24

SHE DOESN'T TEXT BACK. I WAIT FOR HOURS BEFORE FALLING ASLEEP, and the next morning—nada. She doesn't talk to me in school either. Whenever we run into each other, she would acknowledge me but not approach. I spend a week utterly alone during lunch break. Even Royce, a friendly face, is nowhere to be seen.

At least I could distract myself with finals and then Christmas break.

I eat lunch in a corner of the field, like I used to in my old school, and for company I video-call Vern. Whatever he's doing, at work or otherwise, he'd pick up. He'd find a way.

Vern:Chin up. She's not worth it if she doesn't come around. You don't need her. You're stronger without dead weight. Anyway, with these people, it was bound to happen sooner or later

Me:What do you mean? She's my best friend, Vern

Vern:They are not like us, Agnes. Trust me. They only look out for their kind

Vern:Where's Royce in all of this?

Me:He's busy with peer tutoring and classes, I guess

Vern: Too busy to realize you're in pain?

He has a point: Where is Royce? Is he avoiding me? He'd been acting weird since our double date that wasn't a double date—heck, he'd been acting weird since the morning after our charity gala thing.

Vern:Forget them. Focus on the qualifiers this Friday and let me look out for you. Focus on us. Focus on winning.

~

Mrs. Yoon:Agnus, you coming back to work this week

Me:Hi, Mrs. Yoon, sorry I don't think I can wait tables anymore, because I reinjured my leg, do you need someone to work at the till?

Mrs. Yoon:No need is OK you don't come back

Mrs. Yoon:Bye

Mrs. Yoon:Also tell your friend Royce he has work with me if he want anytime