Opposites Attract

Chapter Eleven: Staying Home

I felt my blankets rip away from my body and a cold breeze ran up my body. I tried curling into a ball to keep the warmth, but something hit my back.

I slowly looked over to see Logan standing over me, pillow in hand. He carefully tossed it back onto my bed and stared at me.

“What?” I said grumpily.

“You have ten minutes to get ready! Why aren't you up?”

I grumbled an incoherent noise and rolled back over, taking my blanket with me.

“Riley!” He said as he ripped them away once again.

“Can i just stay home?” I said into my pillow.

“Why?”

“I don't feel well.” I lied.

I just really did not want to deal with school today. Everyone would be talking about me and i don't know how much more i can take. I need break.

He grabbed my arm and rolled me over to face him. He studied me slowly before placing his hand on my forehead. I quickly pushed it away and rolled my eyes dramatically.

“Your fine.”

“No i'm not.” I said stubbornly.

He paused before adding, “What's the real reason?”

“I already told you.” I said quietly before rolling away from him.

I heard him sigh before i felt his rough hands grab hold of my ankles. I reacted immediately and grabbed the headboard. He pulled, but i held on. He pulled again, but i didn't budge.

“Come on!” He grunted while still pulling on my legs.

I held on tighter as he pulled with more strength, but finally gave in and dropped me.

“Your so stubborn!”

“Thanks!” I replied cheerily.

“Not a compliment.” He grumbled as he walked out my door and slammed it shut.

I smiled at my victory and pulled my blankets over my head, enclosing myself in the darkness.

******

As much as i wanted to spend the whole day in my bed, ignoring the world, i just couldn't.

I was itching to get up and do something and besides, lying here, staring at the ceiling was not taking my mind off of things.

I got up and brushed my teeth, staring at my reflection that was mimicking my actions.

I observed my appearance and felt repulsed. I had dark bags under my eyes from the lack of sleep, my eyes were still puffy from all the crying from the night before, my skin was blotchy, and my hair was a greasy, uncombed mess.

I threw it up into a messy bun, thinking it would better my looks, but was proved wrong. I let out a frustrated sigh and slowly made my way downstairs.

“Mom?” I said confused as i entered the kitchen and seen her sitting at the table with a coffee cup.

She winced at my sudden loudness and turned to look at me.

She was dressed in work clothes, but her hair was in a messy ponytail, like she didn't have time to make it look decent.

Her eyes were glossed over and under them lay dark bags that couldn't be hidden by her makeup. Her hands were shaking the mug and she gave me a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

“Hey sweetie, why aren't you at school?”

“I'm not feeling very well. Why aren't you at work?”