He Saved My Life

CHAPTER 8 ---- Christmas Present

"Layla, someone named Tom wants to talk to you!" my mom yelled up the stairs.

"Be there in a second!" I replied. I pulled on my boots and bounded down the stairs. I stuck my hand out for the phone.

"Who's Tom?" my mom asked.

"I'll explain later. Give me the phone!" I demanded. She handed it to me. I put it up to my ear, glaring at my mother.

'Hello?'

'Hey, Lay!'

'Hey, Tom. What's up?'

'I was just wondering if you want a ride to school?'

'I usually ride with- umm, yeah I would love a ride'

'What were you going to say?'

'I usually go to school with Joey, but he's too busy with her'

'Hey, you need to talk to him.'

'I know.'

'Be there in two minutes.'

'Bye, Tom.'

'Bye, Lay.' I hung up and handed the phone back to mom.

"Now, who is Tom?" she demanded.

"He's Joey's cousin and my friend. He wants to give me a ride to school," I said.

She frowned. "Are you and Joey fighting?"

I nodded. "I think so." She pulled me into a hug and stroked my hair.

"Honey, it will get better. I'm sure you will work it out," she said reassuringly.

"Mom, he lied to me!" I sobbed.

"It's okay," she whispered.

"Maybe, he has a good reason," I said trying to convince myself.

She nodded. "He probably does." She looked outside. I think your ride is here," she said. She let me go and handed me my bag.

"Have fun at school today," she said.

I laughed. "Yeah right." I smiled and walked outside where Tom was waiting on the porch.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yup," I replied. We got in the car and I turned on the music as he turned the heat on at full blast. We laughed and rocked out to Ed Sheeran all the way to school.

_____

The first thing I see as we walk into school is Sophia swapping spit with the captain of the wrestling team. Tom snorted.

"Who's that?" he asked.

"Sophia. She sleeps around a lot," I said. He raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, I see. You don't like her?"

I shook my head. "We used to be best friends, but she did something stupid that affected me and now I hate her and she hates me," I said.

"Hey, if you hate her, so do I," he said nudging my shoulder.

I grinned. "Thanks, but you don't-"

"Lay," he warned.

"Right. You can hate her."

"That's what I thought. Now, I have to go get my schedule from the office. Where should I meet you?" he asked.

"The cafeteria," I responded.

"K, see you soon," he said before turning and walking towards the main office. I made my way to the cafe and sat by myself.

"Hey kid," someone said. I looked at him.