Failed Lungs

{ARMANDO}

I stare at the door as I wait for Nicky to knock. Why did I think sleeping with her and not calling would turn out well? Oh, she is here to tell me how fucked up I was. I gather the papers from the table and put them in one bundle.

When a knock comes on the door, I jump. It opens slowly, and when I find it is Aria, I sigh a relief. 

Hopefully, Mr. Jaime was just pulling a stupid joke on me. That morning when she left my room, I was sure Mr. Jaime saw her. And since it is my life and I am an adult, Mr. Jaime has never asked me anything.

Aria tells me, "You don't look okay, do you need me to stay?"

If I wasn't busy staring behind her, I would have noticed the sign of care in her tone. "No," I say.

"Okay, I will be heading home, if you need anything call me."

"Uh-uh."

Aria studies my face and then turns around, "excuse me." I hear her say.

"Sorry," Aria says, and her footsteps echo as she walks away.