Decoding You *Watty Awards 2012*

Chapter 9

I wake up to the smell of blueberry pancakes. For once there wasn't the smell of peanut butter in the air. I sigh and roll over almost falling out of my twin sized bed. Living with my dad had it's disadvantages. I liked having a queen sized bed.

"Rory, dad's making breakfast."

I look over at the doorway and find Carter standing there, "What time is it?"

"Quarter after nine."

I groan and bury my face in my pillow, "I didn't fall asleep until almost three."

He comes over and pulls the blankets off of me, "Where were you?"

I peek at him, "With someone."

He frowns, "Who?"

I really didn't want to tell him, but I knew I had to, "I was at Ryder's watching movies."

He scowls, "Stay away from him."

I roll my eyes, "Why?"

"Because the two of you are a bad idea for eachother."

I eye him, "What makes you think that?"

He shakes his head, "He's a player. You're a player. It's bound to get ugly and I don't want to kick my friends ass. You didn't sleep with him did you?"

I frown, "No. He said he didn't want to jump into bed with me right away."

Carters frown disappears, "Oh. Okay."

I roll my eyes, "What because he wants to wait he's suddenly approved?"

Carter smirks, "Yes."

Unbelievable.

When I get in the kitchen Abigail is pouring juice, "I miss this," she sighs.

My dad nods, "I know. I'm sorry but your mom and I had..." he pauses and finally sighs, "Differences."

Abigail snorts, "You mean you did and then when you were on a break she cheated and got pregnant with another mans baby. Then you guys got back together and broke up when you found out she was pregnant with the monster child."

I scowl at her, "Izzy isn't a monster. Her dad is."

Abigail rolls her eyes, "She's his spawn."

My dad shakes his head, "Cut it out Abigail. I know you're angry but Izzy is just a little girl. She doesn't understand any of this."

"She's still his spawn."

I glare at her, "Cut it out. You know Ryder couldn't believe the way you act towards her. You're being selfish and petty."

She huffs and marches out of the kitchen.

My dad shakes his head and then smiles, "Ryder huh?"

I frown, "Yeah he saw her yell at Izzy on New Years Eve."

He shakes his head again, "Not what I mean."

I sigh and take a sip of my juice, "He's nice. I don't know if he actually likes me though."

He nods, "It's a bit tricky isn't it? You and him after he dated Audrey and you dated Preston and Trace. Ryder is a good kid from what I've heard but it worries me Lorelei."

I shrug, "It's only a few months until graduation anyway. It's not like I'll let it get too serious."

He sighs, "Alright. Just be careful."

"I will dad."

It's later that afternoon that I'm lining books up on a shelf at work when I see Ryder come into the store. No one at school knew I had a job here with my dad because no one ever went to a bookstore. I groan internally as he makes his way to a shelf close by.