Between The Lines

Chapter 8

Ana POV

I was surprised to see Christian standing over me in the doorway. I was mortified. Why did he out of everybody have to be the one to find me. His eyes were filled with worry and concern. I didn't want to talk about what was wrong. He didn't need to know but when I saw the look in his eyes I caved.

"I'm sorry, I just really miss my mom." I said and put my head back on my knees as I began to sob again. Before I could move again I was being pulled into someones arms and rocked. I looked up at him and he nodded. It was like he was giving me permission to cry on his shoulder. I wrapped my arms around his neck and continued crying. He rubbed my back soothingly and rocked me. I had felt alone and when Christian held me I didn't. Soon I pulled away and stood up. I reached down and grabbed my bag. I took one look at him and I left. Why did I let him comfort me? He doesn't know me, let alone care about me. So stupid Ana, I thought to myself, you are an idiot. He is going to hurt you. I knew I was being dramatic about this whole thing but he was starting to irritate me with all this sudden affection. I knew he wouldn't follow me because he had baseball practice. I ran outside and found my dad waiting for me in the parking lot. He didn't say anything when I climbed in the passenger side of the beat up truck. My dad was really good at telling when I was upset. He pulled out of the parking lot and I stared out the window as we drove.

"Hey, I was thinking it was time for some father-daughter ice cream time. What do you think?" I laughed quietly and looked over at my dad.

"Yeah I think that's pretty overdue Dad." I told him while still slightly giggling.

"Well I couldn't get rid of your brother." He defended himself. I laughed at him once again. The rest of the way to Dairy Queen was pretty funny. We sang to some Spice Girls and told horrible jokes. My dad always knows how to make me feel better without even bringing up the problem.

"Alright bug, let's feast." My dad said to me as he climbed out of the truck.

"Oh God. Not the bug phase again." He chuckled as I followed him to the window to order.

"Hey loser." I heard a familiar voice say from behind me. I whipped around and saw Tori standing behind me with Will. I ran to her and hugged her. Yeah I just saw her at school but it's been like a half hour. I missed her.

"I guess I'm not cool enough to get a squeal and a hug." Will said and I slapped him on the arm.

"I was making my way to you." I told him.

"Hey Tori, Will" My dad walked up to us. We walked back to the window to order our ice cream. After me and my dad got our frozen treat we walked to one of the outside tables and sat with Tori and Will.

"Did you pick your topic for Mrs. Mathers project?" Will asked me. I nodded and tried to say penguins with a mouthful of cookie dough ice cream. I failed miserably and ended up spitting it everywhere.

"Seriously Ana!" Will yelled at me. Me and Tori were laughing way too hard to care about Will yelling at me. I mean come on I just got ice cream all over the guy, it was pretty funny. Will looked at the two of us and chuckled. "I hate you guys." He said whilst laughing.

"Well, I am so sorry to break this up but we have to get going." A chorus of disappointed groans sounded from our table. My dad mocked us, slouching his shoulders and making the weirdest face.

"You're no fun." Will mumbled to himself.

"I heard that."

"Yeah I know." I stood up and gave my friends a hug before going to the truck. I was happy to see my friends. I was no longer upset and was feeling pretty good when my phone went off. I unlocked it and checked my messages.