Page 146 of The Glass Girl

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The bed is made, the room has been cleaned and straightened. There are boxes stacked neatly in one corner, which I guess are some of Laurel’s things. I sink into my bed, drag the covers over my body, over my head. I breathe in the darkness under my blanket. I roll over and my cheek hits something flat and hard. I feel around, my fingers closing on a cord.

I peer at my phone, resting on the pillow beside me, charger plugged in. The phone I thought I lost at the party.

The party that changed my whole life.

Did someone bring it back to my mom? Was I just too drunk and thought I lost it but I didn’t?

Maybe I don’t need to know everything. Maybe it’s better if I just let some things go.

Hesitantly, I type in my password.

There are sixty-seven text messages.

My finger shakes, hovering over the message box.

I press it.

My dad.Bell, where are you? You okay?

Right. They must have been texting me the night of the party. My stomach squeezes.

Mom.Bella, please answer. I didn’t like the tone of your last message. I’m worried. Please pick up.

My dad.Hey, Bella, let me know if you’re good. You okay?

Dawn.Hi. I just want you to know I’m thinking of you.

Josh.Hey

Cherie.I’m really sorry. Call me when you get out. I hope you’re okay.

Dawn.Hi. I was listening to this song today. Here it is. I think you’d like it.

Lemon.Hey Bella listen, it was messed up and I’m really sorry. You don’t have to talk to me ever again I just wanted to say that.

Dawn.I hope you got my message. The one I left with the lady at that place. Anyway. I’m here. It was Cherie who told me where you are. I won’t tell anyone. I just wanted you to know I get it and we can be friends if you want to when you get back.

Josh.Hey, what’s up? Are you mad at me or something?

Josh.I’m not sure what’s up. Text me.

Josh.I guess you don’t want to hang out?

Dawn.It’s me again. I guess you’re going to be gone longer. I’m sorry about that. Here’s another song.

Dylan.Hi Bella, it’s me. I hope you r ok.

I scroll through, the messages blurring. There aren’t any from Amber or Kristen. There are, though, a lot from numbers I don’t know.

Girl you famous lets hook up

Your video is my favorite send me more

Ur sexy

I feel sick.

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