Lovestruck (EDITING)

23: See You in School

I stare down at the large plate of bacon and eggs placed in front of me and pick up my fork to begin eating, avoiding eye contact with anyone at the large table. Just get through breakfast and leave, I tell myself in an attempt to relax. I'm unable to avoid conversation completely, though.

"So, what did you kids get up to last night?" Carmen asks from across the table, her eyes wandering from Jayden to me.

I drop my fork back down to my plate when she looks at me expectantly and I open my mouth to answer before being cut off by Jayden's response.

"Nothing really, Mom. There was a small get together with a few people but it was pretty lame, so we left," he says casually and his eyes dart to me for approval before he shovels a fork-full of eggs into his mouth.

I give him a small smile before turning to Carmen and nodding over-enthusiastically. I then follow Jayden's lead and bite into a piece of bacon to avoid further conversation. The quicker you eat, the quicker you can leave, my subconscious reminds me and I fill my mouth with eggs.

Tasmin gives me a sympathetic smile from her seat beside me and awkwardly taps her fork on the table, watching Carmen closely until her mouth begins to open with another question.

"Orange juice, anyone?" She interrupts her mother, standing suddenly and walking over to the fridge.

"Orange juice sounds great," I speak quickly, giving her a greatful smile.

"I would love some orange juice," Jayden follows my lead, nodding at his sister.

Tasmin closes the fridge and waltzes back over to us, squeezing my shoulder gently as she fills my glass with juice and passes the jug to Jayden with a knowing look in her deep caramel eyes. She returns to her seat, her eyes darting back to Carmen before she speaks.

"So, Skye, are you excited for senior year?" she makes an attempt at lighter conversation and I smile greatfully at her.

"Not really," I respond, "I'm not exactly ready to go back to school yet," I joke and take a mouthful of juice.

"Well, at least you won't be alone," Carmen interrupts, smiling sweetly and I give her a hesitant smile back, confused.

"Why's that?" I ask, filling my fork with more eggs, and my eyes dark to Jayden in confusion.

Jayden fills his mouth with bacon, avoiding eye contact and I continue to stare at him.

"Didn't Jayden tell you? He and Tasmin will be joining you next week. Douglas High is officially the fifth and final high school they will be attending," she announces proudly, sipping her coffee with a smile.

They'll be at my school? Great. Like this could get more awkward. I force a smile in Carmen's direction before answering.

"Oh, okay," I reply, slamming my foot down onto Tasmin's and causing her to jump, "Looking forward to a great year."

I force a smile towards Jayden's parents as Tasmin stands from her seat, shooting me a glare and clutching at her sore foot before excusing us from the table.

"Thanks for the breakfast, Mom and Dad," she says through gritted teeth and I stand beside her, feeling Jayden's eyes on me.

"It was lovely of you to let me stay here, Carmen, but I should be getting home," I lie, edging towards the hallway with Tasmin beside me.

"You're welcome to stay here anytime, Skye," Carmen smiles warmly, her husband - Mark, I think it was - nodding beside her before filling his mouth with bacon and eggs. I smile back greatfully while continuing to follow Tasmin into the hallway.

We're halfway down the hallway when I feel a grip on my wrist and I'm spun around to meet Jayden's worried caramel eyes.

"Skye, did something happen back there?" he asks me, confusion clear in his eyes.

I pull my arm from his firm grip and take a step back.

"When were you planning on telling me you're coming to Douglas?" I demand.

"I... I mean I never really thought about it, I guess... I just..." he struggles to answer my question and I roll my eyes.

"Were you just going to show up in my classes? Then what? What are you doing here, Jayden? What is this?" I question him, my hands finding my hair and tugging at it slightly. I might actually lose it.

"A pleasant surprise?" I can't tell if he's joking but I almost laugh in his face regardless.

I mean, really. Who does this kid think he is? He seems to turn up everywhere I go. Does he follow me? He seems to know everyone I know and where to find me and now he's following me to school. Am I being crazy? Probably, but it's because this guy is driving me fucking nuts.

"You need to give me some space," I announce, turning around and following Tasmin into the guest room to collect my stuff.

I feel him right on my heels, following me and I've had enough.

"You're acting insane," he raises his voice at me, "There's only one high school in the area, Skye. It's a coincidence. Why do you have such a huge problem with this?"

I pick up my clothes and push past him out the front door.

"Everything seems to be a coincidence lately, doesn't it?" I laugh and walk towards Tasmin's car, "I know what you're doing, and I don't need you to be constantly looking out for me. I can take care of myself, Jayden."

"I'll drive you home," he offers but Tasmin pushes past him, interrupting.

"I've got it, Jayden," she insists, dangling her keys, and he shoots her an annoyed look.

I climb into the passenger seat of Tasmin's blue Corolla and exhale heavily as she climbs into the drivers seat beside me, pushing the key into the ignition and giving me a small smile. Jayden continues to stare at me from the driveway.

"I'll see you in school, Jayden," I call out to him before closing the passenger door as we pull out onto the street.

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