Gone

Chapter 10.

{Won't Go Home Without You - Maroon 5

I Wish - 1D }

I didn't hear my alarm go off. When I rolled over with a throbbing head ache, I didn't even flinch when I saw the time 11:06 am blinking in red. I grabbed the edge of my bed as I tried to get my feet to the ground.

My feet padded loudly against the hard wood floors as I made my way down stairs. I paused when I saw my mom sipping her coffee at the dining room table.

Oh no. I had barely any recollection of what happened last night. I tried to go over what I could remember in my head. Mariah picked me up and we went to a party. I drank a little too much. I remember slapping someone... Who was it? I don't remember what happened after that. And how did I end up home? Shit. And why is my mom letting me stay home from school? I'm so grounded for life.

She glanced up, a sleepy smile spreading on her lips.

"Are you feeling any better, sweetie?" I tried looking for sarcasm in her voice but found none.

"Yeah..." I said slowly, not sure of what she thought.

"I'm sorry I wasn't home when you got here to take care of you. I went out with some girls after work. It was very nice of Mariah to text me and let me know." Her eyes met mine and I just nodded.

Mariah brought me home last night?

"Can I see the text she sent you?" I asked, my voice thick with sleep.

She handed me her phone and I read the message.

-Isabella got sick while she was at my house studying. I dropped her off a couple minutes ago. I think she has the flu so don't be shocked if she doesn't attend school tomorrow.

Mariah -

I guess that was nice of Mariah to do. If she wouldn't have done that, I'd be punished until graduation for sure.

I handed the phone back and began to rub my temples, trying to get rid of my headache.

"Are you sure you're fine, Bell?" My mother's eyebrows knitted in worry.

"Yes, I'm fine. Would you care if I went over to Mariah's after school gets out?"

"Why would you want to do that?"

"The school dance is today and I want to get ready over there." I said slightly annoyed.

"I don't think you should go in your condition and you never go to dances, I want you to get ready here."

I rolled my eyes. "It's the 24 hour Flu, mom. I should be fine. Can I please go over there? I'll get ready here for the next one."

Her eyes lit up in excitement. "You're going to the next one?"

"Maybe, now can I go to Mariah's?"

"Yeah, I suppose. But I expect pictures and lots of them." She said trying to fight off her goofy grin.

I walked back upstairs to my room and flopped on my bed. I got up seconds later, curiosity killing me and peered out my window. Liam's Range Rover was gone but his mom's Grand Caravan was parked in the driveway. I wish I could just walk over there and discuss with her how much I like her son and how much of an idiot I am. But just like my own mom, she'd give me the feedback I didn't want to hear.

I laid back down on my bed and closed my eyes, trying to suppress images of the beautiful brown eyed boy that I turned down.

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As soon as I arrived at Mariah's house, I felt out of place. Like my mom's 2010 Jeep Cherokee didnt belong in the driveway of this Barbie mansion lookalike.