Some Things You Can't Control

09: He's Here

Chapter 9

He's Here

- EDEN GARCIA -

The next few days at school drag by. The rumours surrounding me are more alive than ever, developing into tales that are so far away from the things I'd actually do.

Slowly, I trail out of class an hour after school was due to end. I got myself a detention when I had a run-in with Autumn and Cassidy. They flicked me a note during third period English and that did it. I couldn't help but lash out at them.

Which, according to our teacher, was a display of 'inappropriate behaviour'.

Frowning deeply, I kick at the ground as my eyes scour the parking lot to find my brother's car gone.

Why did I decide to catch a lift with him today? Of course he'd ditch me. I shouldn't have expected anything else. He's an idiot.

I sit down on the curb in front of one of the car parkings and whip out my phone. My sour mood is most evident.

Me: You're an asshole.

Brody: Sorry, sis. Plans changed.

Me: I don't give a shit about your latest conquest.

Brody: Actually I'm getting tutored rn.

Me: Apparently you're an asshole AND a dumb-ass.

Brody: I see you're angry I ditched you.

Me: No shit.

Me: Come pick me up.

Brody: Can't.

Me: Hate you.

Brody: Love you too.

I sigh and instead try to think up another option. Usually, I'd just call Caleb- by far my nicest brother- but he was supposed to be talking to Jess this afternoon. I can't interrupt that, not after how evidently distraught he was the other day after breaking up with her.

So I try again, a small smile on my face as I click on the name and open a new message. I know I can count on him.

Me: Hey.

Lewis: Hey ;)

Me: Brody stranded me at school. Are you able to give me a lift?

Lewis: I'm starting my shift in five.

His immediate rejection makes me frown. So much for liking me. So much for being able to count on him. But then I immediately retract those thoughts. Lewis doesn't owe me anything. I can't expect him to just drop whatever he's doing and come running.

As much as I might want him to.

As much as I might need him to.

As much as I really do not want to be stranded at school.

So, naturally, I give it another shot, still harbouring tendrils of hope.

Me: So you have five minutes to save me from this place.

Lewis: Sorry, Edes.

This time, I drop it. I don't respond.

Giving up, I fall back into the grass, staring up at the overcast sky. My eyes close and for a few moments, I take the chance to let myself relax. I've got nowhere to be, nothing to do. Might as well make the most of it. Right?

Yeah I know I'm not normal.

Its as I'm thinking that I should probably get off my ass and walk home that I hear a voice.