Spine of Steel

Chapter Twenty-Three

23. Heartbreak and Visitors

"Knockity, knock, knock!" I hear Bethany chirp as she knocks on my door. I sometimes don't understand how she's this happy in the morning. I sigh, getting out of bed. I open the door and Bethany smiles brightly at me.

"Good morning! I made some oat-" Nope, not happening. No oats for me. I need something extremely unhealthy.

I slam the door before she can finish her sentence and walk into the bathroom. I hear her calling my name but decide to ignore it and get into the shower. After a 15 minute shower, I brush my hair and wear my oversized, black hoodie, dark blue jeans and my combat boots. I apply a small amount of lip balm to my lips and grab my phone and head out the door.

I walk into the kitchen and grab a bowl, pouring in some milk and then some Froot Loops and Cheerios. Do not judge my milk-before-cereal thing. I sit at the island and notice everyone staring at me. Can't a girl eat her cereal without having some problem in front of her?

"What now?" I sigh, taking a bite of the Cheerios. Someone clears their throat and I look up to see Lucas giving me a concerned look. I slowly take a bite of the Cheerios again, getting a bit of Froot Loops as well and not breaking the awkward eye contact with Lucas.

"Are you gonna talk or am I looking at you for nothing?" I say, raising my brows, hearing the crunch of cereal in my mouth. He clears his throat again. Still awkward.

"Theo isn't here." I slowly look back up again.

"Then where is he?" I ask.

"Well, we were hoping you knew." He interlaces his fingers on the marble table and sits down in front of me. I continue eating while they all continue staring at me.

"What're you looking at me for? I wouldn't have asked if I knew where he was," I finish eating and get up from the chair. "Besides, he probably went to school early." I walk out of the kitchen and the house with that hope in mind. Went to school early? Really? This is Theo we're talking about. He doesn't even like school.

I get on the bike and put my helmet on. I breathe in and out. He's definitely at school. Right? Oh, who am I kidding! I speed out of the garage and find my way to school, one horrible thought in mind.

***

First two periods were over and there was still no sign of Theo. I'm in my Business class, which I usually have with Theo but he's still a no show. The bell rings and I rush out, spotting Liam in the hallway. He looks tired as he gives me a weary smile. Shit! Alizeh. I haven't seen her in any of my classes. She's probably still with my father, if I can even call him that. Shit, shit, shit.

I practically run into the cafeteria and into Skylar. She grabs onto my arms, bracing herself, and gives me a smile.