Fragile Bones

Chapter Twenty-Four

I froze, and felt the weight drop in my stomach. They weigh you at the doctors, and I don't know how much I weigh right now, but I didn't wanna risk any chances and be questioned about it. "I have classes at that time mom," I called back, trying to get out of it, or at least delay it somehow.

"So I'll write you a note. What's the big deal?"

"I just don't think I need to go to the doctor. I feel fine!" I chirped, plastering a fake smile. My mom didn't look amused.

"Everyone needs a checkup, and it's been forever since you've gone. You're going, and that's final." She stomped her way back up the stairs, cutting off the conversation. Some of her drink sloshed out of her glass and landed on the carpeted steps, leaving a wet spot that vaguely resembled a llama. Once I heard the door to her room slam shut, I walked forward and dipped two fingers in the liquid-soaked carpet and smelled them. Alcohol.

•••

"Alright, let's bring up our first group of presenters," Mr. Henderson said, and grabbed a sheet of paper. I leaned my chin into a propped up palm, narrowing my eyes at him as his own scrolled down the sheet. He called on a couple of students who I only roughly knew as being members of the debate team. People who had good public speaking skills never failed to make me jealous. Pulling my notebook closer to me, I vowed to doodle until the period was over. Since Asher wouldn't be here for a couple more days, I didn't need to worry about being called on to present. I also still had to think about how I was going to approach Lindsay about our teacher. God knows she already hates me enough, and offering her my support could make her feel vulnerable. Feeling vulnerable is the last thing bullies want for themselves.

The pair started talking about their topic, flipping through slides when my stomach started growling, very loudly. I instinctively wrapped my arms around my stomach to try and muffle the sound, and also tried to suck in. The presenters paused, but continued with their demonstration. I kept my arms wrapped around my abdomen and silently prayed that it wouldn't make any more noises. However, if the past is any kind of teacher, I should've known better. Another growl was released, and despite my best efforts, it lasted for several seconds. Everyone turned towards me and I just knew I must've been beet red.

"Sounds like someone's hungry over there!" Some guy shouted, making the class snicker. Right then and there, I wanted to fall over dead. It wasn't even a clever insult, but it did the trick.

"Quiet down Demetri," Mr. Henderson barked, and walked over to his desk. He opened up one of the drawers and pulled out a granola bar. Without even asking if I wanted it, he dropped it onto my desk in front of me.

It was one of those granola bars that were clearly targeted at kids, the ones with a bunch of marshmallows and chocolate chips in them. Their only real use was making the parents who fed them to their children pretend that they were doing something good by giving them a "healthy" snack. In actuality, they were far from it. It was no surprise to me that Mr. Henderson ate food like that, considering all his affiliation with children.

"No thanks," I said, sliding the gross snack to the edge of my desk, away from me.

"It really seems like you need some sort of sustenance, Madeline," my teacher responded. I hated how my name sounded coming out of his mouth. I couldn't help myself from stealing a glance at Lindsay, who was watching the exchange along with everyone else in the class. When she saw me look at her, she sneered and fixed her gaze on her nails.

"I'm fine," I answered simply. Of course, my stomach growled again, exposing my lie with its rumble.

"Can't we just kick her out Mr. Henderson?" One of the female presenters whined. "We need to finish our slideshow that we worked hard on."