Sitting at my desk, in the room that shaped who I am, I can’t help but think that if knowing the truth about me helps my students, maybesomegood can come from this.
The square is packed tonight.
Kids are running around, dragging their parents to thesmall rides. Couples are walking hand in hand through the booths of homemade items. A band is preparing to play on the gazebo.
It’s Rosehill at its best.
“Come on, Iris. You’ve been cooped up in your apartment since everything happened. Getting out will do you some good.” I drag my feet, but I can’t resist Layla when she’s adamant about me doing something.
There’s no point in trying.
Unfortunately, Grant is beside her, staring down at his phone. He’s been wearing that look on his face that says he’d rather be anywhere else since the moment we got here. I’ve only met him a couple of times, but I can’t help but think that Nate’s assessment of him is correct.
He could at least try to act like he’s having a good time for Layla’s sake.
“Grant,” Layla leans into him, “Get off your phone, c’mon, this is fun.”
He looks down at her and slowly puts his phone away. “Maybe if you’re a child. I don’t see whywehad to come.”
I swallow past the tightness in my throat. Every time I’ve had thepleasureof spending time with Grant, he acts like everything is below him,includingLayla. I feel like I should say something, but I know it’s not my place.
And they do seem happy together, even if I don’t see the appeal.
“Everyone needs a break,” Layla says, ignoring the jab and flashing him a smile that could melt anyone’s heart. “Besides, the food’s amazing.”
He glances sideways at her. “If you could even call it food.”
I bite my lip and watch a little girl get a butterfly paintedon her cheek.
Layla nudges me gently. “Ignore him. He’s just cranky.”
“I don’t see why you made her come anyway. It’s not like someone likeheris wanted here. It’s probably better to stay home.”
Ouch.
I try to ignore him, the way Layla said. But how can I when I know he’s right?
I haven’t gotten out much these past few months. There are just too many eyes pointed my way. Too many people whispering about me. I can even see it here, people looking at me, like they’re trying to glimpse the truth about what they’ve heard.
Grant did the same thing, looking me up and down, looking for somethingwrong.
It makes my skin crawl to think about it.
Layla frowns at Grant, and I can tell she’s about to come to my defense, but I’m distracted by someone calling my name.
“Iris!” Alex shouts with a wave, coming toward us.
“Alex, hi!” My smile comes easily at the sight of Nate’s brother in his typical band tee and smudged eyeliner. We spent a lot of time together when I was dating Nate, and losing my relationship with him was one of the more sad outcomes of our breakup.
My happiness wavers slightly when I can feel Grant watching. Judging. Alex seems to notice, too, glaring his way as he approaches.
“Hey,” he says, stepping closer. “You doing okay?”
I nod, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m getting there. Thanks for asking.” Grant scoffs under his breath, and Alex narrows his eyes.
Layla steps in, squeezing my arm in a silent apology. “Alex, we were about to grab some food. You want to come?”
He glances behind him and then shrugs. “Sure. I can hang for a bit,” he says, turning toward me with an innocent smile. “If you buy me a funnel cake.”
