Off the Rails

Chapter Eight

Dakota
The next two weeks went along as normal as my new life in Blackden Ridge could.

The day after the party, I stayed after school for the science club Mr. Rickman had told me about. I loved it and was becoming a pretty active member. It absolutely revealed my nerd side, but I could not care less.

I was also planning on visiting the counseling office and talking about getting moved to some of the advanced classes, like at my old school. Drake was right— if I had a talent, I should use it. Plus, I was no longer as eager to have three classes with him a day.

Drake still drove me to school every day, even though our conversations were short, meaningless and awkward. The morning after the party in the woods was particularly dreadful. He apologized a lot for getting drunk, and told me he remembered everything. Of course I forgave him, but I knew we both felt weird about our conversation. I never thought the poor guy could stutter that much. At least that part was kind of adorable. I just hoped our friendship could get through this rough patch. Because I really did care for him. Luckily, we seemed to be getting better everyday.

Liam and I went on a couple of dates. He took me out to the small movie theatre, which only had a selection of about three films. We also went out to dinner a few times, and he came over to my house for a couple Netflix marathons. It was all going great. He treated me so well, and I felt safe with him.

This upcoming Friday night, I was supposed to have dinner at Liam's house (which Drake told me was a huge freaking mansion) and meet his parents. I was extremely nervous, especially considering what I had heard about how prestigious the Clarke family was.

I had also declined and ignored about seventeen phone calls and voicemails from my dick of a father. It was hard to pretend I did not feel a pang of anger in my chest every time I thought of his pathetic face, but I got by.

Things were finally starting to feel like routine here. Almost like home.

It was a Thursday morning, the day before my dinner at Liam's, and Drake picked me up in the morning. He beeped the horn of his Pontiac, and I rushed out the door, backpack barely slung over my shoulder's.

"Someone seems like they've had a chaotic morning," Drake remarked as I hopped in besides him.

"Woke up late," I said, sighing and taking a moment to recollect myself. In that time, I glanced at him, and saw he was wearing jeans and a grey Blackden Ridge Ice Hockey sweatshirt.

I told myself I wasn't allowed to remark on what Drake was wearing anymore, or think abut how good he looked, or notice that adorable little smirk he seemed to reserve just for me... but it was difficult.

Drake gestured to two cups of coffee in the cupholders on the car before driving off. "Good thing you have me."

"Thank God," I said overdramatically, leaning over and kissing his cheek. I was so happy when I picked up the portable cup that I almost totally forgot I kissed his freaking cheek. I mentally scolded myself for being such an idiot.

Luckily, it wasn't that awkward. Drake looked a little taken back, but quickly recovered.

"I appreciate it," I added, deciding that was a much better way to show my thanks.

"You're welcome," he replied, awfully stiff.

We drove for a few minutes longer, and I could feel the awkward silence, until I spoke up about something that had been driving me insane.

"So, I don't want to make things weird by asking this, but you are one of my closest friends here and I'm kinda freaking out. Plus, you know Liam better than anyone, so I figured—" I rambled nervously.