Damaged Hearts

21-Strike

On Tuesday I decide to sit over with Alex at lunch.

I tell Cora once again I have to sit there because of tutoring.

That's a lie. I want to sit there because ever since Sunday Alex has been the only thing that is a constant on my mind.

I love it.

I stayed the night at Cora's Sunday.

Then I went to school yesterday, then to cheer practice, after that I came home to find my mom making dinner again.

She's been home every night and it feels weird.

Everything about it does.

She's there and there is no alcohol bottle in sight.

I stay there because I feel I have to now.

She's better so why spend every night at Cora's?

I also feel like if I don't something bad might happen.

That if I don't sleep there she'll dive right back into the blackhole of drinking her days away.

I hope she stay sober.

"Hey pompoms." Willy says as I sit down, tray in hand.

Toby looks over at me as if he's confused.

"Why are you sitting here?" He asks.

"Tutoring." I reply.

Ben enters the cafeteria and sits at the table.

I eat some fries as I wait for Alex.

"Are you coming with us to the park tonight?" Willy asks and I shake my head.

"I have work."

Toby gaps, "Where?"

"The new ice cream place, you already knew this." I say annoyed.

"Does that mean I get a discount?" He asks batting his lashes.

"Yes."

"Really?" He asks, his voice hopeful.

"No."

He frowns, "Why not?"

I shrug, "Because." I say before popping another fry into my mouth.

The doors to the cafeteria open and my heart begins to race.

Alex walks over to the table, he's in jeans and a hoodie.

He sits down beside me and I smile at him.

"Hi." I say.

"Hi." He says back.

He looks over at Cora's table.

"Her and Landon are in the library for lunch." I say to him.

He smirks mischievously, then he leans down and kisses me.