Instinct

Chapter Eleven

The next day at school, I went to my locker as if nothing had happened the night before, grabbing my books and humming to myself. I knew that whatever happened yesterday was probably a one time deal, and it was better that way.

“I really need to talk to you.” A voice from behind me spoke and I felt my heart sink, and my mood fade.

“No, no we don't.” I say with as much conviction as I can muster, still looking at my locker as if I needed something.

“Ali, we need to talk. It was a heated moment and I didn't mean-”

“Yes you did. Don't lie to me, Liam. You know that when those words left your mouth, you meant them. You wanted to fucking hurt me, so congrats, you got what you wanted, now leave me alone.” I spat and slammed my locker shut, walking off toward my first class of the day is a new shitty mood.

Once safely inside my Chemistry room, I sat in my seat next to my lap partner and took a much needed breath.

“Hey, I heard what happened with Liam, I'm really sorry..” My lab partner said quietly from next to me and I look up at her. She's pretty, as in gorgeous, but she wears the wrong shape of glasses for her face and refuses to wear any nice clothes, but somehow she manages to be the prettiest nerd I've ever seen.

“Thanks, I guess..” I tell her and lean on my hands.

“I didn't mean to make you upset! I just heard that he dumped you for the head cheerleader and thought you'd need a friend.” Suddenly, her eyes widen and I can tell she didn't mean to say that.

“Wait, what? That's what people are saying? I dumped him, not the other way around.” I explain and she, whose name is Hannah, nods her head.

“I- I just heard that, but I believe you..” She mutters quietly and I'm suddenly more furious than ever.

“I'm sorry Hannah, I have to go.” I tell her and she gives me a sympathetic look before taking off her glasses and breathing hot breath on them, then wiping it on her shirt to clean them. I huff and grab my things, one day of ditching won't hurt. So I walk out of the school quickly, passing a few students in lower grades who stare at me as if I'm crazy. At this point, I could agree with them.

I jump in my car and shove all of my books into the passenger seat, fumbling with my keys and starting the car. I take a deep breath and sit there for a moment. I shouldn't be running, I shouldn't feel like I need to run, but I can't face this today, I just need a break. So I officially made my decision to leave, backing out of my spot and driving out of the parking lot, heading straight home.

---

It was around lunch time, and I was sitting in sweat pants and a tank top on the couch, flipping through shitty daytime TV. I hear my phone beep and I check it immediately, happy that someone has finally given a damn about me skipping today.

'Open the damn door.' Was all the text read. I wanted to laugh about how blunt the text was, but since it came from Harry, I expect nothing more and nothing less. Just as I get up I hear him knock, making me laugh and roll my eyes.

“Hey.” I say softly when I open the door and Harry is standing in front of me.

“Hey.” He says back and steps inside, closing the door behind himself and holding out a bag for me. I take it and look inside, my eyes lighting up.

“You didn't..” I say and laugh to myself as Harry smirks and nods.

“But I did, and sorry, I would've been here earlier if you had just told me you were ditching today.” He playfully glare at me and I almost laugh as I unwrap the burrito Harry brought me.