“I’m going to go now,” I said, speaking directly to Chelsea, who was clearly drunk now as she snorted at something unfunny Linus was saying.
“Okay, I think I’ll be going to our room soon.” She winked at me, “So come back later,” she continued unnecessarily. I knew what she was saying loud and clear. Every night she brought someone new back to screw and I’d stay out and draw or people watch. When I’d come back to the room, they’d either already be gone or leaving. Only once had someone spent the night in her bed and I hadn’t been too happy about that but otherwise I didn’t care too much, it gave me time to draw. I knew without her and her parents’ help, I wouldn’t even be here.
I got back to our room around midnight and was thankful Linus was already gone but I’d no doubt hear about it all the next day. I sank into my bed ready for sleep to take me, tomorrow would be our last full day here. Then we’d be back home, and I’d be with Chris again.
My eyes opened to a blinding light and I quickly shut them tight. Chelsea had left the blinds open again, an annoying habit she’d developed here. She liked to have a smoke before bed and often snuck one out the window, always forgetting to shut the blinds afterwards. Luckily for her, she was still snoring away, dead to the world and unbothered by the light streaming in. I blinked, getting used to the light, before I got up to pull down the blinds.
Now fully awake, I checked my watch. It was already eleven a.m.! I’d overslept! Today was our last full day here and I’d already missed enough. I ran into the bathroom and took a quick shower, pulling my hair into a messy bun, threw on a cute black sundress and headed out. Chelsea would probably sleep until two p.m. but I wanted to finish the drawing I’d started the day before and grab some brunch, I was starved.
I sat alone outside on a terrace and enjoyed my coffee and a delicious almond croissant. I didn’t mind being alone, I actually preferred it to having put on a smile for everyone and talk about things that didn’t actually interest me. Unlike Chelsea, who constantly needed to be with people and surrounded by attention. It was a wonder we were best friends, considering we were polar opposites, but as the saying goes, I guess that’s why. I toned her down and she made me more social and outgoing.
I saw a few people from my class go by and smiled and said hi but didn’t join anyone. I was too content sipping my coffee and people watching. There were twenty-seven students in my class, including me. I’d seen a dozen or so go by, which meant the others had probably had a late night like Chelsea.
After finishing off my coffee and swallowing down my last bite of croissant, I decided to go to my perch and finish up my drawing. Some people would stop and watch over my shoulder as I drew. I was used to this and was able to tune them and everything else out, as I’d learned to do over the years. In contrast, when my phone vibrated on my lap, I jumped and was back to reality. I put my pencils down and checked my phone. It was Chelsea, of course, she’d just woken up and wanted me to meet her at the bar in an hour. I quickly messaged her back that I’d be there and put my phone on silent. I’d be done with my drawing soon and didn’t want any distractions.
I sat on one of the bar stools and waited for Chelsea to meet me. After half an hour, I decided to order myself a plate of fries. I munched on my fries and scrolled through my phone; Chelsea was rarely on time. There were pictures from the party Chris was at the night before, I felt ill instantly. He was in lots of pictures: drinking, surrounded by girls. He had his arm around the waist of one girl in particular in several pictures. I felt bile rise up in my throat. No, you are not going to be sick! I ordered myself. Maybe it’s not what it looks like. I mean of course it’s not; Chris loves me and said we’d get back together! He’s not hooking up with some platinum blonde skank. Especially not the day before I come back home!
Chelsea showed up, cheery as ever, and immediately began telling me all about her night, completely oblivious to how upset I was.
“Oh my god!” she started, plopping down on the stool across from me. “Linus was incredible! I don’t know what they do to these men but they do it right here.” She giggled, fanning herself with her hand for effect. I just looked back at my Facebook and the pictures.
“Are you alright Leah?” she asked, studying me now, her face suddenly serious. I had no words so I merely passed her my phone and then stared at my clenched fists. “Oh my god!” she all but shouted. “Lee!” Her voice had softened and I could hear the
