more than this | grayson dolan (book one)

seventeen

I slip one of Jake's old Pink Floyd t-shirts over my head as I grab black shorts off my floor. I twist my ponytail down and let my hair fall to it's normal length. I no longer look like a princess, despite the events of this past weekend.

The rest of the party was fine, until I had an awkward conversation with Lisa. The words she spoke to me play and replay in my head as I finish getting ready. Once my converse are slipped on my feet, I grab my school bag and head out of my bedroom.

A noise coming from the kitchen causes my forehead to crease as I reach the bottom of the stairs. My brother is standing at the counter wearing baggy gray sweatpants and no shirt.

"Hey." I slowly say as I look at the time on the wall. It's almost seven thirty in the morning.

He turns around and lets out a raspy laugh. "Why are you wearing my shirt?"

"Because I wanted to." I roll my eyes and step closer to him. "Why are you up so early?"

"I couldn't sleep." A bowl of cereal is in front of him as he picks at it with his bare hands. "Want some? We don't have milk though."

"Sure." I shrug as I take the box of off brand cereal into my hand. Jake slides another bowl across the counter so I can pour my breakfast into it.

"What have you been up to lately?" He tosses another handful of cereal into his mouth.

"Nothing really." I shrug as I begin to eat. "How's work?"

"Oh, it's alright." He sighs as he turns his body to face me.

"I'm really proud of you." I look at him with a smile.

"Thanks." He lightly grins as he looks down at his bowl. "Have you seen dad lately?"

"No." I shake my head as I continue to eat.

"Same, I don't think he ever came home yesterday."

"He's probably laying in a random backyard again." I mutter with a groan.

"What's the lie you tell? When people ask you about him?" He stops picking at his food and focuses on my face.

"I say he works for construction." I inhale a sad breath as I stare up at him.

"I say he's a drummer in a really cool band and that he travels around a lot." He shakes his head while looking down.

"How pathetic is that? That we have to lie all the time." I gulp as I pick up more cereal.

"Sometimes lying is better than telling the truth." He shrugs as he looks at his bare feet.

"What do you say about mom?" I whisper.

He looks back up at me while clenching his jaw. "Nothing. I don't talk about her and you shouldn't either."

I slowly nod my head and push my breakfast to the side. "I should get to school."

"I need the car when you get back." He informs me while placing both of our bowls in the sink.

"Okay." Is all I say while heading toward the front door.

"Stella?" He looks back at me with tired eyes.

"Yeah?" I turn my head.

"Try to have a good day." He nods with a casual expression.

"You too." I grin as I step out of the house. The sun hits my skin as I walk over to the car and slide into the driver's seat . A heavy sigh leaves my lips as I start the engine and stare up at my house. Once it's warmed up, I back out of the driveway and head to school.