“Yeah, I fucking do,” George snaps. “I swear to God, I want to kick that little pendejo bitch’s ass for touching my sister again.”
Because if she’s put both of us off with lies, we know she’s with Henry. And I want to kill her. Death by pillow bludgeoning. Maybe if I beat her on the head enough with one, I’ll knock some sense into her.
“I’m going over there,” George says.
“If you kill him,” I say, “make it look like an accident.” I’m only half-kidding.
George snorts before hanging up.
I’m making myself a frozen waffle and coffee when she finally answers my text-a-thon.
Iris: Chill. I’m fine. And did you have to go and freak out George?
Though relief swamps me, I want to hit her in the head. My thumbnail taps hard against the screen.
Me: Damn right I did. You scared the hell out of us, 'Ris!
Iris: Okay, okay, I’m sorry. It was shitty of me to not call.
Scowling down at the phone, I tap out another message.
Me: Where are you, anyway?
Though I know, I need written confirmation before I kill her.
Iris: With Henry.
Me: WTF, Iris? He CHEATED ON U!
I can practically feel her fuming. The silent phone is a testament to it.
The ding sounds overloud in the kitchen.
Iris: Yeah, Anna, I know. I was there.
I roll my eyes and take a bite of my waffle, which has gone cold and hard. Another ding.
Iris: He had his reasons.
I toss the waffle aside and respond.
Me: Was it the falling into an unsuspecting vagina thing?
Yeah, I’m being a shithead, but I can’t help it. How could she have gone back to him? Has she a freaking clue? He’ll do it again. They always do it again. We’ve discussed this.
Iris: Funny. He was scared, ok?
I snort. But the sound is lost on her. Or maybe not.
Iris: Things were just getting too intense for him.
Me: So he thought he’d simplify it by fucking some girl?
Or girls? Who knows with that assmunch.
Iris: Look, people do stupid things when they’re scared. And you should talk. You totally pushed Drew away because you’re scared.
My face heats and my fingers fly.
Me: I didn’t cheat on Drew! We weren’t even an official couple!!
Iris: Yeah & why is that, A? Because you were ashamed to be seen with him? You treated him like your personal boy toy. How is that better?
Heat swamps my entire body now. It prickles behind my lids, and I want to chuck the phone across the room, see it shatter into a thousand pieces.
Iris: Admit it, we always treat the ones we love the shittiest.
There’s a rushing sound in my head. Bitch. That total bitch.
Me: I don’t love Drew.
Iris: Right. Whatever you say.
I’m punching out letters so hard now that my nail hurts.
Me: We’re not talking about me right now. We’re talking about you.
Iris: And why can’t we talk about you? Why can’t we ever talk about you? Because you have it all figured out? That shit don’t fly, A.
I slam the phone down on the counter. She doesn’t want my help. Fine. Let her screw up her life. I’m done. Except I pick up the phone and tell her exactly that.
Iris: That’s right. It’s my life. My mistakes to make. And at least I’m trying. What R U doing about your mistake?
Me: There’s nothing to do.
I’m not going to cry. Even if the tip of my nose feels numb and there’s a lump in my throat the size of an apple.
Iris: Call him? Say you’re sorry?
The phone in my hand shakes as I suck in big breaths of air.
Me: He’s MOVED ON! OK!?! He moved the fuck on. End of story.
And so did I. It was over before it even began, and I’m fine. I’m fine.
When the phone rings, I pick it up out of habit. I don’t even say a word, just accept the call.
Iris’s voice comes through soft and hesitant. “Hey, girl. I’m sorry. That was harsh of me.”
“It’s okay,” I mumble. I’d rather run naked through campus than talk to her right now, but hanging up would just make it worse. Iris would hunt me down eventually.
Iris sighs. “Look, I know you’re just trying to protect me, okay? And I love you for it.”