The Hooded Figure

THIRTY FOUR

As I was driving, I couldn't stop cringing. I realized that we'd pretty much already had the conversation about school and work. I guess that's my go-to topic when there's silence. I felt like slapping myself in the face, but I was driving so I refrained.

When I got home, neither of my parents were home, as per usual. I went straight up to my room and laid in my bed, staring up at my ceiling. Hopefully next week would be better, but honestly, who knows.

I don't know when I started to drift off, but before I knew it, I was deep in sleep.

---------

When I had awoken this morning, I had a text from Jamie asking if I wanted to go out with him again. Tonight.

I was conflicted.

I decided to say yes, just in case I had been mistaken about my feelings (or lack thereof). After all, butterflies developed over time, right? So, I can hardly expect to have them after one date with him. In fact, I didn't know that much about him so how could I possibly have felt butterflies?

After reasoning with myself on the bus, ignoring Layla's incessant chatter from beside me, I decided that I'd made the right choice.

When I arrived in Social Studies, I sat in front of 'Trey' like I usually did. However, I noticed almost right away that it wasn't Jamie. Another thing I'd picked up on, was that although Alexander didn't fiddle with his pencil, he did tap his foot.

"Hey Trey," I emphasized with a small smirk on my face. I caught the small jerk of his hood as he looked up slightly. I shifted in my seat so that I could face him. He said nothing, lips in a straight line.

"So, what's up with you?" I inquired, deciding to make conversation while I waited for class to start. I could feel his eyes burning into me from under his hood. I started to wonder if he didn't like me or something. Maybe it was because I almost took money from him?

"Not much of a talker?" I asked, leaning my head against my hand. "More of a... singer?"

This seemed to catch his attention. "How do you always know the difference between us?" He whispered angrily. I caught him balling his fists. I narrowed my eyes for a moment, not appreciating his rude behaviour.

"Easy," I smiled slightly to myself, "you two do plenty of things differently. All you really have to do is pay attention."

"Like?" He asked shortly, his lips now pressed firmly together.

"You tap your foot, Jamie fiddles with his fingers or pretty much anything nearby. His voice is deeper than yours and slightly raspier. And finally, you're kind of a jerk." I added at the end with a satisfied smirk. His lips were parted for a moment before he shut them tightly as he thought about his next words.

"And he's not?" He finally asked, tapping his foot. I looked at him disbelievingly. Had he ever met his own brother?

I was about to answer, but Mr. Bacinski entered the class and shot me a glare. I frowned and turned around in my seat, not getting to answer.

Mr. Bacinski spent the entire class in front of the board, actually explaining various topics. I was wondering what had happened to him when the bell rang. I got up and left the class, heading straight to my Math class. However, I was interrupted when someone grabbed me by the arm and led me to the side of the hall.

"I need your help, Amy," Jade said to me as I looked at her confusedly. She hadn't been here for who knows how long, doing who knows what, and the first thing she does is ask for help?

"What happened to you?" I asked, ignoring her question. I looked her up and down, examining her dishevelled appearance. She looked like she hadn't slept in days, possibly even weeks. Even her dyed hair had now faded back to its original black.

"I can't go to Layla so you're all I've got," she started. I frowned, was I a last resort?

"Why not?" I questioned, crossing my arms over my chest, trying not to glare.

"She's dating Damian, remember? Great plan by the way," she added sarcastically. I frowned even more if that was possible. I was so confused; why was she acting like this? I was about to say something when Jade continued. "I need a favour."

"What?"

"You heard me." I rolled my eyes.

"What's the favour?" I asked, putting my hands on my hips and staring at her with a blank expression.

"I need you to apologize to Mia for me," she told me, looking shy all of a sudden. I couldn't process what she'd just asked me to do.

"What?"

"Please?"

"I don't understand, you want me to apologize? For you?" I tried to clarify, wondering how she didn't hear how ridiculous it sounded.

"Yes please," she said, looking genuinely sad. Suddenly, someone ran past, bringing a gust of air my way and I gasped.

"Are you high?" I whispered angrily.

"No!" She exclaimed before adding, "not right now." I gaped at her, not understanding anything at the moment. The world seemed off kilter and only then did I realize how much everything had shifted in a matter of weeks.

"I'll do it. Only if you stop the drugs," I told her, worried for her safety. I wanted to ask what had happened with Mia, but I could ask that later.

Jade hesitated, thinking about it. I couldn't believe it was even a choice, though I guess since I've never been in that place, I had no right to judge.

"Fine, but you have to get her to forgive me," she said, looking at me, seeming almost... broken.

"Deal," I replied, looking down at her with resolution. I stuck out my hand for her to shake and she hesitated once more. Finally, just as the bell rang signalling the start of second period, she stuck her hand in mine and shook firmly before turning and walking away without a word.

• Author's Note •

I'm going to Las Vegas! For spring break ;)

Anyway, I didn't think I'd be able to update today because this was kind of a boring chapter to write and I have final exams coming up because second semester starts soon and all the teachers want to cram everything in. However, the tea is about to be spilled.

Also, I hope you all know that I know how the book is going to end but not how it's going to get there. Long story short, I hate this book and don't put much effort into it so. Yeah.

I can't wait for this book to be done (I won't delete it in case some people ACTUALLY like it for whatever reason) so I hope whatever route this book takes, it won't be long.

Lots of love, Nat 💕