When Darkness Falls

Chapter 26

*Phil's POV*

Going back to school has never felt this good.  I've been stuck in the house for a whole week with Dan and my dad.  I've sat through the most awkward Thanksgiving ever and then avoided him some more.  Of course I also left to go to parties some nights, and some other nights I just went to the wall to be alone.  I had a weird realization halfway through the week though.  What am I doing?  I'm sitting around moping and showing him that he has the power to control my emotions; my daily life, which is not okay.

So, today I am going to school with a new mindset.  I've got my skinny jeans, black V neck and, believe it or not, my own leather jacket.  Seems sort of "Dan-Like" to me, but i need a new image for what I have to do.  To my surprise, I get the reaction I want almost immediately.

People's stares last longer than usual, a few girls even lingered before turning back and giggling and whispering to their cliques.  At one point, I make eye contact with one and flash her a grin and a wink.  She bites her lip before looking back over to her friends with flushed cheeks.  

Maybe this isn't as hard as i've been making it out to be.

I sit in my desk for my first class and wait patiently for the class to begin.  Of course, that thought is interrupted by a tiny tap on my shoulder.  I turn around and I'm met with a pair of big brown eyes and a kind, playful smile of the more 'popular' girls in the class.  "I like the get up, Phil.  It suits you."

I look her up and down, taking in her low-cut, rather revealing shirt and her silky brown hair that falls just below her shoulders.  "Thank you.  I figured it was time for a switch up."  I shoot her a playful smile right back which sends her cheeks flushing.  

"Well.. This may sound rather abrasive, but since abrasive seems to be your thing, I'll ask anyways.  There's supposed to be a party at Mark Parker's house later tonight since there's a teacher work day tomorrow..  You should come. "  She bites the inside of her lip and looks down at her desk.  "Not to be my date or anything.  I just have never seen you at any of them, and It'd be nice to."

Perfect.  Wow, this is so much easier than i thought.  "Write the address down and I'll consider."  Can't be too open to go, that's not very impressive.  

"I have a better idea."  With a swift motion, she whips her phone out and unlocks it, opening up her contact list and hands it to me.  "How about you give me your number so that I can keep you up to date."  There's that playful tone again.. "Just in case something comes up, yeah?"

My eyes meet hers.  "Yeah, okay."  I put my number and name in before handing it back to her.  "Oh,"  I start, grabbing her wrist gently to keep her attention.  "I didn't catch your name?"

She gives a tiny grin.  "Sophia.  Sophia Steele."

I nod my head.  "Well then, Sophia Steele.. I'll see you tonight."

"Dido."  She gives a wink and i turn around.  Now I just need to get home and figure out how I'm going to get there and back.

A grin makes its way onto my face.  I'll show Dan just how much I need him.  Psh.  

*TIME SKIP TO THAT NIGHT*

Pretty much the same outfit I was wearing at school, but that's okay."  I glance down at my dark grey V neck and black skinny jeans.  The leather jacket lays soundly on my bed, so I walk over and put it on.  Perfect.  I grab my keys and head downstairs.  

Of course it couldn't be as easy as walking out the door and coming back later, nope, instead i'm met with my dad and Dan.  They're both wearing aprons covered in flower.  Dad smiles at me, "Phil, you're just in time to help me and Dan finish cooking the cookies for the party at work tomorrow!"