I arrived home late that night, after making sure Finn was alright. I didn't tell him that I passed out, or that I still had nightmares- that would only worry him.
The events of that day replayed over and over in my head and I couldn't shake the image of Dylan's tired head resting on my lap, him kissing my hand, not leaving me. I don't know why I let myself cave in to his attractiveness, the same thing would happen again if I wasn't careful.
Boys were stupid, they broke hearts and made empty promises. Dad never treated Mum like that. Caution is essential when dealing with attraction. I never really considered him attractive, but then again I never really looked at him until today.
Too much happened in one day for my liking, but I felt more rested than ever. Them few hours I spent dozing off in Dylan's warmth helped me a little.
I jumped into bed as soon as I got home, avoiding the rest of the family. They would only irritate me and Chris could deal with the financial issues later.
It was too late to drop by the pharmacy on the way back from the hospital, so I noted it down to collect them the next day. Time to relax.
***
Hours went by quickly as I scrolled mindlessly through my Facebook feed. It was nearing 1 o'clock when an unexpected notification appeared on screen.
3 new friend requests
Dylan O'Grady
Phil White
Adrian White
Dylan added me. I wasn't sure what to do. Maybe it was best not to let him in. That doesn't mean I can't check him out though. I clicked on his profile, revealing a selection of cheesy pictures and cringey statuses. I was not stalking, just making sure it was him.
I eventually clicked Accept Request and examined the other two names.
I always knew that Dad had a load of relatives living abroad, but we never really knew them because they had a bad relationship with him. In fact, growing up, the only time we visited family was when we flew out on holiday to see them, but they'd never make an effort to see us. I met a total of 3 cousins over the course of my life, none of which had these names. Even if they really were my family, I didn't want to have anything to do with them. None of them were there when I needed comfort, they didn't even take us in, let Finn and I go off to some strangers!
Even thinking about my extended family made me angry. I slammed the laptop shut quickly and slid into bed. Would I get any sleep tonight?
Suddenly, my phone buzzed.
Dylan O'Grady messaged you:
You up ?
Should I reply this late at night? Is he worth it ?
Why the heck not.
Ria: No. I'm texting in my sleep.
Dylan: oh that's quite a skill you got there
Ria: can i help u?
Dylan: I just wanted to say thanks for staying with me today
Ria: acc you were the one who stayed with me and wouldn't leave sooooo
Dylan: are you okay?
Ria: i am overtired of the great harvest I myself desired
Dylan: don't go quoting Frost on me
So he reads poetry eh?
Dylan: Tate. You still there ?
Dylan: helloooo?
Dylan: dang she fell asleep
Ria: no she didn't. What do u want from me ?
Dylan: I liked being in your presence. Could you bless me with it again?
Was he asking me out? I wasn't sure whether to be angry or hopeful.
Ria: no. bye.
I couldn't tell whether he was being sincere or just messing around. I wasn't going to be that easy anyway. Surely if he was interested he would have asked me out by now, but he isn't so what's the big deal ?
***
The next day I decided to go to school and settle this Dylan issue in person. I knew rumours would be sparked up if I was spotted talking to anyone, but I couldn't risk him telling everyone about Finn. He doesn't even know the whole story, only what he overheard the doctor saying.
When I arrived st the classroom, Dylan was already sitting down. Strange, considering he was always late. His eyes shot up right at me as I made my way towards him. I sat down in silence, quietly unzipping my jacket and putting it on the back of my chair. I caught a waft of his perfume, the sweet scent infiltrating my oxygen. I liked it. I let him break the silence.
"Will you take me up on my offer?" He turned his head to look at me. All eyes in the room were now glued to us. How can I answer him with all the people in the room?
I opened my mouth to say no, but quickly changed my mind once I saw Caitlin walk in.
"Text me when and where." I flashed him a smirk before analysing Caitlin's face contently. Even Dylan looked shocked st my reaction.
If I already had a bad reputation, I may as well enjoy it, right?
YOU ARE READING
Sweetened Facade
Novela Juvenil"You can't put plasters on broken glass or a bullet wound." I argued. "If someone is that shattered, what is the point?" "The point is that once you fall you get up and move on. Like skydiving. You have two options; either you fall and let yourself...
