2 STRINGS

Untangling the Chaos

Tuesday, November 12
The next morning started with Mom cornering me in the kitchen before school. I was pouring cereal when her voice cut through the quiet hum of the house.

"Jamie, we need to talk."

I froze, the spoon in my hand hovering over the bowl. Mom's tone was serious, and her sharp eyes pinned me in place. I already knew this wasn't going to be a casual chat.

"About what?" I asked, feigning innocence.

She leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Don't play dumb with me. I saw you and Xolo head upstairs last night."

My heart sank. "Mom, it's not what you think—"

Her hand went up, silencing me. "Look, I know you're sixteen, and I know you're curious about boys. That's normal. But bringing them to your room?" She shook her head, her disappointment evident.

I bristled. "We weren't doing anything. We were just talking."

"Jamie," she said, her voice softening but still firm, "it's not just about what happened last night. It's about being responsible. I'm not accusing you of anything, but if you're mature enough to have boys in your room, then you're mature enough to hear this."

I groaned, already dreading the direction this was going. "Mom, seriously?"

"Yes, seriously," she said, not backing down. "You're young, and it's easy to get swept up in emotions. But you need to understand the consequences of your actions. You're not ready for the kind of responsibility that comes with sex. And if you ever think you are, you need to make sure you're safe."

"I get it, Mom." My voice was tight, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"No, I don't think you do," she countered. "This isn't just a lecture. I want you to come to me if you ever need advice, or even... resources. Do you understand?"

I nodded quickly, desperate for the conversation to end. "Yes. I understand."

She studied me for a moment, then sighed. "Good. I just want you to make smart decisions, Jamie. That's all."

"Okay," I mumbled, grabbing my backpack and bolting for the door before she could say anything else.

School was the last place I wanted to be, but the routine was almost comforting after the emotional rollercoaster of the party. Melody was already waiting for me by our lockers, her expression suspicious.

"What's with you?" she asked as I shoved my books into my bag.

"Nothing."

"Uh-huh." She leaned against the locker, crossing her arms. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Xolo, would it?"

I froze, my hand hovering over my notebook. "What makes you say that?"

"Please, Jamie. The way you two were looking at each other last night? You might as well have put up a flashing neon sign."

I groaned. "It's complicated."

"It always is," she said with a smirk. "But don't keep me in the dark. Spill."

Before I could respond, the bell rang, saving me from her interrogation.

In class, I tried to focus, but my phone kept buzzing in my pocket. Xolo had been texting me since the party, and I hadn't responded.

Xolo: You okay?
Xolo: Did I cross a line last night?
Xolo: Jamie, talk to me.

I ignored the messages, feeling too overwhelmed to deal with them

Ignoring everything felt like the only way I could survive the day. I drowned out the whispers in the hallways, the constant buzz of my phone in my pocket, and even the lingering thoughts of Xolo. Somehow, I managed to go through the motions, letting the hours blur together until the bell finally rang, signaling the end of classes. It wasn't until it was time for soccer practice that I felt like I could exhale, even if only for a little while.