Page 88 of Through Quick and Quinn
“I don’t know, Mandy. He’s hard to read, and he doesn’t share much. It took him forever just to tell me his real name and about his fam—”
She might not have even picked up on it if it weren’t for my reaction. It was the first time a true curse word escaped my lips. And of course Mandy jumped on it like a lion to its prey. “Oh my gosh, that’s right! Quick can’t be his real name! What’s his story anyway?”
In slow motion, I watched her expression go from “gossip girl” to “evil victor.” Her eyes revealed a calculation of sorts as they darted around in their sockets, and as she reached for her laptop mumbling something about the perfect thing to take them down, I hung my head in shame. I walked slowly out the door and down the street to my house, confident that she was so absorbed in whatever plan she was concocting that she didn’t even realize I left. She got what she wanted, and as much as I didn’t understand what that was or what it was for, I knew it wasn’t good.
Friday, November 1, 2024
Note to self:
As if the disaster that unfolded at Mandy’s house was not bad enough, I came home to hear Mom and Dad arguing about my college decisions. Or rather, the lack thereof. What a greeting. Actually, they didn’t even realize I walked in, so I headed right up the stairs and shut my door.
I can’t believe I fell for Mandy’s crap. I don’t even know what the crap is, but I know that she didn’t really want to reconnect. That she hadn’t really grown past our childhood drama. Her drama. Not mine. Ugh. I should have listened to Quick. He didn’t tell me what to do, and I know he never would, but he knew right out of the gate that Mandy was bad news. What did he ask me that one time? If she was authentic, or if I thought she could be so? Something like that. Damnit, I messed this up so badly.
Okay, let’s process. I drew attention to the mystery of Quick’s name. I almost mentioned something about his family, but did she pick up on that? Or did she only process the nickname part? Surely by now she has scoured the internet, but to discover his name? Or about Geoffrey? And she wants to do something with that information. What could she do with it? Okay, worst case scenario. Ummm, she says something to him and catches him off-guard at school. Oh, that would be so awful. What if she pulls the bathroom mirror crap again? I don’t know what I would do if that happened.
Oh my gosh, this is so bad. He’ll never forgive me. I betrayed him in the worst, worst possible way. I have to figure this out. I have to stop this. I’ll beg her. I’ll plead. I’ll make her understand how awful it would be to bring up that pain.
Who am I kidding? She wouldn’t care. And even if I get her to agree to keep it quiet, she’ll still know. And she’ll always have that ammunition. I’d never know when she would use it or how. No. The answer is to neutralize her ammo. To render it useless.
Shoot. I have to tell Quick.
Ugh, I long for the simplicity of my life that was. The one back at the oasis. I miss those days. But I know today was just a bad day. Not a bad life. I’m blessed in so many ways, and it’s important to consciously reflect upon that. I am super blessed. I have wonderful parents who love me (even though I can still hear them arguing), I am healthy and safe, I have a bright future (that I have no clue about yet), and I have the world’s greatest friendship. What else could I ask for?
Oh, I know.
Not to lose Quick. Shoot.
…Q
***
Quinn / 8:23 p.m.
Just saying hi!
Hope you’re having a good time with your dad.
What was on the learning list for today?
Quick / 8:27 p.m.
I worked today
but tomorrow’s lesson is gfi vs. gfci and circuit breakers
ha ha
how are you
8:28 p.m.
I’m okay. I miss you.
But only a little bit, lol.
8:28 p.m.
yeah me too
