Page 36 of Red Queen
I tie my hair and splash some cold water onto my face, trying to pull myself together. The cramps are gone, now that I’ve bled through my clothes like I’ve been stabbed and vomited a week'sworth of liquid. My phone starts to ring in the bedroom, but I couldn’t fucking care less.
I strip out of my clothes and fill the bottom of the tub with hot water. I throw my shirt into the washing machine, leaving the rest of my clothes on the floor.
I get into the tub and pull the shower curtain, letting the hot water fall on me. My skin burns, but it makes me feel better. I try my best to hurry, but the pain has taken out all my strength. I even have to occasionally sit down on the side of the tub to make things easier for me.
I fell on the bed with a loud thud after I changed the sheets. Thankfully, the mattress wasn’t stained, so now I can just go back to sleep with new sheets. I wrap myself in the blanket, and before I fall back asleep, I decide to check my phone. Perhaps it was an important call earlier.
I have a couple of messages along with one missed call, and you’ll never guess who it was. That’s right. Goddamn Mateo Acosta.
Mateo
We need to talk.
Rosa
No, we don’t.
After I write Mateo back, I go on to check the other messages too. One is from Nathan, asking if I’m coming this weekend. Another was from my uncle asking the same. Another from Delilah and Isa checking on me, and the last one was from Lana, also checking on me.
I write all of them back, telling them that I’m definitely skipping today and I’ll consider tomorrow given my condition, but reassure them that I’ll feel better.
I put my phone down and turn off the wifi. I don’t want to risk unwanted calls and messages while I sleep. Especially any more from Mateo.
22
ROSA
Iwake up a couple of hours later to kids playing on the beach. I slowly open my eyes. The sun is still shining bright, though now it’s much lower. I grab a sweater and pull it over me in case it’s colder out there.
I sit down on one of the chairs, admiring the view and smiling at the kids playing below. One of them spots me and waves, and when I wave back, he grins and moves to tell another kid, who also waves at me. Is this God’s way of telling me to finally go to the doctor? You have cruel ways of telling stuff, sir.
I pull out my phone to check for any updates. My messages are full of questions about my well-being. Well, good to know I chose good friends. I write all of them back that I feel better now, and I’ll try to make it tomorrow.
I really am excited about tomorrow. I really got to like going to races, but I still feel tired. Lilah and Isa asked if I’d like to go out for drinks, but there’s no way in hell I’m lifting my ass up for any other reason than going back to bed. Suddenly, Mateo’s name pops up on the screen, like he sensed I’m on my phone.
Mateo
But we really do. You’re coming to the race tomorrow?
Rosa
But we really don’t. And yes, but don’t worry, I won’t wander around rival’s garages.
I can practically see him roll his eyes. Or at least I hope he did. I meant to rile him up.
Make an exception. I’ll find you after the race.
What, skipping interviews? Had enough?
Yeah, it’s getting boring. They’re still asking about the girl I had sex with once, then decided to lie in my face the whole time.
At least now you know what you lost by calling me a liar and declaring me your rival.
With that, I put my phone aside with a scoff. He’s got some nerve. Still not letting this absurd thing go. I wish I knew when he’ll stop acting like a damn child throwing a tantrum. God, I knew I should’ve never gotten involved with him. Red flags all over, even his racing suit. Stupid me.
Next day, I wake up feeling better, no sign of cramps yet. Hopefully, it’ll stay that way. I start getting ready, choosing blueand white clothes on purpose. Maybe not the best idea to wear light colors at this time, but I’ll take the risk.
If for some reason I’d run into Mateo in the paddock, it’ll surely piss him off. Blue has never really been my color, but if it makes him annoyed, I’ll change my whole wardrobe.
