Talking face-to-face was overrated. Sure, teens in Littleton High School still spoke to each other in the hallways, but everyone had a habit of glancing at their phones at least five times in five minutes. Everyone was waiting for a text, a DM, or any notifications—likes, tags, and comments—as if waiting for the person in front of them to talk to them virtually.

Despite being an outcast, in some unfortunate ways, I was still one of them. I spent more time sending messages to Lotty in the evenings than actually talking to her when we were at school.

Last night, we sent over fifty texts about this list of debut dates of upcoming K-pop artists and groups. The other night, we messaged each other until two in the morning about an influencer's drug case. It was our norm.

What wasn't normal was me walking up to talk to Cathy at the school's main entrance instead of sending her a DM through social media.

She was leaning on one of the columns that held the gable portico shading the main entrance. Her wide, fascinated eyes focused on the phone in her hands. Her lips arched in a one-sided smile.

"Cathy?" I started.

She peered up and blinked before recognizing me. Her lips parted, red from the cold. "Hey," she said as she lowered her phone.

"Hey," I returned, mustering the courage to speak to her. "I saw you reading a book in the hallway yesterday." I tried not to sound accusing.

Her shoulders rose. "Nothing wrong with reading. I've grown to like it. I'm reading now." She turned the face of her phone to me.

I squinted at what looked like an online resource for biology. The article discussed the life of whale sharks. I gazed back at her, giving her a quizzical brow. "Is that for science class? Do we have a test?" I asked.

"No, I just wanted to read it. I didn't like reading before but have liked it since yesterday." She smiled like she was proud of herself.

I never pegged her for someone who willingly read academic information. She wasn't one of the achievers in our year. She was the tall but quiet one, trying to stay undetected until graduation. And ten years from now, it would take about a minute for people to rake their brains before they could say, 'Oh! Catherine Brown. I remember you!'

"No wonder you like books. This is amazing," she added.

I mirrored her smile. It was nice to hear someone was enjoying reading like me. "Yeah, it's amazing," I confirmed. "I prefer physical books, though. You should try them."

"Going to. I ordered some interesting titles I saw on Goodreads. But I don't know what genre I like yet. Any recommendations?" she asked.

My heart sparked. I couldn't believe I was talking to someone about books. "I like to read fantasy novels. I also read other genres occasionally. I can send you a link if you want." My uncontrollable smile stretched my face.

"Cool. Do you have my number?" she asked.

"No, but I follow you on Instagram."

"Okay. I'll follow you back." She opened the app on her phone. "What's your handle?"

"BookishWarrior01." As soon as I gave it to her, I realized it sounded deadass embarrassing.

But instead of making fun of me, Cathy peered up at me, amazed. "That username is lit. Maybe I should change mine. It's so plain. CuteyCatCathy."

"I like your handle. I think it's... cute." I couldn't find the proper adjective, so I took it from the name.

"Aw, thanks."

I could tell by her tone that it wasn't the compliment she expected.

"So, you're asking about a book I was reading yesterday?" she asked, returning to my original query. She stepped away from the column, standing straight.

I had to crane my neck to look at her face. She was seven inches taller than me. "Yes, you were reading it in the hallway yesterday."

Cathy tapped her chin, looking sideways and thinking. "I can't remember reading a book in the hallway yesterday. But I know I read one in the cafeteria. I also went to the school library after my last period to check out a book on constellations. It's intriguing."

So, that was why I couldn't find her after classes yesterday. She was in the library.

"That's... great." It seemed like a congratulatory moment for Cathy, and I was happy for her. The world could use more book nerds, for sure. "I saw you reading a red book."

"Mmh..." She tapped her chin again. "I haven't seen a red book."

"But you were reading it yesterday. You were near the restrooms." I pointed toward the school's double doors, indicating the hallway inside.

"Sorry, Elsy. I didn't read any red book," she said. The confusion that crossed her brows was genuine.

Yet I couldn't believe it. How could she not remember what she was reading only twenty-four hours ago? "Are you sure?" I prodded. "The title of the book is How to Fall in Love."

"Huh," she said. "I didn't know you were into that kind of thing."

"No, no. I'm not," I raised my palms to her. "I borrowed it from the public library. Not on purpose. It's a long story. But it went missing, and I thought I saw you reading it." Okay, now I was starting to sound accusing.

Cathy nodded. "I still can't remember seeing a red book with that title."

I took a deep breath in and out. Maybe I should have gone after her yesterday morning when I had the chance.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes darting over my face.

"Uhm..." I couldn't say yes. But the more I pressed on the matter, the more she denied it—genuinely denied it. Either she believed herself, or she was a great liar.

Why would Cathy not tell the truth?

I didn't think ill of people. If she were hiding the book from me, she wouldn't have read it in the hallway, where I would likely have seen it. Maybe I was mistaken. The dim hallway light might have caused a color effect that made the book Cathy was reading appear red.

"Uh—yup," I tried again, observing how her facial features turned from confused to concerned. "Everything. Is. Good." I enunciated each word as if I were trying to convince myself.

"Okay," she said, her tone flat. "I can keep an eye out for your red book. I'll let you know if I see anything like it."

It was good of her to offer that. "Thanks," I said, but I wasn't satisfied.

"Elsy," I heard Lotty's voice. When I turned to the school's entrance, she stood there as students walked by.

Her eyes darted past me, and she saw Cathy. A surprised smile curved her lips. "Cathy," she said.

"Hey!" Cathy walked to her, forgetting I was there.

I watched as they met halfway and discussed a movie they had seen together. I didn't even know when they hung out. Without me. I had a sinking feeling as I observed how they smiled at each other.

I was jelly. I expected Lotty to find new friends sooner or later, but I didn't expect it to torment me like this. It was a snake bite, painful and poisonous, and I had to shake it out of my system before it consumed me.

I turned away and fixed my eyes down at the parking lot below. The school sat on uneven ground, with the entrance higher than the lot. It had the view of the cars and road and the naked trees across the block.

I monitored the students who drove in. Some were getting dropped off by their parents or older brothers or sisters, saying their see-you-laters—words I was waiting for Lotty and Cathy to say to each other before turning back to them.

My eyes roved over the first line of cars parked—mostly sedans. Then, I found a familiar gray pickup truck rolling in. I couldn't help but stare, knowing I'd see Finn in the diver's seat through the windshield, but the morning light reflecting off the truck's hood caused glare and forbade that.

Like a lot of students, Finn walked to school. But sometimes, he liked to borrow his older brother's car to drive. It was an observation I didn't know I'd done.

The truck stopped in one of the open slots. After a few heartbeats, the door opened, and Finn hopped out. He was wearing his maroon Crusaders varsity jacket.

I felt like I was watching a clothing commercial. Either his attire made him look good or the other way around. But Finn had that natural effect. He was just one of those good-looking people everyone envied. One of those attractive teens who quickly found romantic relationships as soon as they hit puberty.

Finn had his first girlfriend in sophomore year. Her name was Julia Taylor. They were strong for about five months until Julia moved to California. They stayed in touch and tried to make it work long distance. But, like most couples separated by one hundred and twenty-five miles, they eventually ended their relationship.

Why did I know that about him? Because everyone else did. It was the breakup of the year.

I wasn't aware I was staring at him until he turned in my direction. Looking up from the parking lot, his eyes found me. He gave me a soft smile and a relaxed nod.

I blinked, surprised he saw me from this far.

Oh, wait.

I glanced over my shoulder. Lotty stood behind me as she waved to Finn below. My heart dropped, heat flashing over my cheeks.

Still grinning, Lotty stepped up to me. "Let's get inside. I'm cold," she said, pivoting toward the entrance.

I searched around. Cathy was gone. I took a step to follow Lotty, but I stopped. Turning back, I checked if Finn was still there. He was, but he wasn't looking our way anymore. He was typing on his phone.

I wondered if he was texting Lotty. I caught myself and how I was feeling at the moment. I was jelly of Cathy. Was I jelly of Finn too? Or was I jelly of Lotty?

I wanted to pull my hair out. Oof. What was wrong with me today?

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Nothing much for me to say here but thank you. :)

Happy Reading!

Hi_D

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