Removed

24

 "Autumn, someone's here to walk you to school!"

My eyes snap open, landing on my dad's blurry figure. He's leaning through my doorway with his hand clutching the doorknob. Quickly, I pat my bedside table for my glasses, smiling as I feel the plastic under my fingertips. As soon as I slide them on, Dad and the doorway are more defined. His smile seems to light up my dim room.

"Who?" I groggily grumble, attempting to blink the sleep out of my eyes.

His smile stretches. "He says his name is Cody."

My heart seems to skip a beat, my slightly foggy mind trying to wrap around this fact. "Oh, um, tell him I'll be down in twenty."

Dad nods before softly shutting the door behind him. For a moment, I stare into the darkness of my room. My furniture seems like a collection of shadows and silvers of sunlight seep through my blinds. In a way, it's almost calming. Nothing sticks out and begs for attention except for my thoughts. Why on Earth is Cody at my house this early? Why, today of all days, does he feel the need to walk me to school?

Finally, I shove off my covers. My feet smack against the floor as my hand slaps against the base of my lamp. Light illuminates the room. Humming a tune under my breath, I head to the bathroom. Even though I'm exhausted from staying up all night, a new energy has invaded my body. It couldn't be caused by Cody showing up. Nope. Never.

Once I fit in my contacts, wash up, change, and apply a bit of makeup, I'm ready to head downstairs. For some reason, nerves flutter in my stomach as I shove open my door and descend the stairs. I yank my fingers through my hair, flinching as a few knots tangle around my fingers. Finally, I pat down my shorts and yank down my top, which delicately flows as I move.

I hop off the second to last step as a rush of giddiness flows through me. A jolt stings my legs and rattles my head as my feet smack onto the ground. Dad gives me a sly smile, pushing himself off the wall. Clutching the strap of my backpack, I glance around the small space for my friend. Then, my gaze shoots to my dad, who is smirking.

"Well, I gotta meet Mom at the salon. Your friend's in the living room. And Autumn, why didn't you tell me you had such a charming boyfriend?"

I lightly shove his arm as my face heats up. "Dad we're simply friends."

He grips the door handle before turning his head and offering me a knowing look. "Well, you're really happy to see this friend."

I roll my eyes as he yanks open the door. "I was happy to see Ash as well, but I wasn't dating her."

His eyebrows shoot up. "Well, I guess that's true. Have fun! But not too much-"

He basically flies out the door as I practically slam it closed behind him. My heart hammers in my chest as I lean against the door. My eyes clamp shut as Dad's laughter seeps through the door.

"Dad!' I whine loud enough to be heard through the wood behind me.

His laughter seems to increase in volume. After what feels like ages, I glance out of the window. The driveway is vacant, the faux greenery in my yard waving to me.

"Ready for school?"

I jump at the sound of his voice, whipping around to glare at him. "You scared me!"

He chuckles, rolling his eyes as he leans his arm against the wall. "Nah, you're just very jumpy."

I lightly smack his arm, readjusting my bag on my shoulder. "Why did you feel the need to walk me to school?"