JAMES
“Hey, Bu. How are you?”
“Hi, honey. Busy, it's a miracle I heard your call over the sound of the blender.” Her laugh tickles my ear. “How are you doing?”
“Uh...” I take a deep breath. “I'm not feeling very well. I wanted to know if you don't mind if I don't go to the coffee shop today,” my heart is racing when Bu is silent for a long moment. I had to confirm that the call was still active twice.
“What's going on?” She finally adds with a low, worried voice. “Has something happened?”
“No, no. It's probably just a common cold,” I giggle nervously, I've never been good at lying.
“Is that why you skipped school today?”
“Huh? How do you know that?”
“Steve tells me everything, honey,” a brief pause follows her words. “Do you need help?”
“I'll be all right,” praying to heaven my to
