Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the convenience store seemed to magnify every blemish as Chloe paid for her gum. She'd spent an hour getting ready, trying to look effortless, a feat she felt she had failed at. Her friend, Maya, was meeting her in five minutes, and she was already late. Chloe checked her phone again. A message. It was a reply to the text she had sent earlier, the one meant for Maya, gushing about the new dress she'd bought. She'd sent it to her English teacher, Mr. Henderson, instead. The brief message read, "Sounds lovely, Chloe." Her face felt hot, and she wanted the ground to open and swallow her whole. She ducked out of the store, hurrying towards the park, praying Maya wouldn't notice her flustered state.