True Stories of a Lost
Girl
The brightness of the mall's food court shimmered down around
me, windows letting in the sunlight and the translucent ceiling
adding its touch. I laughed, clear and real, as I sat across from
my best friend at a table. Something buzzed in my pocket. I
checked my phone as I ate.
"____ likes
me...he asked me out."
My stomach churned, and
I gripped the table for support. I knew it. I had known all
along. And I knew she would probably say yes. The food
court's illumination became dizzying, and I rocked in my
seat. The corners of my vision fizzed white, and everything came
into sharp definition. My head spun, and my breathing became
ragged.
"Vivian...Vivian...I don't feel well. At all. I think
I'm going to pass out."
My friend looked at me quizzically. "Really? That's
weird. Drink this, you're probably dehydrated."
"Right." Dehydrated. More like heart broken and
dying.
I quickly interrogated her for information, anger roiling within
me. My blood ran hot with ire, only making my syncopy worse. My
knuckles turned white as I sipped the water, clutching the table
like a life line. I knew it. I had known all along.
Tears didn't come, waiting for my pillow and the restless
night I was going to have. Assuring her that I was okay to walk,
my friend and I made our way, albeit slowly, to Macy's to
meet her mother. I staggered, gripping the railing as she walked
patiently beside me. I leaned all my weight forward, almost
stumbling several times. My vision tunneled, my head whirling
like a tornado. I felt clammy and weak, sickness brewing in my
stomach. He shouldn't have this affect on me, I
thought in despair.
I called my mom for pick up. She knew I had a slight history of
overheating and having fainting episodes, which were an easy
cover. I apologized feebly for ruining our shopping trip, and
dragged myself to the car.
If only it had hit me.
