Found (BxB)

CHAPTER 33

Kaden and I didn't speak the whole Sunday.

I kept checking my phone all the time during the day in case he would finally reply my goodnight message, but I got nothing.

I told myself it was better this way. Talking face-to-face would be better than by text; it could make us understand each other better by our body language, facial expressions and tone of voice.

I just wanted to tell him I was sorry; I didn't want to fight with him; I was only worried about him; it was never my intention to make him feel like a burden; I loved him. I wanted to tell him all that. And I promised myself I would as soon as I saw him at school the next day.

So, I was disappointed when I didn't see him anywhere in the hallways. That's okay, I thought. I would see him at break for sure. I had everything planned: I would see him, ask for him to help me with something coach asked me to do (when in reality, he didn't ask for me to do anything), and then go somewhere private to talk to him.

I was patiently waiting for the bell finally ring, signalizing it was break time. I was bouncing my legs up and down; something I used to do whenever I was feeling too anxious. The familiar ring finally sounded, and I jumped in my seat, putting my things in my bag quickly and practically running to the cafeteria.

Naturally, I was the first one to arrive. I had brought some food for me to eat, but I couldn't eat anything while I was feeling nervous, so I settled for talking first and then eating. I was hoping we could figure things out with this talk; because if we didn't, I didn't think I would be able to eat at all afterwards.

"Hey, you're already here" Andrew was the first one to arrive, sitting in front of me "I'm usually the first one here. Well, or me or Francis; he gets really excited to eat"

I forced a laugh so I wouldn't seem rude, but what came out of my throat was actually some weird noise I was sure an animal did. Andrew gave me a strange look, but said nothing as I awkwardly smiled at him.

The guys arrived gradually. Francis was the next one, then Brayden, followed by Jimmy and Jonathan, and then finally Will and Jack. Everyone but Kaden. I looked around, hoping he would appear suddenly. But there was no sign of him.

"Hm" I cleared my throat, drawing everyone's attention "Does anyone know if Kaden came to school today?"

"I haven't seen him all day; I figured he was just stuck in a class" Andrew answered.

"He may be sick" Jonathan suggested.

"You don't know?" Jimmy asked with a frown, earning a nudge from Will "Because you're close to him, I mean" He added.

"He is probably-"

"It's his birthday" Jack interrupted Brayden "That's why he didn't come today. It's his 18th birthday"

"What?" I choked out; Kaden hadn't mentioned his birthday was coming, and even if we were in a fight, I wanted him to tell me if today was his birthday "Are you sure?"

"I've been his cousin for seventeen years" Jack deadpanned "Yes, I'm sure"

"That jerk didn't tell anyone" Francis snorted.

"Should we prepare a surprise party or something?" Andrew asked.

"He doesn't celebrate his birthday" Jack replied "He doesn't like it"

I frowned. That was strange. Is there a reason why he doesn't like it or he simply doesn't?

"Who doesn't like his own birthday?" Jimmy asked in disbelief.

"Kaden" Brayden said, making Jimmy stick his tongue out to him.

"Um... Jack" I called him a whisper so only he would listen to me. He looked up from the apple in his hands and glanced at me; unbothered "Could you text me Kaden's address? I just want to pass by and wish him a happy birthday" It was half-true. Kaden never invited me to his house; I already wanted to go there, but I couldn't just invite myself over. So, I had to ask Jack for his address.