Tryst Six Venom by Penelope Douglas

me anywhere or just come inside my house.
I stare at the words, my longing for her twisting unbearably in my
stomach.
I love that my bed smells like you, she writes. I love it when I smell
like you.
I smile softly, my anger fading.
Do you ever think about doing what Alli did? she asks. We want out
until we remember why we want to live. If only she had hung on. If only
she’d felt this.
I grip the phone. But when I don’t respond to her texts, she sends another.
Hey, quick—what can jellybeans do that we can’t?
I narrow my eyes.
Come in different colors! she replies. Hardy-har *tap-step-hand clap*
I snort, more at the fact that she’s trying so hard to get my attention than
the actual joke.
Please.
I’m sorry, she texts. I just… I wish I was looking at you right now.
God, she’s killing me. Why is she doing this? It’s not forever, right? We
can keep this up for fun, but she needs to know she’s not the only one moving
on to a different life when this is over.
I’m not waiting for her.
Megan asked me to go to prom, I type. With that new girl, Chloe. As
friends.
I wait, seeing the Read receipt, but seconds turn into a minute, and she’s