Neighbors

T W E N T Y - O N E

PIPER

The next week before my date with Beckett seemed to drag on. It was only Tuesday and I knew that there was no way I would make it through this painfully long week. Lynn and Gabrielle didn't make it any easier for me either. Gabrielle was constantly trying to show me up at every rehearsal and Lynn was treating me like an outsider in my own home. But I wasn't going to let them get me down.

Once I got home after rehearsal, I walked into my house to find my parents, aunt, and uncle gathered around the kitchen table with somber expressions etched on their tear stained faces.

"What's wrong?" I questioned warily.

My mom stood up. "Piper, honey, I think you should sit down." Hesitantly, I followed her recommendation and took a seat at the table. "Your great-grandfather's heart condition got worse and there was nothing the doctors could do. Paps didn't make it sweetheart."

That's when everything stopped. I felt my heart stop and plummet into my stomach. I could barely breath. It felt as if my throat was constricting, blocking oxygen from my lungs. My vision began to blur as I became lightheaded. I didn't want to believe it. I pinched myself, hoping all of this was just a horrible nightmare. When I didn't wake up in my bed, I knew for sure that everything was real. That's when the tears came. I shook my head, refusing to believe the news I had just received. It couldn't be true. This was all a nightmare. A nightmare that I was actually living.

I broke down in tears. My body shook and racked with sobs. My mom engulfed me in a hug and traced small hearts on my back.

After sitting for awhile, I dismissed myself and went up to my room. The bright sunlight that was slipping in made my eyes burn. When I went to close the blinds and pull the curtains shut, I made eye contact with Beckett who was standing in his room across the way. I closed the curtains and shuffled away from the window.

I slumped onto the floor and curled my knees into my chest. I still couldn't fathom that Paps was gone. He always brought a smile to my face growing up.

After crying myself to the point of exhaustion, I decided to just shower and go to bed. I didn't have the appetite to eat dinner or the motivation to do any homework. After my shower, I changed into some comfy clothes and slipped in bed. I eventually drifted off.

***

The next morning was pretty rough. All of the emotions that I had felt from the previous night washed over me like a tidal wave. Sleepily, I went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I cringed at my reflection. My eyes were bloodshot and my hair looked like a bird has nested in it. After throwing my knotted hair in a ponytail, I didn't bother applying makeup. I wasn't in the mood to get dressed up either so I just threw on the Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirt that Bryce got me a couple years ago and a pair of leggings. I tugged on a pair of socks and my vans before grabbing my backpack and going downstairs.

On the table was a packed lunch with my name on the brown paper bag, a ziploc bag with a bagel in it, and a water bottle. Next to them were two notes. One of them was for my teachers letting them know why I didn't do my work. The other was for me.

Piper, we know that this is very hard on you and we just want you to know that we love you very much. You are strong and you will get through this. Paps is looking down at you, smiling brightly at all of your success. Do great things.

Love, mom and dad
xxx

The note brought a tiny smile to my face. I tucked it into my backpack before grabbing the bags on the table and stuffing them in as well.

I locked the house and trudged to my car. I got in and hooked my phone up to the aux cord. I played a song that reminded me of Paps as I drove the short distance to school. Once there, I parked my car and plugged in my headphones. I kept my head down as I walked through the school, not wanting anybody to see the pain in my eyes.

In an attempt to avoid people, I went and sat in the auditorium. I stared out at the stage in front of me, my thoughts going crazy.

Suddenly, I heard the door open. I turned to see Bryce enter. "Come here," he said, pulling me in for a hug. "Your mom texted me this morning. I just wanna let you know that I'm here whenever you need me. Garrett too, but he's sick."

I didn't say anything, just buried my head further into my best friend's chest. "I don't want to be here. I don't want to deal with people right now," I shook my head as more tears leaked.

"Do you want ice cream after school? I can pick it up and bring it over to your house if you'd like."

I accepted his offer and thanked him for being such a supportive and understanding person. The bell rang and interrupted our moment.

"I'll see you in a bit. Text me if you need anything," he kissed the top of my head, giving me one last hug before escorting me out of the auditorium.

After walking me to my class, Bryce jogged down the hall to his own so he wouldn't be late. I took a deep breath before entering the classroom and maneuvering to my desk. I felt as if there were a million pairs of eyes on me as I walked to my desk. Once I sat down, I stared straight down at my desk.

I was so lost in thought that I barely noticed when Beckett entered followed by his two friends even though they were shouting at each other. I was grateful that Beckett didn't sit in near me because I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone other than Bryce or my mother.

Things were alright until Gabrielle came in talking about some fancy pair of shoes she wanted to buy for prom. She cut her sentence short when she noticed me. "Aw, poor Ariel can't handle the stress of having a lead role," she faked a pout. "Does the little bitch need a tissue?"

I ignored her, trying not to draw any more attention to myself.

"Too depressed to talk?" She dragged a finger down her cheek as if it were a tear. "Well you better suck it up. Nobody likes an attention whore."

Before I punched her straight in her face nose, I gathered my belongings and pushed past her and out of the room. I marched down the hall, in route to the auditorium when I heard someone calling my name.

I turned to see Beckett coming closer. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I shook my head.

"Piper, you have tear stains down your cheeks, you're not your usual bubbly self, and you didn't call Gabrielle out for being a bitch. Plus, I saw how upset you were last night and you never answered my text. I know something's bothering you."

After a minute or two of silence, I decided it was best to tell him. "My great-grandpa died yesterday." I stared down at my shoes to compose myself before continuing. "He had a heart attack a few months ago and he was progressively recovering. But his condition got worse and there was nothing the doctors could do."

"Piper," he mumbled. He didn't say anything else. He wrapped his arms around me and rubbed my back soothingly. I relaxed into him. "I'll be here with you every step of the way. I'll always be willing to comfort you and make you feel better."

"Thank you," I whispered.

"Anytime," he hugged me. "We should probably head back to class" He must have noticed the apprehensive look on my face because he rubbed my cheek with the pad of his thumb. "Hey, it's okay. I won't let anyone say anything about you. I promise."

***

a/n: Hello!! I am officially out for summer. Yesterday was my last day of junior year and I passed my pre calculus exam! So to celebrate, I decided to update for you guys. I hope you liked it. Than you for reading and supporting this story. I love you all. I hope you have a great day. Be safe.