The Gallagher twins

~• 11 •~

In the end, I patched things up with my dad. It took a lot, because he's a stubborn ass. It felt so good to be forgiven; he's the biggest thing I have in my life and I didn't want to lose him over a stupid thing. I really don't know how I could drink so much vodka, my throat burned just remembering.

The next morning, I had to go to school. But I didn't want to go with the twins, mostly because of Ryan. Much less did I want to meet Arabella. That was my plan: avoid everyone.... But it backfired.

I was on my way out the door when Ryan called me on my cell phone. Obviously I wasn't going to answer, but I realized he was watching me from the upstairs window. I answered.

—What's up?

—Don't go away, we're about to go downstairs —he explained as he waved. I returned it out of obligation.

He hung up. When he moved away from the window and all I could see was the curtain, I cursed. I waited for them, impatiently, but I was taken in by the sight of Aidan. His hair was all over his face; as if he hadn't combed his hair, he looked sleepy and disheveled.

—Hey —Ryan said cheerfully. He was up in a good mood. In fact, he was the only one who looked good.

We walked in silence. Ryan was eager to talk, you could see it on his face, but neither Aidan or I uttered a word.

He was giving Aidan quick glances. His attitude was very strange. It was very noticeable that he was ignoring us. He had headphones on and the music was so loud. And he didn't even dare to look at us.

I was so focused on analyzing the twin that I didn't realize we had gone another way. For a moment I was so proud that I didn't want to ask, but I couldn't stand much and with a dry tone I asked:

—Where are we going?

—To Arabella's house.

What I was missing. The very son of his mother. Men they had to be.

I guess I was too distracted to notice. I didn't even notice that we were already in front of the house. There was no more time to reproach or make bad faces. In the midst of my inner drama, I kept my eye on Aidan, I wouldn't let him off my back. It just puzzled me a lot.... Well, it's not like I've known him all my life, but he was obviously avoiding any contact with any of us. And I don't know why, but I felt like he was avoiding me more than Ryan.

Arabella was out the door in a flash. She wanted to look punctual with Ryan, because, I swear, she is the most tardy person in this galaxy. And not to be outdone with those big eyeliner and eccentric hairstyles she used to do. The worst thing is that they did look good on her.

—Good morning —she said in a tired voice, while yawning.

Suddenly, my best friend came out behind her, smiling. I made a theory that Astrid, because of the alcohol, had to sleep at the redhead's house. It made sense, since Astrid's parents were very strict and if they had realized she drank now she would be in trouble.

We shook hands, but didn't get to talk. In fact, as soon as she came out she went to her boyfriend's side. I felt like the bad third, even though there were five of us.

Within the twenty minutes we walked to school, I decided to inspect those with me. Astrid was trying to cheer Aidan up, but he wouldn't even listen. On the other hand, Ryan and Arabella looked like complete strangers. Maybe on the day of the party they had overstepped their boundaries and were now regretting it.

I was beginning to think that no one had any intention of talking until Ryan did.

—Breakfast? Or...?

—I don't deny the invitation.

Astrid and I nodded. Aidan didn't even flinch; he didn't turn down the invitation, but he didn't accept either.

Everyone moved to the cafeteria. I looked at the boys before grabbing Aidan's hand.

—What's wrong?

The first thing that popped into my head was that he would pull his hand away without hesitation, but nope. In fact, he held it tighter. His touch was soft even though his hand was bigger.

—What have you got?

That's when he jerked his hand away and with a tone that sounded hateful, but was actually dry he said:

—Don't touch me.

Oh, well, so begged the gentleman. I ran to where the others were.

—And Aidan?

—Over there. Don't even go looking for him, he's a delicate —I answered, throwing my backpack on the floor as I took a seat.

[...]

—There'll be oral presentations and I'll choose the teams, since you did it last time, guys —said the teacher.

Of everything the teacher told us, that was the only thing I heard. Why? Because Aidan didn't come out of my head, and it wasn't even him, it was his attitude. What's gotten into him or what?

Fucking men, now they're worse than us women.

—Ian, Jasmine, Austin, ___ and.... Let's see, Ryan Gallagher —the teacher dictated the names of the first group.

Aside from being the first, was it my turn to go with him? What sin was I paying for?