More Than I Bargained For

Chapter Thirty-One: Pinky Promise

Chapter Thirty-One

I woke up, the sunlight streaming through my open curtains falling into my eyes. I sat up, yawning and stretching. I felt good. I felt...happy.

I was done with Drew, and I think that was what was holding me back. As corny as it is, I feel free now. I'm happy. I don't have to put up with him everyday.

I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, took a shower, and washed my hair. I wrapped myself up in a towel and blowdried my hair and then moisturized it. It looked especially glossy and bouncy today. Maybe it was just my mood.

I skipped to my closet, off to pick out something to wear. I slipped on a silk peach coloured ruffle blouse, dark blue high-waisted shorts, a white tuxedo blazer, and nude patent leather platform pumps with ankle straps, all from Bebe.

I walked out of my closet and downstairs, feeling good. Feeling confident. I went to the kitchen, grabbing a chocolate chip muffin from the fridge. I grabbed a napkin and sat on the island, digging into my muffin.

"Where's your mom?" Grady asked, looking at something in his hands.

"I don't know," I said, swallowing the muffin in my mouth. "Probably errands or getting breakfast or something."

"Oh," Grady said, and then he looked up at me. "Where are you going?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're all dressed up."

I sighed happily. "I just feel good today."

"You look it too. You look happy. You're almost...glowing."

I blushed. "I feel like it too. Drew and I broke up."

Grady took this in, and I could tell he was trying not to smile. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's a good thing. Things weren't working out anymore."

"Yeah, he was an asshole."

I laughed. "Tell me about it."

"Anyway, I'm for you. It's good to see you happy."

I smiled. "Thanks."

He smiled back. "Anytime. I might be back later, tell your mom I stopped by."

"Okay."

"Later."

"Bye."

I watched him as he left, wondering what he really thought Drew and I breaking up. I shook the thought away and finished off my muffin.

And then I thought about it. Drew really was an asshole lately. I hoped he could keep his mouth shut.

***

It was around nine P.M. and I was in the sitting room, watching re-runs of Drake and Josh on TeenNick when someone came through the front door. I was expecting my mom, as I hadn't seen her all day, but it was Evan.

"Evan!" I shouted, jumping up and running to him happily. I embraced him tightly. "You're weeks early!"

"I know," he said lifelessy. His jaw was clenched, his expression hard.

"Why are you back so soon? What's wrong?"

"Ask Mom," he spat.

"What?" I asked cluelessy, but he ignored me, walking past me and upstairs ferociously.

Then my mom walked through the door. She looked...dead, lifeless. She looked tired and disheveled. Her hair was pulled back sloppily into a messy bun, she didn't have on any jewelry or make-up, and her clothes were wrinkled. She looked at me and a little life sparked in her eyes...but it wasn't the good kind.