The Way Back To You

Chapter 17

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A L E X

I stand at the edge of the doorway, peeking past the door into the classroom ahead. I quickly scan the heads of the students already seated and let out a sigh of relief.

I don't spot a flash of red, meaning April isn't there. Also meaning I can live this class out without her constant interruptions and annoyances that she claims is redemption for helping her out at the party last week.

Yeah. It's been a whole week.

And she still hasn't forgotten.

I literally cannot go five paces without her ambushing me with a cheery smile and ready hands to carry my bag and show me around the hallways.

I could flip her off, but you know...It's nice to have someone carry your bags for you and I do need the instructions.

Hey, maybe I can get her to do my homework for me!

I barely have any time to do it on my own with the boxing practices and matches. I've already progressed to a level three, and if I keep this up I could damn well make a good thousand bucks. That should hold off Ariana in the hospital and help Mom pay off her rent...

Currently, however, the pretty little red-head is nowhere to be seen, which gives me a good amount of time to let off some steam and think.

I've stopped getting my headaches, which means the prescription pills have worked...But for how long I do not know.

I run a hand through my hair and rub my fingers along my temples, as if doing so can somehow alieve the impending explosion. 

It's bound to come. I know it is. But I need to fight it for as long as I can. I have people to live for, if not for myself, and I wouldn't be able to successfully go on without making sure they'll be all right. I've had to grow up quickly and learn these lessons the hard way.

I swallow back the bile rising in my throat and drop down into a seat near the back of the musty little classroom. 

I'm all set to put my stuff down, scrawl myself a few notes and then zone out when, to my chagrin, she walks in.

A tick works in my jaw as she turns her head and spots me, and I quickly look away and scan the length of the classroom.

Don't come this way...Don't come this way...

I let out a sigh. The only empty seat is the one beside me. I close my eyes for a beat and wait for the inevitable...

Yup, there it is.

She seats herself beside me and slaps a grin onto her face, leaning forward and anxiously brushing strands of that fiery mane out of her eyes.

"Hey," she chirps, frowning a little.

"What's wrong? Need something?"

I grimace. As endearing as it is to have a pretty girl hang on my everything...I can't afford this to happen. What if I let her get too close? What if I can't manage myself? What if something happens to me? So much of my life hangs on these sort of things.

It would do well for me if I remembered that.

"No. Everything's peachy."

I force my face to assume a somewhat pleasant expression and go back to facing the front of the board.