Chapter 8
Since the night Tammy and Kyle came around, I hadn’t seen Aiden. I didn’t even know if he had been home because his truck was never there when I got home from school or went to bed. I wanted to be relieved by this. I had the house back to myself and yet I couldn’t shake the heavy weight of disappointment that lay in my chest.
I hadn’t even seen Tammy which was also strange given that over the past few weeks Tammy had become a regular presence in the house.
Somehow, the house didn’t feel the same.
I resigned myself to the thought that I would be spending another birthday alone with a pang of sorrow in my heart that I was too stubborn to acknowledge despite it depriving me of peace and sleep.
The lack of sleep and slowly darkening mood soon had me fretting over my prankster especially when a player I had seen before friended me on a game. They never said a word until the end when I finally decided to call it a night.
Their sign off left me stunned and frozen to my seat.
I’ll be seeing you soon.
It’s just a coincidence. I kept telling myself.
I couldn’t shake the anxiety at the back of my mind though.
Friday came around quickly and even though I had a full day of school and then work, I was looking forward to the weekend. I was tired and I had already planned to have a lazy day over the weekend. It wasn’t like I had anywhere to go anyway.
Getting ready in an empty house yet again, I headed to school, following my usual routine. Stepping into the school grounds, I spotted a familiar figure. Dirty blonde hair, denim jacket with wool lining and beat up combat boots.
“Kyle?” I blinked in surprise when I realised it was exactly who I thought it was.
“Hey Ellie!” Kyle grinned, showing me perfect white teeth. “Surprise!”
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Going to school. Why? What do you do here?” Kyle chuckled cheekily,
I felt the heat of my blush dance across my cheeks. ‘I didn’t know you went here.”
‘I didn’t until this week.” Kyle admitted with a shrug as he walked beside me. “Fancy showing me where the office is so I can get my schedule.”
“Uh, sure.” I nodded.
Kyle’s presence brought attention with it. Not only was he the new kid but he was good looking. Girls were watching him like a hawk and yet he seemed oblivious or not to care as he talked to me, dimples showing with every smile. His warm brown eyes sparkled with boyish mischief.
It turned out Kyle had a few of the same classes as me. It was a pleasant surprise even if I had already decided in my head he would forget about me soon enough when he made friends.
‘So has Aiden calmed down since last week?” Kyle asked me as we sat down at lunch.
“I haven’t seen him.” I confessed as I dabbed a fry into some ketchup. ‘I think he’s been staying with Tammy.”
“Wow.” Kyle’s eyebrows raised in surprise before letting out a low whistle. “Don’t take it personally. He can be a real grumpy shit for no reason at all.”
I shrugged at this. ‘It’s okay. I’m used to being on my own…
“Well if you ever want company just let me know.” Kyle grinned. “We could go do something fun like bowling or a movie or house party.”
1/2
Chapter 8
Oh, I don’t do house parties. I countered, shaking my head quickly.
Really? His face dropped in confusion, tilting his head a little. I suppose that makes sense. You’re not like other girls after all.”
I frowned at this, watching Kyle as he attacked his lunch. I wanted to ask what he meant by me not being like other girls but I didn’t have the chance because we had different classes after lunch. He promised to meet me when school finished but I didn’t hold my breath. Kyle was making friends everywhere and it would only be a matter of time before I was invisible to him too.
Sighing tired, I made my way to class while everyone else dragged their heels, in no rush to get to their last classes on a Friday afternoon. I didn’t mind so much. This was my routine after all.
Chapter Comments
Adele
