Beneath the Surface|COMPLETED

two|is he your boyfriend?

**gif of Isaac**

Tuesday, August 28th, 2018

12:47 AM

I had never seen him here before. Like ever. My initial shock didn't last long as I went back to what I was doing: restocking the shelves. I was currently restocking the fantasy section when I heard someone clear their throat.

"Amara?"

Turning around I see that it's - of course - Isaac.

"Hey," I start, "What can I help you with?"

Isaac just looks at me for a second before saying, "Is there somewhere a little more private? I just need somewhere to think..."

He sounds tired and his eyes are bothered. I don't ask him if there's anything wrong though; it isn't my business. Instead, I just nod and motion for him to follow me. In a matter of seconds, I bring him to one of the six private sectors or mini rooms of Books & Beyond. They have these for people who need absolute quiet or just want to nap.

"Here ya are." I say, opening the door. "The coffee maker is to your left and there are blankets in the drawer if you feel the need to use one."

He nods.

I continue. "I clock out around two, so if you need anything before then just let me know."

"Thank you, Amara." Isaac gives a soft smile and sits on the couch.

I give him an awkward wave and leave him to his thoughts.

8:03 AM

"Amara, come on. We're going to be late!" Xavier exclaims as I get my keys.

"Will you chill? You're not going to be late. We live less than 10 minutes away."

"Twelve minutes away." He grumbles.

"If you're in such a rush, then get in the car already. I just have to say goodbye to mamá y papá, okay?"

He sighs, but goes to the car and slides into the passenger seat as I kiss my parents goodbye on the cheek.

"So," I start, pulling out of the driveway, "what's got you in such a rush? It's the second day of school, I know there's no study hall and nothing sports related happening yet."

He shrugs. "I just have to ask a teacher about something."

"Mhm. Okay. Let's go with that."

1:23 PM

"Oh my god, this class is so boring." Emery complains for about the fourth time since we've been in class.

Were in AP Human Geography at the moment. I signed up for this class because I genuinely think it's going to be interesting. Emery on the other hand is just in here to have something else look good on her college application.

"Em, we have twenty minutes left, and all we've done today is two worksheets and a map."

"Exactly. That is a lot to do for one class period. It's the second day."

"So? Em, we are seniors in an AP level class. What did you think was going to happen?" I ask.

She just shrugs and mumbles an 'I don't know'.

"How's your brother?"

"Annoying as always. He spends more time at home than at college since it's 30 minutes away."

"And what do you parents think?"

"That he needs to get his shite together. He rarely ever goes to class."

I nod. Emery's brother Jordan can be a handful.

Rolling her eyes she says, "It's whatever." And shoves a donut hole into her mouth.

4:26 PM

I finish up reading my chapter in Fangirl before going downstairs to set the table for dinner. I don't have work tonight which means I have a little more time to procrastinate.

It's Xavier's turn to cook tonight which meant eating the only thing he knows how to cook: pasta. He's refused to learn how to make anything else. It's a bit acceptable for now because he makes it better than all of us for some reason. Not to mention he's extremely good at making the family sauce.

I was in the middle of setting out napkins when I hear a knock at the door. I set the last one down and head to the door. As I start approaching, I see that Rosie has gotten there before me and is staring at whoever stands in front of her.

"Hi, can I help you?" I ask as I get closer to the door. Once I'm there I gently motion for Rosie to go into the kitchen.

"Oh, you can do much more than that."

I look at who's at the door and have to stop myself from rolling my eyes.

"Tyler. Why are you here?"

"I'm pretty sure we already went through that yesterday. You know why I'm here, it's the only reason I ever talk to you."

I don't say anything.

"Look," He continues, "I know you don't have work tonight. I also am aware that your siblings are home and that your parents should be home in about an hour or two. So, come to my place real quick and get it over with."

I open my mouth to object but he doesn't let me.

"I'm not asking." His tone is hard and his eyes are telling me not to push it.

I nod slowly and tell him that I'll meet him in his car.

"Who was that?" Amara asks immediately when I go back into the kitchen to grab my phone. "Is he your boyfriend?"

"Like Amara would ever be able to get a boyfriend." Xavier scoffs but looks suspicious nonetheless.

"He's no one," I tell them. "I just have to get something from Emery's. I'll be back soon. And Rosie, don't open the door again, okay?"

She nods and I walk back outside, locking the door and get into Tyler's car watching my house disappear the farther we drive from it.

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shorter than the last chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it xx