The light streaming in through the still open window only added to my growing headache as I awoke the next morning. I rolled over to face the nightstand and I allowed my eyes to adjust to the morning light. 7:30. Why the hell am I up this early? I heard a light snore and shifted my gaze to Chad still sleeping soundly on the floor next to the bed. I was half tempted me make a hasty exit through the window and walk home, but I somehow knew that was a bad idea.
I got up out of the bed quietly, as to not disturb Chad and slid my phone out of my shorts pocket, which were lying in a pile on the floor along with my other clothes. I had a few messages from Zac and one from my mom wishing me a good night. I sighed and typed back a message to Zac explaining that I was okay and if anyone asked, I'd slept at his house. Damage control: check.
I debated going back to sleep, but I decided against it after my stomach let out an angry growl. I tried to ignore it, but as I soon became bothered by my stomach's apparent need for food, I knelt next to Chad's sleeping figure and shook his shoulder lightly. He stirred, but didn't wake. "Chad, wake up." I whispered. He groaned and rolled over, his body now turned away from me. Come on. "Chad!" I called again, now straddling his torso.
"What?" he asked, eyes closed and still not fully awake.
"Wake up" I repeated, lowering my voice because of our close proximity.
His eyes blinked open, confustion then cheekiness crossing his features as he took in our position. I rolled my eyes and got up, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "You wanna tell me why we're up so early?" he asked, not moving from his makeshift bed.
"I was hungry?" I said it sheepishly, and as a question rather than a fact.
Chad playfully rolled his eyes and got up, streatching his limbs. "Well, let's get you breakfast, then."
***
"I'll have the Belgium Waffles with bacon, eggs over easy, and an orange juice." I told the waitress as she nodded along, taking our order.
"Wow, you weren't kidding about being hungry. Were you?" Chad teased from across the booth.
"Nope." I said, matter-of-factly, my eyebrows raised. We were at one of the few local diners in our town, my favorite place to get breakfast, and apparently Chad's as well. We bantered and teased eachother a bit while waiting for our food.
I sighed, after recovering from a laughter attack thanks to Chad. This was really nice. The more time I spent with him, the more I really enjoyed spending it with him. He was funny and clever and witty, and found myself wanting to know even more about him. Though when he was with me he was laid-back and funny, I knew there was more to him than met the eye. And I wanted him to show me.
Our food came shortly after, and we ate in the same relaxed, carefree fashion before Chad drove me home. Thankfully my mom wasn't there when we arrived. She'd bombard me with a million questions, like always. I was a bad liar, and I was not really in the mood to give her all the details of the last 24 hours of my life.
The rest of the weekend passed by uneventfully. Zac came over, apologizing profusely for leaving me, even more so when he found out what happened. He then told me about his night with what I think will be a keeper, at least for awhile, Derek. He then grilled me about what I did with the rest of my Friday, completely losing it when I told him I'd spent it with Chad. He was excited, but kept warning me to be careful. I brushed him off, though. He didn't know Chad like I did.
When Monday rolled around, I was a little nervous to go to school. I knew I would see Dylan eventually, and I also knew it would be an awkward situation. Chad picked me up like usual, and most of the day passed like any other, until right before my last hour class.
I was at my locker, grabbing my English materials, when I sensed there was someone behind me. I finished and closed my locker, turning around to see Dylan standing there, waiting for me. I froze, not knowing what to say. "Bel, listen." He started, grabbing my attention. "I'm really sorry about Friday night. I was an ass and I know being drunk isn't an excuse, but you know me. You know I wouldn't do that to you if I was in the right mind."
I sighed, he was right. I knew he wouldn't do that if he wasn't under the influence. I'd known him for years, that isn't how he is. I nodded, "I know, Dylan. I forgive you." I assured him.
Dylan pulled me into a hug, earning a giggle from me. "Are we still friends then?" He asked, after we'd pulled apart.
"Of course." I told him, honestly.
Dylan gave me a greatful smile and left. I turned in the direction of my English class to see Chad standing a few feet away, looking hurt and angry. When we made eye contact, he turned away, stalking into class. Great.
I followed him and took my seat, not daring to talk to him, fearing he'd cause a scene. Our teacher started class, explaning our Gatsby projects and that we'd be working in partners. Students began looking around to their friends silently agreeing on partnerships before she announced that our partners would be assigned. I zoned out as she went through the list of pairings, until I heard my name called. "Arabella Roy will be with Chad Cohen." My excitement was soon demolished when I rememberd that Chad was now mad at me. This should be interesting. The teacher went on to say that we wouldn't have class time to work on it, so we would have to find time to meet with our partners on our own time.
I took a deep breath and turned around to face Chad, "Do you want to come over and work on it tonight?" I asked, trying to cut through the tension surrounding him.
He didn't make eye contact with me as he mumbled a "Sure". I turned to face the front again, as our teacher passed out rubrics. Intersting indeed.
