Page 46 of Happy Ending

my mother tried to sit me down and tell me all the ways

she was planning on uprooting my life again.

“Tell me, Laine, have you spoken to Father Robert

about getting involved with the youth group?” Mother asks

through a mouth full of crunchy Wheat O’s.

“Yes, he says he’s happy to have me, and since I’m a

senior, I’ll make for a good mentor to the younger kids.” I

parrot back to her exactly what Father Robert told me. “Good! I’ve also been speaking with the other moms,

and one of them has a son in your grade who’s in the

youth group. I want you to meet him, and he can guide you

in this position. He’s been at Holy Trinity since preschool.” “Mother, it’s okay. I can handle some kids on my

own.”

“It’s not just handling, hija! You’re new to the church

and the school. He knows how things are run.” A smirk

grows across her face. “Plus, he’s a cutie!”

I scoff and get up to clean my dish, wanting this

conversation to end as soon as possible.

I don’t need a reminder of the future son-in-law I’m

potentially robbing my mother of by being with Drew. “Go shower and wear something nice! We are meeting

with him and his mother today.” Mother calls after me as I

try to escape to my room.

When I get to my room, I pick up my phone and

long-press the side button until the logo contrasts too

bright against the black screen. I’ve been turning my phone

off recently to clear my head, and I figured that maybe

turning it off and focusing on my art project would also

turn off the overbearing thoughts that linger in my head. Unfortunately, I’ve found that switching off my phone

and giving my mind complete silence only amplifies the

buzzing of unwanted thoughts.

When the screen lights up, I see a missed call from

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