An Open Window

Chapter 9

Even though the previous night was rough, we still have to go to school. I want to just sleep through the day, appreciate every moment I'll be spending with Myles.

"Hey, I know we don't want to, but we still have to go to school today." He shakes me, and I groan.

"If you're late then you'll have to go in your pajamas." I finally get out of bed, and I throw on a black sweatshirt and dark wash jeans. I throw my hair up into a high ponytail, and I present myself to Myles, who inspects me.

"Hmm, I like the look, but what will your little boyfriend think?" He asks, and I crinkle my brows, confused.

"Boyfriend? What are you talking about?" I ask, and he gives me a pointed look.

"C'mon, Sally, I know I've been going through a lot, and I still am, don't think I haven't noticed you and Mr. Christian Waters flirting it up all week. He's even given you a nickname! And the whole party thing that Friday?" I gasp when mentions the party.

"How'd you find out about that?" I ask.

"The host of the party suddenly leaves in the middle of it, and I was the only one who noticed you two get in his car and drive off!"

I groan, and he laughs. I fix my hair in the mirror, facing away from him.

"He's not my boyfriend. His mom and little sister are really nice and that's why—"

"Hold it. You met his mom and little sister?!" He exclaims, and I blush.

"Yeah. I did. Christian and I even went out for ice cream, after picking up his little sister at her  elementary school." I say, and he suddenly wheels me around and gives me a slap to the cheek.

"Ow! What the hell, man?!" I yell, and he looks like he just won the lottery.

"Sally! How can you say that and still deny that he's your boyfriend!" He yells, and I rub my stinging cheek.

"Because it's true. We aren't. We gotta get to school!" I say, and I throw on some battered Converse and leave the house, the snow once there now melted into wet grass and puddles.

"Speak of the devil." He mutters, and I look over to see Christian going into his car, clad in a black North Face and simple jeans. I can see a firetruck red shirt poking through an opening of the jacket.

He sees the two of us, and smiles as he waves.

"You guys want a ride?" He calls out, and I'm about to object when Myles calls out.

"Sure, coming now!"

"What the hell are you doing?" I ask, and he smiles.

"I want to observe. Also, a free chance to not drive? Let's do it." I hit him on the shoulder, and he whimpers.

"What was that for?" He whines, rubbing his arm.

"That was for slapping me earlier, jackass." I whisper, and he laughs as we approach Christians car.

"You guys ready?" He asks, climbing in.

"You bet." I smile, and go into the passenger side next to him.

"Hey, Myles, what's new?" Christian asks, and Myles raises his eyebrows.

"Well, I just found out my dad left me and my mom, which is cool, so that's new." I thought Christian was gonna be uncomfortable, but instead he smiles.

"Hey, my dad left us too, so we're in this together, brother." He says, reaching behind him to give Myles a fist bump.

Myles happily accepts this fist bump, and they laugh. He shoots me a pleasant look, and I roll my eyes.