The Car Garage

Chapter 14: Two Aching Souls

It was a couple of weeks later after my fight with Matt about Logan. He still drove me to school, but it was always silent unless there was one of his conquests in his car, which was often. I hadn't come to Logan, accusing him of anything. Nor did I get into any screaming matches with Matt. Everything was alright.. on the surface.

When I wake that Friday morning, I find my eyes tired but my mind was awake instantly. I look around, feeling my heart ache in my chest. I'd forgotten where I was, or the past four months. I'd dreamt that everything was okay, back in Chicago. I was with my mother and we were happy. Laughing. Now that I was awake, I knew that it was just a dream and she wasn't the woman I use to know.

I whip the blankets off, quickly getting ready for the day, trying to ignore the deep ache and want for my mother. When I sit down in front of my mirror, I try to lift my arms to put my makeup on, but I can't seem to find the strength. So I just look at myself in the mirror.

I notice the scattered freckles across my cheeks, faint but still there. I hated them. They reminded me of my father. My skinny nose just made me recall my mother, which didn't help my mood at all.

It didn't take very long for me to just decide not to wear makeup. I just shrug on a hoodie and a pair of leggings, then make my way outside to where Matt was parked. To my surprise, he was alone. I park myself into the passengers seat and put on my seat belt, then look over at him. He seemed deep in his thoughts so I just sit there. I had my own thoughts and worries, so even though I hated him, I couldn't blame him for having them.

He clears his throat after a couple minutes and grips the steering wheel. "I'm sorry.. I was Uh.." he begins and sighs loudly. He starts the car back up and pulls out of the driveway.

"You don't have to explain. I get it, really" I say to him softly. Something was different in the car. I knew it wasn't just me. "One of your little girlfriends find someone better?".

He glares over at me and grips the steering wheel harder. "You don't know anything about my life, Addison!" He snaps which takes my aback. "So don't run your mouth about something you know nothing about!", he continues and he's practically spitting everywhere. His words get my blood steaming.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Your perfect freaking cherry picking football life isn't going well!? You got dumped and someone screwed  you over. Or maybe you didn't get the spot you wanted on the football team", I spit back and look at him. "Wake UP! There are other things to be worried about!". He scoffs loudly and makes the car go faster. I grip the door handle as he grips the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turn white.

We finally pull into the parking lot and I reach for the handle and open the door. "I have practice today. Don't expect a ride" he says and gets out, slamming the door. I sit there for a moment and run a hand down my arm. The last time someone spoke to me like that... I shake my head, dismissing the thought and climb out of the car.

I go inside and spot Logan at my locker. But he wasn't alone. A freshman girl was standing beside him, her body turned against him. I swallow hard as I look at the both of them, keeping my spot in front of the front door.

Things with Logan and I were going really well. He was funny and charming. Not to mention beautiful. Although I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off and missing, I went with it.

He runs a hand down her arm and she giggles at something he says. Then leans forward and whispers in her ear, making my heart drop even more.

We weren't official. But was he just using me?