[13]

| march 14, 2018 | 6:40 am est | 7:40 pm kst |

L e a h.

I step out of the shower, the cool air instantly hitting my damp skin. The excess water from my hair, dripping onto my shoulders, does not help with the temperature situation at all...

I turn on the air vent, trying to un-fog the mirror, and begin my morning routine.

Searching for my off-white, over-sized sweater to match it with a pair of my plaid pants.

I hear mom cooking in the kitchen, humming like she always does in the morning. I make my way down, wanting to say bye before I leave.

"Good morning Momma," I say as I enter the room, giving her a small hug.

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" She sings and I nod. "I didn't make much today, just eggs and toast. Take a plate with you if you're leaving now."

"Thank you," I smile at her, kissing her cheek before I grab some food and leave the house.

It takes me a little less than ten minutes to get to the high school. Since I've gotten there earlier than usual I stay in the car, blasting oldies, and wait for Oli to get here.

I was bobbing my head to 50 Cent and eating my small breakfast, as Oli pulls up 3 minutes later. She looks over at me through the windows and laughs at my dancing.

I simply flip her off and dance more, pointing to her sometimes and turning up the volume even louder. I roll all the windows down, making the music erupt from the car. Earning glances from the other students, some coming closer to the noise, others not bothering to pay attention, which doesn't matter to me.

"Smack that, til you get sore~" I sing along, making sure I add gestures as well. The students that crowded around laugh at my silliness, some recording it.

I keep jamming to the song, Oli finally joining me in her car. We had to be the goofiest people in the world... But before the song can end the warning bell rings and the crowd quickly dispersed.

"Shit!" I yell, trying to hurry out of the car. I fumble with my keys, finally pulling them out of the ignition after all the windows roll back up.

I get out of the car and both Oli and I run for the entrance doors of the school, hoping and praying we make it to our first class on time.

Luckily my first class is on the first floor but Oli on the other hand, has to make to the third floor in time.

"Good luck babe," I semi-yell to her as she reaches the stairwell.

"See you later!" Oli blows a kiss to me before disappearing behind the doors.

I, thankfully, make it into my Ap Lit. class before the announcements start and the bell rings.

"Good morning~" I call out to my classmates and teacher as I enter the room. The small group looks over and smiles to me, some returning with 'good mornings.' I make my way to my desk, beside one of my classmates Ian.

"Hey Ian," I greet, wanting to be social today.

"Good morning," He says looking over at me. The announcements start and with that... Another boring school day begins.

| 11:00 am est |

I enter the cafeteria, looking around for Oli and her group of friends. My eyes spot her when she frantically waves her arms in my direction from across the large room. I laugh at the sight and make my way to her.

"Leah~" She coos as I get close. "How has your day been?"

"It's been alright," I laugh. "How about you guys?" I direct to all of them. The group consisted of Oli's friends Elsa, Ren, Calvin, and Hanna.

Their responses vary between 'meh' and 'shitty,' except Oli. Oli said, "Amazing!"

We all give her a look, practically saying 'what the hell are you on...?'

"What?" She grins at us all. "Today has been a good day!" She shrugs her shoulder before explaining, "First, Leah killed me in the parking lot with her crazy ass dancing," I give her a death glare, to which she just smiles innocently at. "Then, John smiled at me today in second mod. Today has been great... Frickin' Fantastic!"

"Okay...?" I say laughing. "You are talking about the John you've liked this whole year, right?" She gives me a 'well duh!' look. "Why haven't you just talked to him yet?" I ask her.

"You know how I am Leah... I don't want to ruin what we've got going for us." She runs her fingers through her hair while speaking, it's one of her tells.

"It'll help if you talk to him. A weight off your shoulders, you know?"

"Yeah..." She sighs, "You know what, you're right." Her mood changes suddenly, "I'm going to do it on Friday! That way, if it all goes to shit... I have a whole weekend to drown in sorrow and forget about it. And if it goes well, then that'll be the perfect ending to the week... Oh my god I'm a genius!"

We all laugh at her plan. "You sure are," I agree with her, and she grins at me. "And I'm glad I was one of the reasons today has been so great for you!"

"That was hilarious!" Calvin said, finally joining the conversation. They all nod in agreement.

"You all saw it?" I awkwardly play with a loose curl behind my ear.

"I wasn't outside when it happened," he says and I tilt my head, confused as to how he saw it then. "It popped up on my feed... A lot of people posted about it."

My eyes widened noticeably... Great, now there's documented evidence of me being a head-ass. Perfect!

I sigh and scroll through the multitude of tweets and Instagram posts of my poor life decision on my phone.

"Hey, Leah..." Elsa says trying to get my attention.

"Hm?" I look up at her.

"I don't mean to pry but..." She starts. How come every time someone starts with 'I don't mean to pry,' they end up prying? She pauses before beginning again. "How come you never eat lunch?"

"I've noticed that too..." Ren adds.

"Oh... Uh--Well since I don't have classes after lunch, I normally leave school early and go to work. I just eat there." I give them a small smile, hoping they believe my little white lie. One of many I've told this year.

Elsa nods in understanding, as does everyone else at the table. Except for Oli, who narrows her eyes at me, and I quickly avoid her gaze. I look at the clock on one of the walls and mentally celebrate.

Lunch ends in five minutes so I stand from my seat. "I'm gonna go the bathroom. I'll see you guys tomorrow." I smile then turn on my heel, trying to keep my pace neutral and unfazed when I really just want to sprint out of the room. Guilt weighing on my shoulders as I practically fled from the room.

I make it to the bathroom undisturbed and glance around the room at the stalls, all unused. I let out a deep sigh and walk to the sink. Gazing at my reflection, I notice the sadness in my eyes.

Why do I keep lying...?