Hailsmith Academy

Chapter 22: Thanksgiving

"Luke honey! Come down for breakfast!"

I grumbled as I pulled on my sweater, trudging downstairs from my room to go to the kitchen. It had only been half a day since I'd been back in the same house as Jason, and I already wanted to end my life right there. Every time I saw him, a barely controlled rage would take over my entire body. I didn't even think it was possible to hate another human being this much.

I walked into the kitchen, where my brother was already sitting by the kitchen island and eating bacon. I ignored him, going to the fridge to pull out some orange juice. My mom smiled at me when I walked in, putting down a plate towards the other end of the island. My dad was busy frying bacon, with a huge goofy grin on his face.

My mom went to go take over the cooking while my dad sat down with us. "Say boys, what have you two got going on for the rest of the day?"

Neither one of us answered. I didn't bother looking up or speaking around Jason. I felt like if I did, all that would come out of my mouth is loud, angry swearing.

"Come on boys. Would one of you speak?" My dad asked again. "Nothing." I finally mumbled. Jason still remained completely silent. I saw my mom and dad exchange looks. They could definitely see the increased tension between Jason and I. Sure, we'd never really gotten along but this was a whole new kind to hate.

I ate breakfast as fast as I could and went back up to my room, closing the door behind me. I sighed, falling back onto my old bed. I should probably take a shower, but I felt way too sluggish to get up. The whole lazy holiday spirit had taken over me already.

After thirty minutes or so, I forced myself to get up and take a shower. I changed into sweatpants and a hoodie, stashing some snacks in my room and preparing myself for the ultimate Netflix binge all day. At least until it was time for thanksgiving dinner.

After successfully completing an entire season of The Office in one day, I decided to take a break. I was just about to go out onto my balcony for some fresh air, when there was a knock on my door.

I went to open it, my jaw dropping when I saw Evans standing there in front of me. He was wearing a black jacket over a white t-shirt and black pants. He gave me a small smile, his hair styled to perfection.

"Hey, Luke."

I simply blinked at him, and then looked down at my clothes in horror. I was wearing the most homeless looking outfit possible, with Cheeto dust all over my hoodie. I'm pretty sure I had bed head hair too.

"Evans? What are you doing here?"

He gave me a hesitant smile. "I was invited for Thanksgiving. Mind if I come in?"

"Oh uh, yeah sure."

I stepped back to let him inside, grimacing when I saw the complete mess that my room was. Couldn't this guy have given me a heads up or something? Jeez.

"My mom isn't in town." Evans explained, after examining my room. "So, Jason was nice enough to invite me over. I live about forty minutes away from here anyway."

"Oh." I said stupidly. God, I wanted to smack myself. My stupid brain seemed to have stopped functioning. I really hate the effect this guy has on me.

He sat down on my bed, smiling at something on my desk. "Is that a picture of you as a toddler? That's adorable."

I chuckled nervously, running over to my desk to cover up all the potentially embarrassing pictures. "Yep, that's me."

He laughed. His beautiful, mesmerizing laugh that sounded like freaking music to my ears. Jesus, I've got to pull myself together.