New Dawn

N i g h t O u t

As to be expected, I didn't sleep much and was forced to go hunting before school in order to keep me awake and alert. None-the-less, school flew by and I was able to distract myself from all the thoughts and questions running around through my mind with conversations with my old friends. It was nice to get back into the familiar rhythm of high school and get lost in meaningless drama.

Eli didn't talk to me all day. I wasn't sure why but I new it most likely had something to do with defending Dakota and upset Jake. When the final bell rang, dismissing us from school I got up the courage to approach her, "Hey Eli."

She didn't look at me, "Hey Lydia." The name she used stung. It wasn't needed because there weren't people around us.

"You upset with me?"

"Yeah..."

"Why?"

"Because of last night and how you treated Jacob. We all heard what you said to him."

My gaze fell to the ground, "Okay." I turned and walked away. I didn't know what else to do. She was upset and I didn't want to fight. Walking out of the school, I headed towards my car only to find Jacob and Brady standing by Brady's truck.

Jacob headed towards me, "Where are you going?"

"I have plans with Dakota tonight. I told you about it last night."

"I thought we could talk? I don't like how we left things last night."

"Don't worry about it Jake. But I can't talk now...I have plans. Maybe later tonight?"

I could see the pain in Jacob's eyes and feel what it was doing to him, "Okay. I'll come over around nine."

"Okay." Turning, I headed for my car.

It was almost impossible to walk away from Jacob. It hurt, physically hurt. But I wasn't ready to face him. I didn't know how to talk to him or what to say. I needed time, time to figure everything out. There was no doubt I wanted to be with Jake but I wanted to talk with Dakota. He could give me answers no one else could. I drove much faster than what was needed and made it back home in no time at all.

Parking beside my father's car, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Jacob and I could talk after everything was out in the open with Dakota. While I was staring at my steering wheel, lost in my thoughts, Dakota snuck up and tapped on my window.

It shook me out of my trance and I smiled at him before climbing out of my car. "Hey Kota. How's your day been?"

"Kota?" He laughed, "I like it."

"You've never had a nickname before?"

"Nope. That's a first." His smile brightened, "I like it."

I headed for the house, "Good. So how was your day?"

He followed behind me, "It was amazing. Your family is wonderful and so welcoming."

"I know right. They are the best."

"Are we still on for talking?"

"Of course. Let me just change into something more comfortable and we can go for a walk...Sound okay?"

He smiled, "Sounds perfect."

We walked through the front door where I was greeted with hugs and kisses from my family. I said my hellos and answered the questions about me day. When the small talk ended. I ran to the cottage and changed over to leggings and my favorite sweatshirt. I missed Jacob and wearing his clothes seemed to help a little. Plus, it was perfect for the wintery day.