The Scars That Broke Her

Chapter 22

"I just don't understand what he sees in her." Clove grumbled leaning against the lockers with a sigh. She stared through the crowed hallway at Tate who was laughing along with some of his friends from the soccer team. His backpack was slung over his shoulder haphazardly as he dug through his locker looking for something.

"I don't think he sees anything in her." I responded, not bothering to hide my disdain for the blond leaning over my brother's shoulder. Her perfectly manicured nails – which were colored an unusual shade of green – were placed carefully on his arm as if reminding him that she was there. My face contorted at the sight.

"Then why are they always around each other?" If I didn't know any better, it sounded like there was a hint of jealousy in Cloves voice.

"Because she's annoying." I rolled my eyes away from the scene, as I started sifting through my own locker. I am pleased to report that in my absence, school has not changed. It's still just as annoying – and loud – as it was when I left. I did find, however, that I was able to tolerate it a little more. In other words, I didn't want to rip my ears out as much – only when Aubrey was shmoozing all over Tate.

In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, everything seems to be more tolerable these days. Especially my brothers and their constant need to stick their nose in my business.

Jamie says it's because I'm processing everything and coming to terms with it. Who knows, maybe she's right. And while we're on the topic of tolerance, I have found that I tolerate therapy more than I thought I would, though I did get quite pissed off when Jamie suggested I visit my dad's grave stating, "I think its an important part in processing your grief", what does she know. That was a hard day in therapy. However, despite our little tiff, Jamie wasn't so bad...just don't tell Cale I said that.

"Hey! How'd your chem test go?" Callan asked coming over to us. I sighed, pulling out a notebook.

"Well, up until this moment I had forgotten that shit show, so thank you Callan." I retorted shoving my notebook into my backpack.

"That bad, huh?" Clove asked, giving me a worried look.

"That bad." I slammed my locker shut, my frustration from earlier during the test resurfacing. "There's no way I'm going to pass that class. Mrs. Thompson made it very clear that if I don't keep my grades up, she's going to move me back a grade. And Cale," I huffed, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I just patched things up with him. We've gone a whole week without arguing! That's like unheard of for us. But of course, its too good to last. We-"

"Noa," Callan grabbed my shoulders, stopping me mid-sentence and effectively putting a halt to my spiral. His green orbs were reassuring as they looked at me sending an instant wave of calm over my body. "Stop worrying, you did just fine."

  I scoffed.

"I'm serious. Don't worry until you have something to worry about." He gave me a knowing look. "Besides, you had the best tutor."

I stared at him for a moment, knowing full well I wasn't going to be able to just forget about it, but decided it wasn't worth the fight. I sighed, "Fine."

A loud cackle sounded from across the hall causing my eyes to roll once again. Aubrey gave my brother's arm a squeeze as she leaned in whispering something in his ear, before moving away from the group. Her eyes met mine for a second. I watched them trace over me, as if inspecting me, before she smirked continuing on her way. What was she looking at? I can assure you; I am not that interesting. My eyes narrowed, my jaw clenching.

One of these days I guarantee my fist will meet her face and wipe that stupid look right off.

"You coming tonight?" Beau's loud voice called over to Callan as he and my brother crossed the hallway to us. I watched as the boys hit their forearms in greeting, an amused expression creeping onto my face.