Page 99 of Faux Real
“Okay, thanks,” I say, casting him a small smile. “I’ll see you in a bit. Have fun!”
“Mhmm,” Cliff hums, bringing a Coke to his lips. “You too.”
Energy and excitement burst inside me as I push my way through the hordes of people, trying to reach the rehearsal space. I can’t wait to tell Ollie that my mom called. It’s insane. It’s like all my wishes are finally coming true. And I know he’s going to flip. He’s going to be so happy for me. He’s going to be—
I freeze in the middle of the hallway, my heart dropping to the pit of my stomach.
He’s going to be... kissing another girl?
I can’t move. I can’t speak. I can’t hear. There’s no music playing. There are no people around me. There’s nothing. Just me.
And them.
His hands on her waist. Her hands in his hair. Their lips crushed together. Nausea threatens to overtake me, creeping up my throat, coating my tongue. No. This isn’t happening. Why is this happening? Oh, my God. My eyes well up with hot tears. Oh, my fucking God.
I thought we were—
“Move! You’re in the way,” someone says, shoving me to the side.
“Sorry,” I say, disorientated, distraught, devastated.
Immediately, Oliver looks up and his glazed eyes snap open and lock with mine. “Kennedy?”
That’s all it takes. My name slipping off of his tongue. Tears. I turn around and run toward the exit, my shoulders colliding with random people as Oliver calls out after me. God, I’m such an idiot. Why? Why did I think we were something? We’re nothing. I mean nothing to him. It’s a game. A ploy. A charade. I should’ve known. I’m smarter than this. How did I let this happen? Why did I think he was different? Why did I—
“Kennedy!” Oliver shouts as I stumble down the sidewalk. “Stop!”
I pause, catching my breath. “Go away,” I whisper, wiping under my eyes. “Leave me alone.”
“Not until you tell me why you’re here,” Oliver says, coming up behind me. Confused, I turn around. “Why are you here, Kennedy? Huh?”
“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes. “Why am I here? Because you fucking invited me!”
Oliver scoffs. “I invited you to my show.” He checks his watch. “Which ended, so I ask again, why are you here?”
I blink, my heart hammering in my chest. “I’m sorry I missed your show, but something came up and I—”
“Something important, I bet,” he cuts me off. “Don’t tell me, you had extra credit work to do or something.”
“No, it wasn’t that—” I clench my teeth together. “You know, it doesn’t even matter anymore. Why don’t you go back inside and finish sucking that girl’s face, huh? You seemed to be enjoying it!”
Oliver cocks his head to the side. “You seem angry. Why?”
“God!” A neurotic laugh tumbles out of my mouth. “You’re unbelievable!” I shake my head, my fingertips thrumming with bubbling frustration. “I can’t believe I—Oh, my God.”
Oliver’s intoxicated expression hardens. “Why are you mad, Kennedy? Say it.”
“You’re not seriously asking me why I’m mad,” I say, eyes wide with disbelief. “Why do you think, Ollie?”
He shrugs nonchalantly. “Beats me.”
“Holy shit,” I whisper under my breath, scanning his face. “You need some serious help.”
“Ken—”
“No,” I state, turning around and walking away, my steps heavy, defeated, livid. “Drink some fucking water.”
“Oh, typical Kennedy!” Oliver calls out. “Running away like she always does!” I continue walking.Don’t look back. “Keepingeverythingbottled up!” Ignore him. Just walk. Walk! “Only ever caring about herself!” I stop, breathing heavily. “Why are you angry, Ken? Fucking tell me!”
