Book 1: Beyond Me and You

Party on the Other side of Town

Avoiding Dean has been my main priority. Every time I knew him and Kayla would be over for dinner I'd make sure to hang out with Vivi or ask Tyler if he needed any help after school. Every time I picture Dean, I can see the pain in his eyes..the pain I caused. 

"Lark c'mon, just go home already" Vivi says as she leans against the counter. "You can't avoid him forever"

"Watch me" I say as I go back to working on my homework. 

"Either you leave. Or I call him and tell him to come pick you up" she says with a smirk plastered on her face. 

"Fine. I'll leave. Bye" I say before she can take out her phone. Knowing Vivian she wouldn't hesitate twice to call him. 

I know she's right. His mom and my dad are getting married, we have to fix our relationship. 

The walk home felt like an eternity. The cold breeze numbed my face by the time I got home. I took the long way home on purpose in order to avoid running into Dean and Kayla. As soon as I open the front door I can smell donuts. As I walk closer to the kitchen I can hear muffled voices. 

"John I think-" I hear Kayla begin to say but she stops as soon as she catches sight of me. 

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were here..I saw a car drive off-" I begin to say nervously.

"Oh you just missed Dean. I wish you two would hang out more!" Kayla cuts me off. She engulfs me in a hug and lets go after a few seconds. She stands back and a serious aroma surrounds her. "John." she says sternly. Dad approaches her and stops right next to her.

"It can wait a little longer Kayla" he says as he turns to grab something off the counter. He turns around and hands me a hot chocolate with a donut. "Here Lark. Go up to your room, Kayla and I have something we need to talk about" he says calmly but I can see past it. I have a feeling I should've stayed at the mall.

I make my way up to my room and lock my room door. Without any hesitation I grab my earbuds and play music above normal volume. I text Vivi hoping she can help distract me. 

Help. 

I send her the text and she replies in less than 20 seconds. 

Yay!!!!!

What?

Idk you tell me

Dad and Kayla are arguing..

Yikes. Can you hear them??

More than I want to

There is a party on the other side of town. You down?

"Why must it wait?!" I can hear Kayla yells from downstairs. 

I quietly open my door and walk to the top of the stairs where I can hear them clearly. 

"We're getting nowhere with this." I can hear dad say in defeat. 

"You're right. Maybe we should stop for tonight" Kayla says quietly. The hurt is evident in her voice.

Dean's going to pick her up...

Knowing that Dean is coming gives me a mixed emotions. I want to see him but at the same time I'm not sure whether I'm ready to. As soon as I hear movement I quickly make my way back to my room and lock the door behind me.