Trust Me

Chapter 12

"Did you see his face," I laugh.

"Get back here! Detention!" Caleb mocks.

I turn towards him, and our faces are inches apart. Our eyes meet, and for a moment the world stands still. But only for a moment.

"Yeah, it was pretty funny," he mumbles, turning away.

"Yeah," I whisper. Silence fills the car for a few moments.

"Drive me home chauffeur," I demand in a bad French accent, trying to break the awkwardness.

"Yes Madame," he obliges, rolling his chocolate brown eyes. We head home, making casual conversation.

I look up to the sky, and see a bright, beautiful sun for the first time in days. It's oddly warm for this time of the year today, somewhere in the low 50's. Such beautiful weather.

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When I arrive home, I quietly open the front door, hoping to avoid Josh. As I turn and start up the stairs, I run right into him. Great, just what I wanted.

"Why are you hanging out with that jerk," he says with clenched teeth.

"It's none of your business, now is it," I retort. I look up into his eyes and see pure anger and disgust.

"What happens to my family IS my business," he roars. "How many times have you come home crying because of something that prick did? He's not going to change, Lottie. He's just going to hurt you again. But no, you can't see any of that right now because you are blinded by some silly crush you have."

"I do not!" I yell. "You're wrong, he has changed. And who are you to tell me what to do! You're not my boss, and it is not you're job to protect me. It's my life, so stay out of it!"

I see pain run across his face from the sting of my words, but ignore it. Pushing him out of the way, I run to my room.

"Lottie," I hear Tiff whisper, before I slam the door, and twist the lock.

As soon as I'm alone, I let the tears fall down my face. They cascade down, like raindrops, intertwining with each other.

I need to get out of here. I need to get out of here, into the woods or something. I need to be anywhere but here.

I collect myself, wiping my tears away, and splashing water on my face lessen the puffiness of my eyes.

I rummage through some drawers, and settle on an old pair of teal sweatpants, paired with a pink tank top. Although the color of the tank top doesn't matter, because I throw on a white sweatshirt over it.

I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I'd actually look really cute if my face didn't look as if I'd been crying. Plus, my hair's a mess.

I pull my hair into a messy bun, and go to open the door. I wish there was another way out, besides going downstairs. I really don't want to face Josh again. I guess I'll just have to deal with it.

I slowly open the door to scan the hallway. Empty. I quietly tiptoe down the stairs, and start to open the front door, when I notice a growl from my stomach. Crap. I'm hungry.

I dash to the kitchen, and grab a granola bar. About to leave, I hear a voice behind me.

"Where are to going," Tiff asks. I breathe a sigh of relief. It's only Tiff.

"For a run," I explain.

"Luna is at the vet. You can't go out alone," she says. "You know, Josh is trying to protect you. And he's not all wrong."

"You're on his side too? Wow. Okay, how about this...you mind your own freaking business, and I'll do whatever I want," I yell, storming out of the house, and taking off into the woods. I know I'm being a major B, but why can't they leave me alone? I just need to cool down. I'll apologize when I get home; I just need to cool down.