The Other Sister

Chapter 9

Nine. 

I wasn’t sure how long I sat there for, hunched on the floor, my body curled up in a ball and rocking back and forth with the attack of sobs that shook my soul. These emotions were all new to me – they didn’t have a manual on how to deal with someone that you used to love, just realizing that his feelings were mutual and that he wanted you to be happy.

After a while, I pushed myself off of the floor and glanced around, scrubbing away the fresh tears that had poured down my face once again. The sky was dark, and upon checking my watch, I realized it was already 7pm. Rubbing my hands on my clothes, I cleaned away the last of my tears before starting off to my car.

I pat my pockets to check for the key, and to my utter dismay I realized that they weren’t there. “Crap,” I muttered, frowning slightly. No, I didn’t have a problem with walking home, but it was dark, and admittedly, I was scared.

I clenched my fists and started towards the school gates. A quick glance around the school confirmed my suspicions – everyone else had already left, so that just left me alone here. I wouldn’t even be able to hitch a ride from someone.

My flats scuffed against the floor as I hugged my jacket tighter to my body, against the wind that was mercilessly blowing so heavily across my face, whirling my hair around. My phone wasn’t with me either, and I was sure Zac would have already left…

I stepped out of school silently, and started the 15 minute walk back home. The streets were dimly lit, but even for that amount of light I was grateful. Don’t get me wrong, there were still many people out and about on the streets, but let’s just say I wasn’t a fan of the dark.

I put my hood up as the wind got stronger and jammed my hands into the pockets of my jackets. Look straight, keep a neutral expression and for goodness’ sake, stop thinking about whatever else you’re contemplating!

My eyes were trained on whatever was ahead, really I didn’t even notice my surroundings. I barely registered that I had walked past a park, and the fact that I was very cold.

Finally I spotted the dark silhouette of my house in the distance, and gratefully I ran towards it, just grateful to be back at somewhere where I’d be safe. I plodded on the front porch, and hastily dug inside my bag for the house keys.

It was dark, and I was having a hard time trying to figure out where they were. I sighed under my breath and continued digging, until the front door opened to reveal Jeremy. His hair was wild and scuffy, and his eyes just looked simply very worried.

When his gaze landed on me though, it softened, and I could almost see the tension draining out of him. He held out his hand and I took it gratefully. Jeremy pulled the door shut, and I fell into his warm and inviting arms, crashing against his bare, rock-hard chest.

“Please tell me why you’re only home now, when it’s dark already. I was worried sick,” he mumbled into my hair, stroking it softly. I just clutched on tighter to him and breathed in his familiar musky scent.

“Don’t ask, please, Jer-Jer. If anyone’s looking for me tell them I went to bed, okay?” I mumbled, exhausted and wriggled out of his grasp. He didn’t let go of my hand though.

“I’m not letting you go till you have something to eat.” He frowned, and I sighed. “Please, Jer, I’m very tired, could we talk about this in the morning or something?”

He shook his vehemently and I sighed, wrenching my arm out of his grasp. “Just leave me alone, okay? I don’t feel like talking to anyone now.” I snapped, irritated, trying not to feel guilty at the fact that I’d just behaved like a bitch in front of her best friend.