Page 112 of Fervency Love

After a good day at school—I got a B in physics and an A in German—I dial Ve’s landline number for what feels like the hundredth time. This time I catch him.

“What’s up with you, Connor?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re still sulking? Will you come over today? Want to see me?”

“I got expelled from school. I have to see the principal with my old man.”

“Why?” That’s surprising.

“I talked back at the priest. He got under my skin and I got carried away.”

I’m going to go crazy with this man. What now? His dad should help him.

I meet Lizzy on the way.

“Hey, darling!”

She waves at me and crosses the street. I give her a hug and a kiss.

“Are you alright, Abigail?”

“Sure, why do you ask?”

“I met with Alice and she mentioned you not being with Connor anymore.”

“What? Where did that come from?”

“Not the faintest idea. I told her that from what I knew, you were still together and everything is good.”

“Did you ask her where she heard it?”

“Yes. She told me he told people that was the case.”

Sadness overcomes me at those words. That would explain my doubts and that strange feeling inside that something is wrong. Only why did Ve say that?

I can barely continue on my way after hearing what I heard. These things suck the life out of me. What should I think about this? I’d give a lot to know all the secrets Connor Wilson is hiding! Each rumor has a grain of truth in it.

At home, Mom asks me to apologize to Dad. That devastates me even more.

“Okay, I’ll do it, but know that I think I have nothing to apologize for.” I roll my eyes at the very thought. It’s ridiculous.

I go to see Ve in the afternoon, intending to ask him all about that supposed breakup.

“Shit, Abbs, you really believe what that cocksucker babbles? I fucking hate that girl. Maybe she’s jealous. I have no idea.” He bristles.

“I want to believe you, Connor. When we’re alone, it’s fantastic and I trust you fully. But as soon as we split up, there’s always something that hits my self-confidence so hard. All my demons surface. You made some sleep, but stuff like that makes them wake up all over again. It’s messing with my head.”

He says nothing, but his expression tells me he’s thinking about something intensely.

“I’ve got something for you.”

“Really?” I sit up and look at him.

He gets up, rummages in his closet, and offers me a package.

“Open it.”

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