seven.

Cora

While in the middle of splitting my brain open during the murderous pre-calculus homework, my phone rings. I pluck it off the desk like it's my life savior and scan the screen, nearly crying out in glee when I see it's my best friend, Elissa.

"Bestie!" I yell.

"Bestie!" she yells back.

"Why aren't we on video chat? I'm dying to see your pretty face."

"Same, hun, but my phone's broken."

"Again," we both say and laugh. She drops the thing so many times, I'm surprised her parents replace them. "Don't freak if the call drops. I think this one has only moments to live."

There's a large pang in my chest. I've missed her so much, and it's only been two days. Hearing her voice is like a bright light in a cold, dark tunnel. It uplifts my mood that's been shitty since first period.

"Your face is still plastered all over the news," she says. "Your interview has so many hits, you're more famous than the queen of England."

"Ha."

"I'm serious. People love hearing how you saved the handsome fut