Can't Have It

Chapter 6

I awoke the next morning and the first thing I thought of was what Brad had said yesterday. He had asked me why I should avoid him, but it's to early to tell whether he wants me to not avoid him or if he was just playing along. I still haven't opened his snapchat and obviously the anxiety is killing me. I really want to open it but I don't want to seem to desperate. I want to give him the impression I don't think about him every minute of the day.... even though I do. It drives boys crazy, but it probably drives me crazier.
I get out of bed and change into black jeans, a black crop top, superstar Adidas.....and a leather jacket - for good measure....
When I'm down the stairs breakfast is on the table.
"Look let me speak before you say anything" my mom says and I sigh making her hold up her hand in defense.
"Just let me speak. Please try to make this a good year, I really didn't think I'd have to worry about detentions on the first day of school at this point and it's worrying me."
"Mom I told you the detention was not a big deal, I sent one text in class and I promise I'll try to be better but....you know how it is...."
My mom sighs and I know I've got her under the hook. With that, I set off to school only this time I'm careful to look around. When Brad left yesterday he had left in a direction near my house, and I might find him on my way. Which I really hope I do.
•
I finally made it to school but didn't see Brad unfortunately. I know I have him third period so I have at least that to look forward to. Till then, I have to fill in Skye on what's happened.
"OMG TELL ME EV-ER-Y-THING." Skye squeals.
"Okay so I was in detention right? Well Mr. Ox was my teacher and he was being the usual asshole he is and took all our phones but he had to leave in the middle and when he did I grabbed my phone. So I open up snapchat and Jessica is like ' oh let me add myself ' and I'm like Kay and then Brad says ' I'm next' !!!"
"Damnnnn first day and he's already got your snapchat?! Get some!" She jokes and slaps my arm, I just laugh at her remark.
"Anyways after that, detention was over and when we're walking out he sends me a snapchat and I didn't open it so he told me something about not opening it and I said that I would be avoiding him cause he got me in trouble and he just said not to and I said why and he just kept walking" I conclude.
"Omg you guys are going to be the cutest couple!!!" I laugh and she walks me to first period.
•
"Let's go to my locker". It's now nutrition. Which means I have Brad next.
As I walk Skye to her locker I can see she's speaking to me, but I'm not really listening. I keep looking around the halls to see if Brad is anywhere to be seen, but I can't find him.
"Hellloooo, earth to Olivia!"
"Oh um sorry yea your right that's stupid"
"You weren't listening to me....is something okay you seem a little off?"
"What? No! I'm just... thinking."
"Uh huh" she nods not believing a word I say. Just then, I see a head of brown curls walking down one of the halls heading towards the field. I don't want to tell Skye I'm following him but I have to get their to see where he's going.
"Hey let's go to the field." I say randomly.
"Noooo I want to eat and get nutrition"
"Cmon you can eat later"
"Why do you want to go to the field?"
"Because..."
"Olivia"
"Yea"
"What is it?"
"Look I really don't want to explain now can you please just shut up and come?"
"Fine" she gives in with a sigh.
The figure in the black shirt disappears around the corner and we run after him, me leading and Skye following in confusion. When I get to the corner I stop a little and spot him again. This time, I start slowly following him like the creep I am. He makes a turn near the equipment room and I follow slowly behind until I see him.
Sitting alone underneath the bleachers of the football field sits Brad. Once settled, he takes out a small packed lunch from home and begins to eat. I look at Skye and she gapes.
Then I see her start walking towards him. What the hell is she thinking omg no he's going to know I'm a stalker!!
I grab her arm and she pulls at it trying to get away. She steps back and crashes into the side of the bleacher near Brad and he turns abruptly.
"What the hell are you doing?!" he asks almost angrily.
Skye turns to face him while I linger in the back.
"Hey, we saw you and came to see why your where alone"
He stares at us before turning back around.
I push it even more and go to sit next to him and Skye awkwardly follows me not knowing what to do.
"Aren't you going to go to the lunch tables?" I ask him.
"You don't fuckin know my life just fuck off!" He yells at me. For a moment I just stare but steady my breathing and begin again.
" I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you mad " I say quietly, obviously hurt.
"If something's wrong, you can tell me" I try to calm him.
"Why would I trust you I don't even know you" he says, a little softer.
"Because I'm willing to listen and I most likely understand how you're feeling."
"You can't know what it feels like"
Before I interject he raises his voice a little
"How can you know what it feels like to move a country away from your home to some foreign ass place where everyone stares at you and assumes the worst when they don't fuckin know you and have to go home to parents who think your as much as a mis fit as the kids here? How can you know what it feels like to leave behind the only real family you ever had behind in Birmingham miles away where you didn't stick out, and that's just the way you like it but now it's nothing like that. You don't know what it's like. You don't know what I left in England." He looks down and I think I see a tear fall.
"I'm...I'm sorry" I stutter.
To keep him from further embarrassment I walk away leaving him alone to his thoughts and take Skye with me.