Lunch came around quicker than I expected and throughout my classes that led up to my lunch hour, all I heard were whispers on how Tony Perry hooked up with ‘that girl—you know, the one who hangs out with the hottie’. I kept trying my best to block it out because none of it was true, but it came to the point where people approached me to ask how I snagged Tony into bed—or pool since apparently that’s where it took place. In return, I would probably gag or just silently fume with an expression of disgust, but I refused to speak to anyone.

Walking into the cafeteria, I stood in line but couldn’t really keep still since I was silently fuming. Callie had texted me earlier how she wasn’t heading back to campus, which meant for the next 45 minutes of lunch it will be spent eating alone with a bunch of assholes who will probably be snagging glances my way. The chicken salad looked soggy and the chicken itself looked dry, but I got it anyway. My appetite was fleeting since this entire day turned to shit. I walked to my usual table and sat down; prepared for the inevitable silence I will be faced with. I stuffed my earphones in and blasted Thrice loudly. I wanted this day to be over, and there have been a few scenarios where I envisioned myself hopping in my car and driving off. But since I have a reasonable brain, I decided to stay in school so I could do my Calculus test, which by the way I know for a fact I did horrible on.

“I’m really sorry.” Tony said while sliding in front of me.

I rolled my eyes. “Save it Perry. I might be angry, but you haven’t said anything that would actually surprise me.” I brushed off.

“Yeah, but the things I said, I’m not usually the kind of guy to just be an outright asshole.” He interjected.

“I could care less on what kind of person you are, okay?” I countered impassively.

“Yeah, but—“ I cut him off midsentence.

I held up my hand for further assurance to stop him from speaking. “Tony, I’m fine. The things you do or don’t tell me won’t scar me for life. I’m not the kind of girl who will stay up all night and dissect our conversations. You were honest, so thanks.”

Tony looked dumbfounded. I could tell he was expecting me to remain livid from this morning’s conversation, but I wasn’t mad at him for that. I was mad because the rumors hadn’t died down, and right now, in this moment with Tony sitting across of me, they probably won’t die down anytime soon.

“For the record, I didn’t start those rumors.” Tony said softly.

“Sure, whatever.” I answered with an unmoved expression on my face.

Tony fidgeted where he sat. I guess he thought that maybe I wasn’t telling the truth. “Let me make it up to you.” Tony offered.

“Jesus Christ! Tony, I don’t want you to do anything for me. I don’t want your pity, I don’t want your apologies, I just want to be alone.” My words were stern and just loud enough to make him flinch, but not for anyone else to hear.

Tony looked away like a wounded puppy. I felt like a bitch for snapping at him, but I was barely bothered by it. “Okay.” Was all he said before getting up and leaving.

I pulled out my copy of The Looking Glass and opened it at a random page.

We are faced with many questions and decisions; life, death, love, hate—they’re the fillings in the sandwich, you see, and I hadn’t realized that I didn’t take a single bite out of it. I was waiting, and I didn’t know what for.

The quote hit me where it felt personal. The convenience of this quote made my insides turn and my cheeks burn. I was breathing steadily but it was only because I was trying my best to control it. My heart was pounding rapidly and all I could think of was that I just wanted to be in art class with buckets of paint and an empty canvas.

The bell rang, releasing me from the concentrated stare I had on my face. I hadn’t realized I was stoically staring at my novel for the remaining ten minutes of lunch as the whispers grew louder around me. I looked up to find Melody Kopfs and her friends staring at me. I sighed before getting up from my table and walking to class.

---

It was after school and I hid out in the library until it was time for campus to be cleared. I was waiting until I was sure that the school would empty from anyone who would bug me about those damn rumors. I walked into the empty parking lot to find my car in the lot. My phone began buzzing, which startled me since I never get calls. Glancing at the caller ID, I groaned before picking up.

“Hey Veronica.” I said in a less than enthusiastic voice.

“Verity, thank God. I haven’t been able to get through to mom them.” Veronica said with exasperation.

“Yeah, I assume they’re working.” I remarked.

Veronica giggled before saying “I was just checking up on my favorite sister. It’s been too long since we last spoke.”

“Maybe it’s because your time zone is nearly half a day ahead of us.” I offered. “Which makes me wonder why you’re still up.”

Veronica combined a groan and sigh before saying “It was a hell of a day in the office. I even ate carbs!”

“Sounds awful.”

“A little support would be nice, Verity.” My sister remarked.

I laughed. “I don’t do nice, Veronica.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s one of the reasons I love ya to death.” She laughed. There was something off about it, but I didn’t think too long on it.

“So, what’s new with you?” I asked trying to make conversation—I was never good at it though.

“Nothing.” I could tell she was lying. “I just miss you.” She added but this time I heard her sincerity. Veronica is never this sentimental.

“I miss you too.” I reciprocated.

She let out a yawn before saying “I think I should get some sleep.”

“Yeah, do that and I’ll let mom them know you called.” I told her before saying our goodbyes and hung up.

The parking lot was vacant and the sun was nearing the horizon. I debated if I should call Callie, but then decided to start my stop motion photography project; which according to the syllabus is due in three weeks. I drove to my house in silence; not bothering on putting on music since my thoughts was occupied with the day’s events. I saw my parents’ cars in the driveway and silently groaned. I didn’t have some off putting relationship with my parents; however, I also wasn’t particularly close with them either since we didn’t have much in common. I walked into the house to hear a soft argument moving through the air.

“Mom? Dad?” I called out just to let them know I was home. I knew they wouldn’t want me to overhear their argument.

“Verity, sweetie. You’re home already?” My mother’s southern drawl of a voice asked from the kitchen.

It’s pretty much the same time as it’s been every day. I thought but said “Yeah, I have tons of homework to finish.”

I walked into the kitchen to see forced smiles on both of my parent’s faces. I chose to avoid questioning them and walked over to the fridge to grab out bottled water.

“How was the party last night?” My mother asked with a bright smile on her face, replacing the forced one she had on previously.

When I had told her about my plans last night, I swear it was the equivalent to me saying that some guy proposed to me. I could tell she was happy that I was getting out of the house.

“Okay, I guess.” I answered truthfully before saying “It wasn’t life changing.” I decided to keep out the part where stupid rumors formed out of thin air.

Her smile slipped just a fraction. “Did you have fun at least?” I could tell her eyes were searching for my happiness.

I conjured up a convincing smile and said “Yeah.” However, truthfully speaking, the party wasn’t my thing. “Veronica called me, she said she was trying to get a hold of you guys.” I told them before leaving the room. I could feel the tension from my two parents buzzing in the air, and at the moment I couldn’t take it.

Notes

You guys asked for an update, so here it is!

Your comments made my day, by the way, so thanks!! /-\

Let me know what you think :)

PS.
The story that I'm referring to (The Looking Glass) I made it up. It's not a real story. So any other reference to TLG is all made up and doesn't relate to any book that I actually read. Just thought I'd let you know...thnx for reading! I might just upload once more. I dont know yet :)