You Are My Home

Chapter 8 - Beggars Can't Be Choosers

Gabriel's POV:

The weekend came and went, my time spent sulking in bed and dreading the Monday morning wake-up call for school. I could tell Olivia wanted to ask questions, her constant hovering driving me slightly insane but I knew that she was worried and I welcomed the new feeling of being cared for. I hear my alarm clock beep again for the third time since I woke up and I silence it, knowing that I'd already missed the first two lessons of the day. If I was lucky I'd be able to get there just in time for lunch.

"Gabriel!" Olivia yells and I huff, knowing that I'd used up all my procrastination and had to head out.

"I'm getting ready" I say back, not having the energy to yell and I hear her sigh from the bottom of the stairs.

Hauling myself out of bed I don't bother checking my reflection, having picked a simple tracksuit to wear for the day as my body ached from exhaustion. I'd not slept well the past two nights, my mind worrying about school and a certain blonde who was dead set on hating me for reasons unknown, but with me having a test in Maths I knew I needed to show up eventually no matter what was going on.

I grab my bag and head downstairs, my feet heavy on the wooden stairs and I see Olivia waiting by the door with her arms crossed. I try to shoot her a smile, but it falls flat and she frowns as she scans me. I go to walk past her to the door but she grabs my shoulder, forcing me to look at her as she rakes her eyes over my face. I wait for the accusations that never come and instead, she wraps her arms around me and I reciprocate the gesture appreciating the comfort her hug brings me.

Placing a final kiss on my head she lets me go, promising to see me when she gets home from work and I say goodbye before walking out of the door and towards the jeep. The journey to school is quick, my anxiety at an all-time high but I try to slow the beat of my heart with some music as I gather my thoughts. Finding a free space I gather my things, hearing the bell for lunch ring and I sigh, quickly smoking another cigarette before heading in through the double doors.

I push through the bustling bodies and head straight for the cafeteria, hearing the chatter through the wood. When I push them open I instantly feel the gaze of 5 people settling onto my frame, one look in particular setting my skin on fire, but I ignore them all as I walk towards my friends. Emma spots me first, her face a picture of worry and I accept the hug she offers me as soon as I get close enough, closing my eyes as I lean into her touch.

When we separate I say hello to everyone else, noticing the worry on everyone's faces but I plaster a smile onto my face so they don't worry too much. The conversation continues and I zone out, stealing some food from Emma's tray and she lets me for once without complaining. I still feel their eyes on me, my patience running thin and I think my frown portrays my frustration as Emma bumps her knee against my own.

"Your hair is a mess" She picks fun at my appearance and I playfully sneer at her, ruffling her hair so it looks worse than mine did.

"Now yours looks worse" I chuckle, ignoring her as she grumbles and I stick my tongue out at her as she glares at me.

"Gabe" Jessica calls for my attention and I turn to look at her, only now noticing that the entire table was turned our way.

"Yeah?" I question, seeing the way Bella was shaking her head and I tilt my own to the side in curiosity.

"We're thinking of going to Port Angeles this weekend, getting ready for the winter dance and all that. Want to tag along?" She says and I frown, forgetting that the date for the dance is fast approaching but I don't see a clear reason to say no so I shrug.

"Sure, I'm not driving though" I tack on quickly and I hear her huff, Bella shooting me a look clearly wanting me to say no so she had an excuse to get out of it.