Dear Love, I Hate You (Easton High)

“Vee, I…” He opens his mouth to speak, his voice breaking, but no apology could ever make up for what’s befallen us.

The damage is done.

We both know it.

So, I give him one last look, take back my hand, and do what I should’ve done from the first time he answered my letter…

Run.

Aveena

I was hoping the next few days would get easier.

Hint: they didn’t.

I’ve barely stepped out of my room since I phoned my mom two days ago, faking the worst headache of my life. After I abandoned Xavier by the school exit, I drove myself home, turned off the lights and my phone, then crawled into bed.

I haven’t left it since.

I couldn’t bear the thought of opening social media and seeing mentions of our confessions all over my feed. I’ve spent the last forty-eight hours praying for this mess to miraculously go away. For people to stop talking about us, and move on to the next juicy gossip.

Problem is, in a town as small as Silver Springs, the “juicy” gossip is never that juicy. There’s a fat chance any of them will top our dirty little secrets. I’m not senseless. I know there’s no way Zac and Love will be ancient history by the time I go back to school, which will have to be soon, to my great misery.

I doubt Mom will buy the headache act much longer.

Reaching for my phone tucked away in my bottom drawer, I draw a long, shaky breath before turning it back on. The screen flashes white for a minute. Then it all comes rushing back—an unwelcomed reminder that just because I stopped living in the world doesn’t mean it stopped turning.

I have five unopened messages from Xavier.

And six from Dia.

Xavier: Are you okay?

Xavier: Vee?

Xavier: Please talk to me.

Xavier: I’m so fucking sorry about what happened.

Xavier: Vee, at least tell me you’re okay, I’m going crazy.

I tap out of the conversation without answering. Two days have passed and I still don’t have it in me to face him.

Dia:

Vee? What’s going on?

Dia: Why haven’t you been at school?

Dia: Are you ok?

Dia: Vee, please, call me back. I’m worried about you.

Dia: Look, I hate to tell you this over text, but people have been talking. I don’t know what to think.

Dia: You should take a look at this.

Dia attached four screenshots.