7 o’clock This Morning

Val’s P.O.V

I jumped sinking into my bed, the vibrant chaos of my room feeling alien. I picked up my phone, opening my Instagram looking at the post again. The picture of Reynold’s especially burned in my mind. The permanent marker that marred his peaceful face. I had to take it down despite the hall of fame it was leading me to, the boobs and the ass on Jax’s and Xavier’s foreheads. No! It was just mean, Juvenile even.

I hovered my stylus over my delete button. One tap and the post was gone. But it wouldn’t erase screenshots, the nicknames, and the hurt in Reynold’s eyes.

Outside my door, I heard Reynold’s muffled voice, weary but trying to sound reassuring.

“I’ve deleted it Reynolds,” I shouted echoing through the hallway.

“Ok,” His voice softer now.

“I have to go and try calling Jaxon to see how far things have gone with Vienna. Then maybe grovel to his mom.” He paused retreating to the door, hand on the knob.”