Help Me Believe

Cafeteria Showdowns

Alex's POV

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I reached for my phone on my side table and turned the alarm off blindly. I snuggled into my bed more and inhaled the smell of fresh laundary. Wait a minute. My bedsheets smelt different from the detergent I used to wash them. I shot up in bed and forced my eyes open. Around me was the most beautiful peach room.

Then I remembered what had happened. I was staying with the Bradley's. Groaning, I flopped back down on the bed. I had fallen asleep in my clothes from yesterday. Blue jeans and a plain white shirt.

My mother said she wouldn't be back until at least two weeks. I really didn't mind staying with them. Hell, I loved this family. Jared was the problem. I didn't even like him and the worst part was, I didn't even know why.

It was a Monday morning meaning I had to go to school. I decided I had enough time until it was time to go so I would explore the mansion, eat food and shower.

I ran out my room and saw a door down the hall. I opened it and saw it was a HUGE bathroom with a bath tub, shower and jucuzzi. I felt faint. I ran back to my room and grabbed my toothbrush, face wash and other nessessaties. I quickly brushed my teeth, hair and face.

Once I was done I peeked in Lukes room. There my little angel was, sprawled across his bed, bedcovers thrown on the floor like always while hugging his pillow. I quietly shut the door and stood outside for a moment. What he had said yesterday really touched me. He complimented everything that seemed like a flaw to me. And I loved him for it. I didn't believe him of course. It just made me feel happy the way he was trying to make me feel better about myself.

I turned around and made my way down the stairs. The house was beautiful. It had loads of windows so obviously the house was full of natural, bright sunshine. I could faintly smell pancakes. That's when I realized I was so hungry. I guess I had skipped dinner yesterday when I fell asleep. Stomach growling, I made my way towards the smell. I reached a doorway next to a fancy dining room. I made my way in and stopped, jaw dropped open. It was a huge (I really need to stop using that word for this house) kitchen with a few doors at the end. Two women were hustling around while a man was sitting at a counter in the middle. The man was Walden while one of the women was Karen. I had never seen the other women.

I cleared my throat and all heads turned towards me.

Karen came rushing forward,"Oh goodmorning dear," She hugged me and continued,"I hope you didn't mind. I came to your room yesterday to call you for dinner but you were asleep and looked tired so I didn't have the heart to wake you up. You missed dinner."

I smiled and shook my head,"It was no big deal Karen. I was tired so I decided to take a nap."

"Well, I suppose you have quite the appetite. That's a good thing Sarah and I made a lot of pancakes," she gestured to the counter in the middle of the kitchen. My mouth watered. There were two big stacks of pancakes on a plate each.

"I believe we haven't met," the woman named Sarah came rushing forward.

"Yeah, I'm Alex. You must be Sarah."

"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about from everyone," she smiled.

"Good things, I hope," I replied. Karen and Sarah chuckled.

"Come on dear, sit and have breakfast," Karen guided me to the counter.

I took and seat and glance at Walden.

"Hey Walden."

"Oh, hello Alex," he folded the newspaper he was reading.

"So Alex, blueberry pancakes or chocolate chip?" Sarah asked.