chosen

Chapter Twelve: Where Are You?

It's been a couple days since the incident at Watershed Cafe with Dakota. A couple of days since Liam began to act strange. The whole weekend I have heard nothing from Liam, and worst of all he didn't show up at school today. Leaving me alone in the madness of Leavenworth. If only I knew what was wrong.

It's a dreary Tuesday afternoon here in Leavenworth, and I just hope and pray that Liam will show up today. I need him now more than ever. Yesterday Dakota somehow found me at lunch and wanted to sit with me, but I used the 'I have to go talk to my teacher' excuse. Which ended with me eating outside in the courtyard by myself. I didn't even realize how hard life would be without Liam because he has always been there no matter what.

As of right now, I'm on my way to Mr. Macalahan's class alone. I luckily haven't run into Dakota or Rebecca yet this morning, which is honestly a blessing. I just have to prepare for the worst in Mr. Macalahan's class.

"Good afternoon Miss Thomas," Mr. Macalahan says cheerfully as I enter his almost full classroom.

I hurriedly make my way to my table in the back, Joey already there sitting quietly.

As a take my seat, Rebecca turns around to look at me and says, "Wow, Brinley. You look really nice today," she snickers, a mischievous smile across her face, "Did your daddy pick it out for you? He probably did, it looks like it was picked out from the 99 cent store. But that's all you guys can afford right?"

Tears fill my eyes as I take a seat next to Joey. I look down at my clothes. I am wearing an over sized red hoodie of which is Liam's that he left at my house. Since he is not hear I might as well where something of his to at least feel like he's kinda here. I wear dark wash skinny jeans and my favorite white converse. I didn't think I looked bad this morning when I left for school, but I guess I do. It hurts, it really does.

The rest of the class begins to quietly laugh along with Rebecca. This sucks, but I won't cry. I will not allow myself to. If there is one lesson I have learned from Liam is to not cry in public. No matter how tough life might be hitting yourself, you just can't allow yourself to be raw and vulnerable in the open. There were countless times I know Liam wanted to cry, but he waited until we were behind closed doors. That really shows something about his character and now mine too.

"You look fine," Joey murmurs, placing his hand gently on my elbow. I guess he could tell I was tearing up.

"Don't listen to them."

I try to do as he says as I unpack my backpack and get all of the necessities for biology, but everyone's laughs continue to ring in my ears.

"Hey!" Mr. Macalahan shouts from the front of the room, "Knock it off! If I hear another one of you make another snarky comment or snicker I will fail you all for the semester!"

And just like that, everyone turns around in there seats and zips it.

Joey slowly releases my elbow, but keeps his eyes on me. As if he knows that I'm going to break any second.

I look into his deep chocolate brown eyes. I've never seen someone with such beautiful deep eyes before. They are the type of eyes that can look deep into your soul with just one glance. I can tell just from that that Joey is a good guy, and so are his siblings. I know Bleddyn thinks so too.

"Well at least you know that Mr. Macalahan has your back, right?" he whispers trying to cheer me up.

I nod my head, keeping my eyes now on Mr. Macalahan.

"Now," Mr. Macalahan says in an upright tone, "Today we're taking a science exploration into the creek behind the school."

Mixed emotions immediately erupt throughout the class. Some very excited while others begin to groan in ignorance.