Nothing's Fine

• 71: Avoiding •

I decided to skip half the day of school the next day. While I felt a little less heavy after my chat with Lorraine yesterday, I still managed yet another night with minimal sleep. I had an in class assignment to do in math class, so I knew I had to go to school, but there was also something about going to lunch that made staying in my room feel safer. A large part of me also knew I was still hiding from my problems but I didn't care. Avoiding them until I was no longer able to, felt like the best course of action.

After laying in bed for most of the morning, I pulled myself out of bed and went to brush my teeth and wash my face. I then changed into a pair of loose light jeans and a beige knit sweater. I left my hair down as my curls seemed to be behaving for once and then put on some mascara and lip gloss. I grabbed my backpack and a jacket then headed out the door.

I made it to school right before the lunch bell rang, which was perfect as it gave me five minutes to put what I needed into my locker and head to math class.

I noticed when Mason walked into the room, the surprise on his face was evident when he saw me. I gave him a shy smile, but the bell rang and he went to sit behind me like he always did. Math passed by uneventfully. I took notes on the short lesson though I didn't feel fully mentally present, and handed my assignment in at the end of class. 

When the bell rang, students shot up out of their seats around me, desperate to get to their next classes. I, however, slowly packed my stuff up, not feeling the same rush to get out of the room and into the crowded hallway.

"Hey," Mason said. I glanced up to see he wore a gentle smile.

"Hey," I repeated softly.

"You're here," he said. "How are you?"

"I'm fine... couldn't miss the assignment," I said. The slight eyebrow raise on Mason's face told me he wasn't buying it for a second. "How are you?"

"I'm okay," he replied as I stood up with my zipped up bag. "I missed you..."

"I missed you too." I replied. It was true, and it scared me to miss him. We began walking out of the classroom. We walked a little ways down the hallway but lingered near the split in the hallway, knowing we were walking in different directions.

"I'll drive you home after school... if you like," he added shyly.

"Sounds good," I answered, glancing up at him. I stretched up to gently place my hand on his cheek.

I noticed as his dark green eyes brightened slightly. I also noticed the tiredness in his expression that was thinly concealed. Both possibly to do with me. I felt my heart lurch, with a mix of emotions. Scared or not, I clearly couldn't do much more avoiding.

Author's Note: Yay! New Chapter! No more avoiding?? What do you think will happen next?