Aurora Magazine 2020

Aurora

I immediately press the button on the call box, nothing. “Seriously?” I close my eyes and take in a slow, deep breath.

“I’m sure we’ll only be in here a few minutes, tops,” Logan says,

trying to be reassuring.

“Do... not... speak... to... me.” I over enunciate every syllable. I feel my cheeks burn as the irrational anger starts to bubble up inside of me. Logan throws his hands up in defeat and leans against the wall of the far side of the elevator. I realize my hands are in tight fists at my sides. I try to relax by shaking out my hands, then slowly slide down the slick wall of the elevator to the cold floor. Not an easy task in this fitted gown. In silence, we both try not to make eye contact. “You look really nice,” he sputters. I pull my knees in close to my chest. “Thanks. Not as great as Sophie, though.”My spiteful tone is obvious. I instantly regret it. Logan shrugs and crosses his arms. “We broke up last month.” “Oh? But you’ve been on her arm all night.”My cheeks burn I shake my head and laugh. “That’s all you two care about? You do know there’s more to life than being popular in high school, right? And high school is all but over now. How did that work out for you?” His reaction is quick. I knew my words carried their intended bite. “What can I say? I just wanted to have the best time I could.” “And not care who got hurt in the process?” Four years of hurt and anger were ready to boil over and consume me. “You’re a selfish asshole, just like the rest of them.” “Come on, Cass...You’re the one who stopped talking to me.” “Is that what you think?! You are seriously delusional! Once Sophie sank her claws into you freshman year and was hell bent on making my life hell if I so much as looked in your direction. You made your choice way back then.” Logan rubs his forehead and slowly slides down the wall until he is seated across from me. “I’m sorry, Cassie.” “You’re sorry? That’s rich. Too little, too late Logan.” “I messed up. I thought that being popular would be, you know…”And even though our friendship has been non-existent for the with shame for being so petty. He shrugs again. “She said we should try to keep up appearances.”

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