chapter 2:morning after
698 Words
The sound of my phone ringing violently yanked me out of a half-sleep. My head was pounding, my body still aching from… well, last night. I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut, wishing the world would stop for five more minutes.
“Ivy! What in God’s name—”
It was Emma. My best friend. Her voice was louder than life, practically vibrating through the speaker.
“You’re such an i***t! Come open the damn door before I crawl through the wall!”
I rolled my eyes and dragged myself out of bed. “Where the f**k is your key?” I muttered, already shuffling toward the door.
I opened it, and there she was. Emma in all her fiery glory, phone pressed to her ear, glaring at me like she wanted to fry me on the spot.
“I’m literally gonna kill you!” she screamed, waving her arms and stomping in place like a tiny tornado chasing after me.
I tried to suppress a laugh, rubbing my face. “Relax, Emma… I’m alive, aren’t I?”
But she wasn’t having it. She stormed inside, still holding the phone, still giving me the most murderous look imaginable.
And I knew… she was about to drag me through hell for being an i***t last night.
.
Emma took a sharp breath, hands on her hips. “Okay… calm down, Ivy. First of all, where the f**k were you last night? Your boyfriend—” she paused dramatically, mockingly emphasizing the word, “—your boyfriend called me yesterday saying all sorts of stuff, like you were missing! Where did you go? I nearly died!”
Ivy groaned, rubbing her temples. Emma had never liked David, so the tone was half panic, half judgmental tease.
“I’m… I’m sorry,” I stammered, trying to steady my breathing. “My phone… wasn’t with me. David brought it back last night, I… I forgot it at his place,” I added, forcing the lie out smoothly.
Emma’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever. But seriously, why haven’t you dressed up yet? Wtf, Ivy?”
“Dressed up?” My heart raced as I realized what time it must be. My mind went blank for a split second. “Holy s**t! I… I’m so sorry!” I yelled, sprinting toward my room. “I… I didn’t even realize! I… I forgot!”
I darted into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me, trying to collect myself. My hands trembled as I looked at my reflection—messy hair, slightly puffy eyes, and the faint remnants of last night’s chaos lingering in my face.
After a quick shower, I dried my hair, brushed my teeth, and did everything in record time. Then I rummaged through my wardrobe, my mind racing, until I finally found a simple two-piece top and matching trousers. I threw them on and stared at my reflection in the mirror—my hair cascading down my back, my almond-shaped eyes slightly puffy, my lips still pink…
And then… f**k. My neck.
I froze. He had marked me. A hickey.
“IVY!”
Emma’s shout jolted me back from my panic-fueled daydream. I ran out of the bathroom, nearly tripping, and she handed me a cup of coffee.
“Thanks, babe,” I muttered, gulping it down hurriedly.
Then her eyes flicked to my neck. Her brow furrowed. “Wait… what is that? An hickey?”
I froze, speechless, coffee halfway to my mouth.
“WTF, Ivy?!” she shrieked. “You seemed so… strange earlier! I can’t believe you had s*x with—DAV! Gosh, what in—”
Before either of us could continue, Emma’s phone rang urgently. She picked it up, listening with wide eyes. The voice on the other end sounded serious, urgent, and after a quick conversation, she cut the call.
“We are talking about this later. I am so gonna kill you, Ivy. Now cover that up,” she hissed, storming toward the table.
I gulped the last of my coffee, grabbed my house key, and used my long hair to cover the hickey in one swift motion. Without another word, we ran out the door.
- Writer
