Song of Sirens

Chapter 7

Reliving your first mental breakdown and when everything started to take a turn for the worse leaves you a little distracted, to say the least. I hardly took in anything from class the next day, not even Chemistry and Biology and they were my favourites. I'd been the same at breakfast and lunch.

When I returned home after school to find Alice and Zoe listening to really loud music and I think it was homework, I couldn't stay. So I got into jogging clothes and went out onto the grass, my jacket done up to my chin in the freezing air. I ran along the fence and then along the tree line of the woods.

The freezing wind flew through my short hair and my eyes began to water, but I kept going until my skin was raw and red before returning to the house. I walk in and find my way to the kitchen, hoping to find some juice or something in the fridge.

Instead I find Kat. Cooking. I think they're cupcakes and she spins when she hears me walk in.

"Oops. You weren't meant to see them, I was going to bring them to you later." She smile shyly, as if she is a kid caught stealing a lollipop.

"Why are you making me cupcakes?" I raise an eyebrow as I check in the fridge to find a jug of orange juice and pour myself a glass, even thought I hate orange juice.

"Because you were upset earlier," she opens the oven before pulling a tray of chocolate cupcakes out and setting the on the bench. The smell swims through the air of the small kitchen.

"How did you know?" I turn to face her.

"We just, can. You know," her eyes say it all. It's a Siren thing.

Nathan walks in and smiles at me. "Hi Liv. Kat."

I smile back and so does Kat before Nathan reaches to grab a cupcake, but Kat quickly smacks his hand away. "Hey, they're for Liv only."

"Wow, what did you do for Kat to cook you cupcakes?" He leans against the bench, stretching his shirt tightly across his chest and I quickly look at the ground.

"She was upset earlier, so I was trying to cheer her up," Kat's smile is one part embarrassed and one part proud.

"Are you okay now?" He looks at me, concern swimming in those piercing blue eyes.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. I, uh, just had some bad memories resurfacing," I quickly take a mouthful of juice before I say anything more.

Nathan raises an eyebrow at Kat and she shrugs back. He turns back to look at me, questions in his gaze. "What kind of memories, might I ask?"

"No, you cant ask." My tone is harsh, but I didn't intend it to be. And his gaze fills with pity. Pity. I've had enough pity for a lifetime and I certainly do not need anymore.

"So, I was thinking we could hang out or something later. What do you say Liv?" Kat speaks up to break the tension.

"Sure, why don't we watch a movie or something?" I smile in thanks and she winks, without facing Nathan.

"Yeah, sounds great. My room? Or yours?"

"Yours, definitely. Zoe and Alice are always in mine. It's a little frustrating." I roll my eyes sarcastically and rinse my glass out.

"Why don't you two just switch roommates?" Nathan speaks up, reminding me he's there.

"Oh my gosh. We should!" Kat's face lights up with excitement. "I'll move into your though, its way bigger than mine. And Zoe and Alice wont mind, will they? Oh, I so have to go and ask Amelia."

"Okay, I don't mind." I smile a little, and on the bright side I like Kat a lot better than I like Alice.

"I'm going to tell Alice and Zoe and then I'm going to Amelia's office and asking for permission." She's almost jumping with excitement as she runs out of the room and up the stairs.

I try to avoid meeting Nathan's gaze, but those eyes ensnare me in their trap again and I meet his eyes evenly. Without letting myself shatter.

"Do you want to go into town and grab a coffee or something?" I hardly hear what he says because I'm staring into those eyes again. What is with him? Why does he affect me?

"Uh, I'm sorry, why?" I shove my hands in the pockets of my jacket, wrapping my hand around my phone.

"To cheer you up, I feel bad for asking before," he smiles apologetically, dimples forming in his cheeks. Adorable little dimples. Since when do I think dimples are adorable?

"Sure, okay, let's go." I smile a little and head towards the front door. But before I can open it, Nathan holds it open for me before grabbing his coat and I mutter a quiet thanks.

I pull out my phone and text Kat, telling her I'll be back in a hour, then continue walking towards the front gates.