Chapter 1
Cole likes to think she's effortlessly cool. She excels academically, plays music, and has a mysterious personality. These traits make her popular at school—a fact she secretly enjoys. But attending a Catholic school while liking women? That’s anything but enjoyable.
"Do you sleep with women?" I asked.
Celia, shocked, shut the door behind her. "What are you talking about?"
"Ruby says you're a lesbian."
Celia looked over my shoulder. "Who cares what Ruby says?"
"Are you?"
"Are you going to stop being friends with me now? Is that what this is about?"
Cole is secretly reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in the library. She is waiting for Jho, who is attending the student council meeting. She is so focused on reading that she doesn't notice Jho sneaking up on her and peaking at what she's reading.
"Are you?" Jho whispers into Colet's right ear.
Cole gasps loudly, involuntarily standing up and covering her mouth. Books fall to the floor with a thud. The sudden noise draws the attention of other students, making her embarrassment even worse. Jho silently laughs so hard she can barely stand up. Flustered, Cole hurriedly picks up the books, grabs her bag, and storms out of the library. Jho follows, still giggling.
"What's wrong with you? Why did you sneak up on me like that?!" Colet snaps, stuffing the books into her bag.
"I'm sorry, okay? You looked suspicious. You were using another book to cover what you're reading."
"You know I don't want to get in trouble in school, right?"
"Chill, okay? The librarian didn't even notice us."
"Still, it's too risky. You're in the student council, yet you're the one causing trouble."
"Look, I didn't expect you to react like that."
"Oh really? We've been friends for five years, and you still don't know I'm ticklish?"
"I was just teasing you, okay? I'm sorry." Jho pleads, gently holding Colet's hand.
"Ugh. So annoying."
"Stop being mad at me. I said sorry."
Cole looks at Jho and says, "Feed me, and I might forgive you."
"Food... or something else?" Jho teases, winking.
Colet grins, playfully swatting Jho's hand away.
"Never mind, I'm not hungry anymore," Cole responds with a smirk.
Jho tries to pinch Colet's arm, but the latter manages to run away, laughing.