The Alliance

Chapter 7

Thankfully, Fay had left quickly after. The lesson was only about an hour long, but for some reason, she had stayed longer. It's not like my family minded it. Maybe they asked her to stay longer; my mom's like that.

I'm surprised my dad was actually talking to her! I hadn't seen him laughing or talking to someone else in this house for almost a year.

Then again, maybe he laughs at work, or when I'm not around. Does he feel like he can't laugh or smile when he's around me? Is he unable to be happy around me? Is that how he feels?

What about Theo, and my mom? Do they feel the same way? What about Alisha, Kiana and Nevaeh, do I bring them sadness? Do they feel the need to pretend with me? God, am I bringing everyone down with me-

My alarm beeps, and I sigh angrily, reaching over to unplug it, instead of just hitting stop or snoozing. I decided to put my alarm to 6:45, instead of 6:00. I think I deserve some sleep. But my body disagrees, because I woke up 30 minutes ago, and couldn't go back to sleep.

Thankfully, I have 45 minutes until I should get out of bed...which gives me plenty of time alone with my thoughts.

I go on youtube and put on Kurtis conner. I lay on my stomach, watching a few of his videos before my eyes start to get heavy, so heavy that I can't keep them open anymore.

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"AVA!"

I woke up, quickly sitting up. I see my dad's mouth moving, but I can't make out any of the words.

"Dad," I yawn, "I just woke up, don't talk too fast." I lay back down in bed, laying on my back. I wonder how long I slept. At least I slept.

"Why aren't you in school?" He looks over his shoulder, to my open door, and turns back around, "Hurry, get out of bed, and go to school." He rips the duvet off me, and I shiver, and sit up, wrapping my arms around my knees, and resting my head on them. I frown. Why is dad here? What about work?

I look at the time, "Dad, I'll only get there in time for my last class. Can I stay-"

"No." He cuts me off, "You have no reason to stay home. Go and learn something." He scolds, leaving my room, and closing the door.

Dammit. None of the girls are in my fourth-period class, so what's the point?

Getting out of bed, not quick, despite my dad's commands, I realized I called them, 'the girls'. Are we officially friends? It feels foreign.

I don't bother to brush my hair or get dressed. I put on a hoodie over my pyjamas, and then grab a beanie, putting it over the mess that's my hair. I grab my backpack that's on the ground and throw the strap over my shoulder on my way out of my room.

I'm about to open the door to leave when my dad puts his hand on my shoulder and I freeze. I have to physically stop myself from flinching. My eyes widened. He hasn't made any physical contact with me for months.

"Have a good day." He tells me, then thankfully takes his hand off me, walking into the kitchen. I quickly open the door, and step out, rubbing my shoulder to get his touch away.

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I yawned walking into school, checking my phone and seeing texts from Alisha, asking where the hell I am and that I better be dead than ghosting her.

"You're late." My teacher tells me, and I stop at the doorway, putting my phone in my hoodie pocket.

"Sorry," I told the teacher. I assume she can't see that I'm not apologetic because she presses her lips together, and stares at me down.