Stumbling Through

Annoying Texts

Chapter Five

“Wake up Willow.” I felt a finger prod my back childishly. I mumbled for them to go away incoherently, as I pulled my bed covers over myself.

“Come on Willow, you have half an hour to get ready before you need to leave.” I grumbled as I sat up, relinquishing my strong fight for my right to sleep. My body ached as I moved.

My Uncle gave me a warm smile. “It’s seven thirty.” He warned me.

I sighed. “Thanks Charles.” I managed through a yawn, wincing at my muscles protested the movement. I had held extra long cheerleading practice last night to make up for what we had been missing on for the last few days, and then I had going to the dance studio to work on a few dance routines.

My Uncle busied himself leaving my room as I swung my feet over the edge of my bed, forcing myself to be awake. I felt dead and in pain.

By the time I had gotten ready for school I was already running late.

I grumbled quietly at the traffic lights, held on red even though no one was crossing. The place was deserted.

I tapped my fingers angrily on the steering wheel, when a familiar face passed by, well a familiar hat. My anger disappeared as I rolled down my window.

“Derek!” I called out, grabbing his attention.

He turned to face me, looking at me in surprise before smiling in recognition at me.

“You’re late.” I teased, ignoring the fact that I was late too. He was more late because he was walking anyway.

He scratched the back of his neck. “Woke up late.” He winced.

I grinned. “That makes two of us. Want a ride?” I offered already leaning over to unlock the passenger’s side door. We had History together first anyway.

“Uh…sure.” He glanced down the road before coming around the side of my car to climb in. A sharp wind followed him in when he opened the door and settled himself in the seat.

I waited for him to clip in his seat belt before starting to drive. “Morning Derek.” I greeted him.

He laughed lightly. “Morning Willow. Thanks for letting me ride with you.” He said gratefully.

“No, problem. So waking up late huh?” I said through a teasing grin. “Any activities keeping you up last night?” I asked him hitting his shoulder lightly with mine.

His eyes widened as he shook his head. “N-no.” He stuttered out. “My step brother usually gives me a lift, but he didn’t tell me he was leaving early today to meet up with some girl or something.” He pulled a face.

I frowned. “You’re brother sounds like an ass.” I told him honestly.

He shrugged his shoulders. “He’s not so bad.” He said unconvincingly.

I shook my head. “If you want I can give you rides to school.” I offered. “You’d have to give me your address though.”

He shook his head. “Don’t bother, it’s fine really.” He insisted. “Anyway my dad likes him giving me lifts because he wants us to be closer brothers.” He rolled his eyes.

I sympathised for him. “You don’t get along?” I asked.

He shrugged again. “We get along fine, we just don’t really talk much. Thank god for radio or the ride every morning would be really awkward.”