How To Stay Afloat (BxB)

Chapter 166: Jealousy

Wednesday morning I wake up from another nightmare. But without the screaming.

This time I apparently killed Harry in my dream. How nice.

I should have enjoyed the dreamless nights a lot more while I still had them.

I stare at the ceiling. I don't even wanna get up from bed. I only have to be at school for two lessons today. Who cares if I show up?

I stay in bed longer. I text the others, telling them I won't come to school and just pull the blanket up to my chin and try to sleep more.

Self-care. That's what Alan advised. That's what I do.

Unfortunately sleep doesn't come again and I just lay in bed scrolling through my phone. Yes, I know being on my phone doesn't help me fall asleep, but after a while of trying to sleep I got too bored.

Luckily my parents aren't home. But my brother is. That's what I realize when I hear his annoying loud laughter that's basically shaking the whole house cause it's so annoyingly loud.

I listen to him talk to someone on the phone, but can't make out the words. When I hear him leave his room I decide to stand up as well.

I walk into the bathroom and find Caleb dancing, humming some melody while he's brushing his teeth. He hasn't spotted me yet, so I just stand leaned against the doorframe, watching him shake his ass like a fool.

I spot his earplugs and realize that he's listening to music and that's probably why he didn't hear me approach.

It takes him one more minute and a couple of really embarrassing dance moves until he finally spots me. He's leaned down to spit out the toothpaste and on his way back up finally glances at my reflection in the mirror.

He jumps back, almost slipping as he spins around, making a weird noise that's not a scream, but also not a gasp. Something in between.

I chuckle as his shocked face turns to an angry one in the matter of a second.

"You wanna give me a heart attack? Why are you home?" He asks.

I look at him amused. "Sorry, didn't wanna interrupt your show."

"Why aren't you at school?" He asks.

I shrug. "It's basically voluntary at that point."

He squints his eyes. "It surely isn't."

"No one checks attendance. I study better at home, on my own." I say.

He nods. "Wanna eat breakfast together?" He asks me.

I nod my head.

_____

"How's school?" Caleb asks as we sit on the couch and watch tv.

I shrug. "I won't fail unless I screw up oral because I get nervous and forget everything."

He nods his head. "And the others?"

"Austin is struggling. He doesn't study enough." I explain.

"I also had to do english twice." He says. "Who cares if he fails in a few subjects? Then he can study all summer and still start studying in october."

"He doesn't wanna go to uni." I explain.

"Even better." Caleb states.

I let out a sigh. It stresses me that Austin just doesn't put in any effort. But I also know that I can't force him to study. I know that he has to want it. It's not like he didn't study at all. He can still make it if he now takes it a bit more seriously.