Page 220 of Vile Boys

Oh man, how am I going to do this?

“Thank you,” she says. “And please let me know how it goes!”

“I’m on my way,” I say as I grab my stuff.

Briefly looking in the mirror, I pull the red rose from behind my ear and tuck it into my pocket. I don’t want Lana to ask any questions I’m not ready to answer.

I exit my room and head out, but my courage wanes with every step I take.

I know exactly why she doesn’t want to talk and why she had that fight.

It’s all my fault, but could I say those words out loud?

When I finally make it to the building she lives in, it feels like I practically floated there. I don’t remember walking. Or knocking on her door.

All I know is that I’m here.

“Lana? Brooke called and said you wouldn’t let anyone into your room so I thought I’d come over. Are you okay in there?”

It takes her a while to respond.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

I open the door and slowly peek inside. She’s sitting on her bed with puffy eyes, pretending she didn’t just cry. It’s the same face I put up after bawling my eyes out.

“She told you about the picture?” She pushes her pillow into her chest like she’s looking for a hug.

I swallow and nod.

Brooke didn’t just tell me. I was the one who sent it. But I can’t get the words across my lips.

“I saw it. I’m sorry. Can I sit down next to you?”

When she nods, I walk over and gently sit down beside her, wrapping my arms around her so I can at least offer her some comfort. I owe her that and so much more.

“It’s okay,” I mutter.

How do I ever go about fixing this?

It’s too late. Everyone already saw the picture.

“I’m mortified,” Lana says, her voice fluctuating in tone.

“It’s not your fault,” I swiftly say.

The last thing I want is for her to blame herself.

She turns to gaze at me. “Please promise me you won’t tell my dad or my brother.”

That’s what she’s worried about? Her brother?

I place a hand on her knee. “I won’t. I promise, but I can’t guarantee other people won’t.” I can barely look at her. “Most of the students at school already saw it.”

She grimaces. “I hope the one who spread it dies a miserable death.”

Oh God.

I don’t want to die.

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