Head Over Leather #Wattys2017

X. Ex's and Oh's

Sawyer, I'm picking you up today. Be there in 30.

Glancing down with the toothbrush dangling from my mouth, I quickly reply, before spitting and washing out the toothpaste. As I look up again, I catch myself in the mirror. Small dark circles forming under my eyes and hair too greasy to do anything with, sets off an annoying, insecure voice in my head. Sighing, I tie it into a messy bun, before leaving the bathroom.

Feeling lazy, I pull on a comfy loose dress that falls just below my knees, along with my leather jacket and a pair of low black converse. I settle on applying a light coat of makeup, leaving out the red lipstick, figuring I needed a break from it.

As I grab my bag, I slip it onto my shoulder before jogging down the stairs to see my mom preparing breakfast in the kitchen and I bite my lip, thinking about how she seems to always be cooking.
"Morning mom." I mumble tiredly, sliding onto a chair by the counter.

"Morning sweetie. You look nice today. How was your date?" My gaze immediately flicks up at her question and I don't have the heart to tell her that the one time I'm actually dating a guy, it isn't even real.

"It was good. Ethan set up a picnic in the park and we had a good time." I keep my answer vague and to my luck, she doesn't push further, instead placing a plate in front of me with French toast and some fruit on the side. I start to eat, every so often glancing up at my mom, who keeps twisting her hands nervously. "Mom, what is it?" I ask finally, through a mouthful of bread. She sighs and leans over the counter, hand stroking my cheek.

"Your father wanted me to tell you that he can't make it for your camping trip during spring break. Now I know it's a while away, but apparently he's got a new job and things are heating up quickly, so he doesn't have time." My mom explains softly, a guilty expression spreading across her face. I nod silently, finishing up my breakfast, before pushing my plate forward.

"Are you okay?" She asks, concerned. See, the last thing I want to do is worry her, so I lie.

"Yeah I mean that must be why he hasn't stopped by lately. He deserves a good job and besides we go camping every year. Canceling one won't hurt." I shrug, pulling my bag on and pecking my mom on the cheek. She squeezes my hand, as I pull away and I worry that she sees through my lie. As she opens her mouth to say something, my phone chimes and I point to it, before she nods in understanding, letting me go.

"Hey."

"Hey." Ethan grins, leaning over to give me a peck on the cheek, as I fasten the seat belt. He watches me for a moment, eyebrows furrowed and I shoot him a fake smile.

"What's wrong?" He asks, watching me intently. Jesus, it's like those goddamned blue eyes can see through anything. I shake my head, turning to face the front, hoping he drops it. He does and starts driving to school.

"Look, I know this is meant to be a game, but if you want to talk to me, you can. I'm not gonna use it against you, Sawyer." Ethan mutters halfway through the drive and I turn to him, watching as his gaze is still focused on the road, but his jaw is clenched.

"I don't think that!" I blurt out, eyes wide in defense. It wasn't that I thought he would use it against me, but
I couldn't open up to him just like that.

"I just want you to know that I'm here." He states, licking his lips, as he pulls up to the school. He finds a parking spot fairly quickly and once he sets the car into park, he turns to me. I offer him a faint smile and he leans over, fingers grazing my jaw, as his lips meet mine. I find myself breaking out into a full smile, as I kiss him. He may not know what's wrong, but he's a hell of a good mood lifter.

"Let's go, baby." He beams, pulling back and stepping out the car. I do the same and he circles around until he reaches me, slipping his hand into mine, as we head into school.

Nothing interesting happens throughout the morning and that only adds to my dampened mood. I had told Ethan that my dad used to come over and still spend time with me and my mom, which was true. But now, I hadn't heard from him in weeks and I couldn't help but feel like he just gave up on me. My thoughts are interrupted when the bathroom door swings open and I come face to face with none other than Eva Grey.

"Oh look who it is. Ethan's new play toy." She remarks, kicking the door shut behind her with her heeled boots. I roll my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest as she slowly walks towards me. She begins to circle me like a predator as if waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.

"Ethan will never fall in love with you. You'll lose this game just like you lost your daddy." I flinch at the way she seems to know where to twist the knife where it hurts, but I will myself not to cry.

"Don't get me wrong, your article was great. But when you take my boyfriend away from me, I don't play nice. Do you honestly think Ethan cares about you? He just wants me back and he'll do anything to get me back." She laughs cockily, stopping in front of me, eyes challenging me to speak up. I don't dare correct her 'boyfriend' slip up, but I also know I can't just stand her letting her twist and twist and twist until I'm gutted.

"Then why hasn't he given you an ounce of attention since you dumped him? Why is he always climbing through my window and kissing me and not you? Why is it that he's willing to forgive Derek but not you? Seems like a guy is more important to him than the supposed love of his life." I chuckle, taunting her. Eva purses her lips, looking down at me.

"Because he feels sorry for you. And if you're pathetic enough to think Ethan will actually ever want you, you're wrong. I always win." And with that, she whips around, hair hitting me in the face, and walks right out. I hear the lunch bell go off and I'm tempted to stay in the bathroom the whole time, but I decide against it.

As the cool breeze hits my face, I realize I'm not alone. I glance to the side to see Mia leaning against the walk, cigarette dangling from her lips. "Hey," I announce my presence, watching as she glances up and offers me a close lipped smile. She flips open the cigarette box holding out her hand to offer me one. I hesitate, but take one nonetheless.

"Bad day?" Mia asks, lighting the cigarette in my mouth as I lean against the wall next to her. I inhale lightly which ends up in a cough as I remove it from my lips.

"Guess you could say that." I mutter, bringing it back to my lips and trying again. It goes slightly more smoothly, but I can't help but hate the way it makes my insides feel. She only nods in response and doesn't ask me to tell her and for once I'm grateful that her conversation skills come and go.