Our Own Angels

Chapter 12

Days never felt longer than they do now. Cleo, Matt, and I have not talked or texted each other since our last confrontation. Everything is so awkward between us. It's as if the air gets ten times denser when we walk into a room. We don't even have to look, we can just feel each other's presence. I don't know whether I'm over reacting. I can't sleep at night anymore. I keep thinking that I might be a bad friend. I know I should be happy for them but I can't get past the fact that they lied and kept something so huge from me. They kept a secret that changes everything, literally everything. Now that they are together, I'm scared that they are not going to hangout with me as often anymore. I don't want to be the one who ends everything. Eli and Alice have been asking why Matt and Cleo don't come over anymore.

"You should talk to them." Silas tells me. He sits across from me as he hands me my food. I turn my head to look at Cleo and Matt. They're still sitting at their normal spot at lunch. I've only been sitting with Silas for the past few days. When I look over at them, Cleo and Matt sit there silently picking away at their food. They look miserable.

"Why should I talk to them first?" I respond. I pick up a fry and rip in half.

"Ro, you know that they've been trying to talk to you." He talks to me in such a calming voice. I don't say anything back. He knows that I won't budge so he changes the subject.

"So, what are we going to work on after school?" He takes a bite out of his sandwich.

"Both Anatomy and Spanish. Duh." I reply. He sighs and rolls his eyes.

"Why don't we go over your house this time?" I suggest. When he looks up at me, he narrows his eyes. He simply shakes his head.

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"Because."

"That's not an excuse."

"Why do you want to come over?"

"Because..." I try to think of a good reason. "I want to meet your sister. The things you say about her makes me want to meet her in person." It's true, he's always describing his sister and saying every possible good thing about her.

"Why...?"

"Why not?"

"Ugh fine you win. I give up." He rolls his eyes but I see a hint of amusement in them. I smile with pride. I knew he couldn't say no.

"Oh, you know you still have my hoodie right?" He mentions. I thought he forgot. I wished he forgot.

"Yeah of course." I try to play it off.

"How many times have you wore it?" He asks casually sipping his water bottle.

"Uh...." I think to myself. How many days has it been since that day. About eleven. He stares at me, waiting for me to answer.

"Eleven..." I can feel he heat rising to my cheeks. He smirks at me. His confidence level just rose.

"I'll give it back tomorrow." I sigh.

"You can keep it." I raise my eyebrows at him.

"Really??" I can't believe it. I examine his face to make sure he's serious.

"Yeah. It's no big deal. I have a lot more at my house." He says.

"Okay then." I can wear his hoodie to sleep every night now. I smile at the thought. The rest of the day dragged and soon enough, I'm back at my house. I change and wait for Silas to pick me up. I purposely wear his hoodie with black leggings and white sneakers.

"Alice, is it alright if I go tutor Silas at his house?" I ask her. I sit with her in the kitchen as Eli colors his homework.

"Of course, I trust you. What time will you be back?" She asks. She finishes loading the dishwasher.