Changing You ✦ 𝑍.𝐷.𝐻.

Chapter 31 {R}

Rubbing the tiredness out of my eyes, the skin underneath my eyes hurting because I had done it too much, I poured myself another cup of coffee.

Sitting back down at the dining table, I sighed deeply before taking another sip of the hot drink, hoping it would provide me with enough energy to get through the day.

I heard Jack's footsteps in the back of my troubled mind as he approached me from behind. As he wrapped his arms around my shoulders, I set my cup down on the table.

His curls tickled my skin as he leaned over my shoulder to kiss my cheek multiple times. "I love you," he said softly, pecking my cheek a fourth time. "I love you, I love you, I love you, so much."

I didn't have to ask him why he was trying to comfort me. "I love you too, Jack," I told him, smiling softly.

After kissing my cheek one last time, he let me go and sat down on the chair across from me. "We can stay home today if you want," he said, looking at me. "What do you say? Brother and sister movie day?"

Leaning my chin on my hand, I met his warm brown eyes. I smiled genuinely at his attempt to cheer me up. "Even though that's exactly what I need right now, I can't," I sighed deeply. "I can't miss out on the English test we've got today."

He scanned over my face. "Are you sure?"

"Hmhm." Nodding, I swallowed my last bit of coffee before shooting him a reassuring smile.

He didn't buy it. "Did you get some sleep?" He asked carefully, worry lacing his eyes.

"A little," I responded with a small shrug of my shoulders. I actually hadn't been able to sleep at all. After an hour of trying, I had grabbed my English books and started studying. I hadn't expected it to actually distract me, but it did. While I had kept my mind busy all night, I didn't have to think about Zach.

"Good morning, kiddos." The both of us looked up at our stepdad's cheerful greeting.

Adjusting his glasses on his nose, he joined us at the dining table and grabbed himself a plate.

"Good morning, dad," I greeted him back, looking up at him with a soft smile.

"How did you sleep?" He asked, aiming the question at the both of us while grabbing a slice of bread and peanut butter.

Jack shrugged, a simple "okay" leaving his lips.

"I've had better nights," I told the bald father figure honestly.

He didn't get the chance to ask why as fast footsteps rushed down the stairs, followed by slower ones.

Isla stepped into the living room, my mom walking in a few seconds later as well. More "good morning" greetings rang through the room.

My eleven-year-old sister approached me, trying to cover up the observing look on her face by smiling.

She wasn't stupid.

Her werewolf senses informed her how off I was feeling. I just hoped she hadn't heard my breakdown last night. I highly doubted it, as the look on my brother's, sister's and mom's faces were all covered with the same expression; one of sympathy and concern.

"Good morning, Is," I greeted her, forcing the smile back onto my face.

Without responding, she climbed onto my lap. Surprised, I shoved my chair back to give her more space.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and leaned her chin on my shoulder.

While hugging her back, I saw my mom walk into the kitchen, followed by the stumbling around of making coffee.