Page 121 of I'm sorry, Princess
After I hang up, I scroll through my notifications.
Ian had texted earlier asking why I’d missed work. I replied simply: “Sick. Needed rest.” Not technically a lie. Just... incomplete.
And then there’s my mother. Ten missed calls, six texts, and one long voice message where she blames everything she’s done on her “mental instability” and tells me I need to be more understanding. As if understanding justifies bruises.
I text her back:
Me:Been sick. Busy. I’ll visit soon.
That’s all she gets.
Last is Blakely.
Blakely:If you’re not in on Monday, you’re fired. Happy weekend.
I roll my eyes. Such a ray of fucking sunshine. But as much as she’s a nightmare, I need the job. I’ve grown attached to it. Attached to having something that gives me purpose.
I head straight to the shower. The water hits my skin like a rebirth. I take my time, scrubbing, exfoliating, shaving even though I barely need to. I wash my hair twice just tofeel the weight of it clean again. By the time I step out, the steam has fogged up every mirror.
I dry my hair, do my skincare, and pull on a fresh silk robe before curling up in my reading chair. My favorite book waits on the side table, dog-eared and loved. But before I start, I open TikTok. I scroll past book recs and thirst traps and fake therapy sessions. Comfort content.
Then I do something shameful.
I check Lorenzo’s Instagram.
Nothing new.
But something feels... off. My notifications have been lighter. My last post barely passed a hundred likes when normally it’d be triple that. Weird. I haven’t been that active, sure, but not dead silent. Still, I shake it off. It doesn’t matter. I’m not here for validation. I’m here because, well, okay, I might be trying to build a following before I publish my first book. But still. One thing at a time.
Then a new notification pops up.
Group chat:HOTTEST BITCHES ALIVE
Created by Kylie.
Kylie added you.
Kylie added Clara.
Kylie added Sienna.
Oh God. This can only end in chaos.
Kylie:Did all of you whored around that night?
Sienna:I have no idea what you’re talking about ??
Clara:Bitch, I saw you grinding on that hot Colombian.
Me:Wait, how do you know he’s Colombian?
Clara:My brother knows him. Don’t change the subject. Spill. Did you suck Lorenzo off?
Me:What??
Kylie:She probably did. That’s why she ghosted us for a whole week.
Sienna:HEY! Leave her alone!
