at the message, heart skipping a beat.

She talked to them about me?

A strange mix of excitement and nerves twisted in my stomach. I barely knew Lucille, and now she wanted me to meet her friends? Was that normal? Did she talk about everyone this way, or was I overthinking?

The thought of being in public, in a crowd, in a place where I had to hide myself—it sent a pang of unease through me. But the idea of saying no? That felt worse. Of course I wanted to hang out with her, I'm nervous about meeting her friends, though.

》Ashanty - Sounds fun. Count me in.

I held my breath as I waited.

》Cillicule - Cool :) Can’t wait. It’s at ■■■■ ■■ ■■■ at 8 PM.

I exhaled, staring at the screen for a moment longer.

Tomorrow. It’s already happening tomorrow.

That realization made my stomach flip. I quickly glanced at the mirror across the room, groaning at my reflection. My hair was a mess, my eyes looked tired, and my mind was already racing with worst-case scenarios.

Would I be able to keep up the act? Would they notice something off about me? Would Lucille? What happens if she does? I wouldn't be able to handle her looking at me the way my parents did, even the thought is sickening.

I groaned again, burying my face into my pillow. I’ll think about it tomorrow.

For now, I just let myself enjoy the fact that Lucille had texted me first and let tomorrow me handle tomorrow's work..

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***