Pictures Worth a Thousand Words

Chapter Thirteen

I couldn't help it. After the break up I spent every waking moment in my room studying. I thought it was a good thing. I was killing two birds with one stone. Distracting myself from Lucas and the break-up and preparing myself for the upcoming exams.

Although I still didn't know what I wanted to do I knew I needed to do well on my exams to be able to get into any uni and course I wanted. I just hoped they were good enough for something creative.

Within the month I spent studying non-stop, the plans for my friends after high school became known. Skylar wants to look into sports science, Carter wants to try his luck in being drafted in the AFL. I had already known that Lucas wanted to become a tradie, while Kenzie wanted go into fashion. Isaac is much like myself and didn't have a clear career in mind, but wouldn't mind looking at going into teaching or education.

I had managed to move myself from my room the to dining table to study, needing a change of scenery. Grandma didn't like it when I had food in my room, so I decided to take a few text books to the table so I could have lunch.

"My, my, my, look who has rejoined reality." Grandma winks at me as she comes to join me at the table.

"I never left. I just wanted to make sure I am prepared for exams."

"Oh Sweetheart, I think you are more than prepared."

I grunt a response. Taking a bite of my sandwich and focusing back on my art text book.

"You need to get out of the house Charlie." Grandma moves to take my textbook off me. "Art with be here waiting for you when you get back."

I move to protest when she sends me a look. I know better than to argue with Grandma when she sends me a look as hard as the one she is sending me now.

"Where am I meant to go Grandma?"

"Why don't you go on one of those hunts with the gang?"

"Well, Grandma, there has kind of been a bit of complications with the gang." I hadn't told Grandma anything about what had happened. Just that Lucas and I had broken up.

"I know I don't know what is going on, but I know a lot of about friendships. I've had one or two in my lifetime." She chuckles to herself and I smile softly. "The thing about friends is that, no matter what happens, friends will always be by your side if their friendship is true. Even if they have done wrong, they will always try to be there for you."

I look away from her, focusin on my now empty plate. For the most part she was right. Carter, Skylar, and Isaac haven't left my side. Carter even stayed when he didn't even know what Lucas had done yet.

I knew I could never forget what Lucas has done. I might be able to forgive but not forget, which made it hard for me to figure out if I could still be friends with him. Kenzie was difficult to figure out too.

"I'm not too sure about that."

Grandma makes her way around the table to hug me from behind while I stay seated. Her head resting on top of mine.

"I know things are hard right now, but it's times like these where you find who your true friends are. And those friendships will last a lifetime."

"Are you giving me advice or trying to convince me to leave, because you are doing a poor job of convincing."

There is a knock on the door and Grandma's face lights up as she disappears to answer it. Thinking it's for her I go back to studying, reaching over the table to get my text book she took off me earlier.

"What did I just say about that text book?!" I turn to see Grandma looking exasperated and my friends walking in behind her. Tension levels high with Lucas and Kenzie amongst them.

"Grandma?" I say her name as a question. Wondering why everyone is here.

"I called them. You need to get out Sweetheart. This much studying can not be healthy."

I go to argue, to say that we don't have a list prepared for a photo scavenger hunt, when Isaac beats me to it.

"Before you argue. Robyn called us a few hours ago, we all got together then and came up with a list and the groups then." I open my mouth but end up shutting it again. I had nothing, no other arguments or excuses to get me out of this.

"Fine." I grumble.

I look up, Grandma's blue eyes alight with happiness. The others all look excited, with a hint of apprehension.

"So what are the groups?" I hope I wasn't put with Kenzie or Lucas.

"Well, we all thought it was best if we just go in pairs today. So you're with me, the twins are together, and then Kenzie and Lucas." I nod, heading to my room to get a jacket and put some shoes on.

"Alright, let's meet back up here in about an hour?" Sky suggests.

We all split up and I can't help but notice how close Kenzie and Lucas are as they walk away.

Isaac tugs at my arm, bringing me back from my thoughts. I follow him to an unknown place to take our pictures. The list this time didn't seem so bad. There weren't any embarrassing ones on there this time. Just things like petting a dog and making a wish at a fountain.

That would explain why Isaac was taking us to the small park located near the beach.

"Want to explain why none of us have seen or heard from you in over a month?" Zac asks, breaking the silence that fell between us.

I shrug.

"I've just been studying that's all."

"Sure. When are you going to realise I know you better than you think? I know for a fact you were hiding away from everything that happened." I stop in my tracks.

I stare at his back in shock as he keeps walking.

"I-I."

He turns around and winks at me.

"Come on Char, you are like an open book. Plus you are much like myself so it was pretty easy to work out."

I glare at him, which only makes him smile widely and chuckle.

"Hey I was thinking, did you want to come over after this and watch some movies? We can invite the twins too if you want?"

"Ah sure. I think Grandma would kill me if I was only gone an hour." This comment results in him laughing again. The sound slowly becoming more and more contagious and soon I am laughing with him.