Never Again

Chapter 3

Katie's - POV

I woke up the next morning with a bit of a headache. I was very lucky that it was the weekend and I didn't have to go to school. I didn't think I would have been able to hide my hangover.

Still in bed I checked my phone while lying down on my back. As I did so, it started ringing, startling me. I dropped my phone on my face and let out a groan as my headache became worse.

I sat up gingerly and grabbed my phone. Putting it up to my ear, I answered it.

"Hello?" I let out, as a grimace overtook my face.

"Hey Kate," Jessica said cheerily, "I was wondering if you wanted to go shopping with me?"

"Yeah, I will. Just give me about thirty minutes to get ready." I mumbled, rubbing my head and sitting up further.

"Okay, that's fine. See you soon!" Not caring that I was not enthusiastic about her proposition.

"Bye," I replied and hung up.

I got up and had a shower, brushing my teeth after.

Getting dressed I went downstairs. When I got there I found a note from mum.

I'm going on a business trip for the next few days. I have left fifty pounds on the table and I fully stocked the fridge before I left. Make sure to call me every night and make sure you're responsible. Love you lots - Mum

Smiling, I put down the note, picked up the money, and stuffed it in my pocket. My head was still hurting so I decided to take some ibuprofen before I left to help make the day a lot more manageable.

                       ~~~~~~~~~~

We arrived at our local shop and exited the car. Jessica and I always ate before we bought anything and so we went into our 'go-to food place' - McDonald's.

"The usual?" Jessica asked with a slight smile.

"Sure," I answered offhandedly, distracted by someone with blonde hair that had their back to me. I felt like I recognised them but I couldn't place where from.

I was snapped out of my thoughts as Jessica tapped me on the shoulder.
"Here you go." She said, giving me a smile.

"Thanks." I said, glancing back at the boy only for him to be staring back at me smirking.

Blake.

I quickly glanced away and tucked into my food, a blush creeping onto my cheeks.

"What?" Jessica asked, noticing my growing blush.

"Nothing," I mumbled, dragging my eyes away from hers and back to my food, pretending I was fully focused on just eating.

"Fine," Jessica said with a huff, "Don't tell me then."

Jessica had always been very perceptive of my moods and good at picking up on what I was feeling. The reason I didn't tell her the truth was because, frankly, I didn't know what was actually going on with me.

We finished up and got up to leave. I glance one more time towards Blake only to see he had gone. I felt a strange twinge of disappointment. I scoffed and shook it off before following Jessica for our quick shopping session.

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~

4 hours later.

"Jessica," I whined, "Let's just go."

"Come on Katie, we've only been out for a few hours," She said exasperatedly while searching the  T-shirt rack. "We'll go back soon. Go sit down at the front of the shop and I'll come back when I'm done, okay?"

"Okay..." I grumbled, walking towards the front.

I plopped down and started to analyse people.

The redhead and her boyfriend laughing and joking with each other. Having a great time, enjoying each other's company just talking but I noticed the subtle looks they would give each other, or the constant touching, even if it was only for a second.

The brown-haired guy, talking with his friends while walking along towards the game shop enthusiastically talking about the new game that seemed to have taken the market by storm, Apex Legends? I had been constantly hearing about it but never bothered to check what all the fuss was about.

Then I saw Blake. He was sitting alone watching people like me. His blue eyes searching for someone or something. His gaze seemed heavy and his eyes looked tired.

I was surprised when they snapped onto me. I quickly looked away, embarrassed at being caught looking at him. As I did so I felt a weird feeling in my gut almost like butterflies?

No, that can't be the case. I'm probably just hungry.

I gave him a small smile and surprisingly he smiled back at me.

I was thinking of going over to him to apologise for yesterday when Jessica came out of the store.

"Ready to go?" She said, waiting for me to respond, with a smile on her face.

"Definitely," I said, cheerfully bouncing up and walking with her.

She started talking to me about what she had bought but I wasn't paying attention. I was looking back at Blake who was staring at me with an intense gaze, whilst having a neutral expression on his face. I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Something about him was drawing me in.

I must just want to get to know him more as a friend, I thought, before quickly dismissing this thought as ludicrous.

"-so then..." I hear Jessica trail off. "Are you even listening to me?"

"Sorry," I said, with a sheepish smile, "What were you saying?"

She looked at me with a critical eye before carrying on with what she had been saying before. I glanced back at where he was, but he was no longer there. I distracted myself by focusing on the conversation with Jessica. Although even with that I wasn't able to get Blake out of my mind.