EMILY’S POV
‘Who the heck is texting me and why?’ I sigh as I open my eyes and locate my phone at the edge of the bed. Is it Terry? My mind keeps wondering before I reach out for it.
I look at the time, and it isn’t dinner time yet. It’s just 6pm.
Holding the phone, I swipe up to meet even more messages coming from a group chat. That’s totally new. I am already typing to know who added me when a message came up. I know the name.
Cutie: Hello beautiful. (He tags me)
Unknown: I’m pretty sure it flew into your window. (This person tags my brother)
Me: Terry, you can’t be serious right now.
And having tagged him, I remove myself from the group. Takes in a fresh air and tries to get to the wheelchair when my phone starts vibrating again.
‘(Cutie added you)’
It was what appeared on my screen and I roll my eyes. I don’t know what he is really up to. I try to remove myself again when I saw something on my screen. Cutie is requesting me to become an admin of the group. Huh!? He must be kidding.
I attempt to click ‘reject’ but, his private message made me stop mid-way.
Cutie: It’s not bad to chat with new people. Sis, just play along. It’s school group and quite fun. You will love it, I promise.
Me: Okay.
That is all I can reply. Buying up the idea and being curious to know what they are chatting about, I start reading from the recent messages dropped.
Cutie: I didn’t get any letter from you. (bro replies someone)
2nd unknown: Who is the new member, and why is she not joining the conversation? (It’s a general question as no one is tagged.)
Me: I did see a paper folded like a jet. It came through the window.
Unknown: How did you get it? (He tags me)
Cutie: Awwwn, what was the content of the letter? (He tags me too)
Me: Just something about living close.
As soon as I finish typing and sending, it feels like my brain just started functioning. I look at the name at the top of the number. It’s him. It’s really Taylor. He did send the letter thinking terry stays in my room.
3rd Unknown: Hello everyone.
4th Unknown: Can someone explain who, and who is sending letters? Is it a love letter?
5th Unknown: I will be right back. My little puppy just peed on me.
(Everyone starts reacting with a laughing emoji)
Unknown (Taylor): Why did you only answer his question? Are you his girlfriend? (He tags me)
Cutie: Ha-ha… Girlfriend? Nah, she isn’t. (He tags Taylor)
6th Unknown: Terry, you got a girlfriend? (She tags bro)
It seems suspicious. Maybe she likes bro or, they have something going on.
Cutie: Everyone should chill. I have no girlfriend.
Cutie: Taylor stop guessing, please. You suck at it.
7th Unknown: What a relief.
6th Unknown: Back off! (She sends, tagging the 7th Unknown)
3rd Unknown: What’s your name? (Tags me)
And over two minutes, I didn’t respond.
Cutie: Emily is her name. She is the shy time. (He breaks the silence.)
I didn’t know if I should be angry or happy about what he did.
7th Unknown: Emily is a nice name. I hope you don’t mind if I chat you up privately? (Tags me)
And I went silent again. What sure if I want to but, I will be considered a bad person if I keep snubbing. However, it’s not like I wanted to be a part of the group.
Unknown: Are you that shy? (Tags me)
Taking in a deep breath.
Me: Sure, you can. (tags the 7th unknown)
Me: Maybe. (Tags Taylor)
Unknown: Guys, let’s all message and chase her shyness away. (general message)
8th Unknown: Coming from a womanizer, sure.
Unknown: Bro, that’s too much. And you are scaring her away from me.
Unknown: If you two are not dating. How then is she living in your house? From my room, I can see the window opened. And the lights are on. (tags bro)
3rd Unknown: Could be his sister or cousin.
Unknown: But Terry doesn’t have a sister.
I immediately turn off my phone and lie down, facing the ceiling as tears roll down my eyes. Being different from others is so hard. Coping is like an impossible mission. Taylor keeps asking. Sooner or later, he will know. They will all know and things will begin to get awkward.
Even if it’s easy to hide from others, it won’t be from Taylor because, we are neighbors. Worse is our mothers are becoming friends. My crush will see that I use wheelchair. I feel so ashamed already. Tears roll down.
Why can’t life be fair?
AUTHORESS NOTE:
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