Page 145 - The Life of A Teenage Girl (Stories About Finding Your Way)

UNDERNEATH IT ALL

by side—even if most of that time was spent fighting. We were actually
close when we were younger. People used to joke about us being

together, and back then, we didn’t mind.

And Tara? She had a habit of twisting things to make them more
dramatic than they actually were. So, I wasn’t about to take her

comment too seriously.
“Tara, I know he never said that,” I said, quieter now. “I mean,

yeah, I know he wouldn’t want to kiss me—and I wouldn’t either—but
still… there was a chance. I was just saying… he could’ve.”

Before she could respond, the bell rang, and just like that, it was

time for lunch.
In the cafeteria, while we were eating at our usual table, two girls

from our class, Mellie and Fay, walked over.
“Hey, Jorelle. How’re you doing?” Fay asked.

I looked up, confused. “Um… I’m good. Why?”
Mellie, with dark brunette hair that reminded me of my mom’s,

leaned in slightly. “We saw what happened this morning in class.”

“Yeah, and we just wanted to check if you’re okay,” Fay added.
I didn’t answer—not because I was being rude, but because I

genuinely didn’t feel like going over it again. I didn’t care to relive the

moment, and honestly, I just wanted to forget about Caleb and his dumb
little prank.

Thankfully, Tara spoke for me. “She’s fine. There’s no slime on
her head anymore.”

They nodded, slow and unsure, before walking off awkwardly.

140