Numb ✔️

3: A Date?

"You got laid off?" I repeated.

My dad nodded solemnly.

I couldn't believe this. My dad was the primary income in our family, without him we'd be living on the streets. He was the only one in our household with a job. Well had a job.

I inhaled a sharp breath, and slowly let it out, trying to stay calm.

There has to be something I can do to help in this situation.

"I can get a job." I thought out loud.

My family turned to face me, slight confusion was written on Case's face.

"No," my mother shook her head. Her grip tightening on the white coffee mug in her thin, pale, hands. "Lyn, honey, this is an us problem, not a you or your brother problem."

"It's a family problem." I disagreed. "I wanna help."

"Sweetheart, we appreciate it, we really do, but we'll be fine." My dad rested a hand on my shoulder.

"But I really do wanna help."

My dad sighed, and nodded.

"Fine, if you really want to, I guess we can't stop you."

"Yes! Thank you so much, I'm so happy." I kissed him on the cheek and bounced up the stairs to get started on my resume.

###

I slammed my red locker shut, and locked my combination lock.

I spun around to face the two girls behind me.

"Oh my god," Kassie groaned. "I'm absolutely starrrrrrving."

She tossed her head back.

"You're always hungry." Ayla scoffed, crossing her arms.

"And you always over exaggerate too." I added, as we started towards the cafeteria entrance.

"Okay, okay," She put her hands up defensively. " I'm actually really hungry today."

"When aren't you?" I mumbled.

Kassie tried to ignore me as we found ourselves at the back of the lunch line.

"Do you know what the special is today?" A voice asked from behind me.

I turned to face a broad chest, clad in a tight American Eagle t-shirt. Turning my chin upward I locked eyes with Kade.

"Umm, I think it's tacos." I replied.

The tall brunette licked his lips, starring off into space.

"I love tacos."

"You love all food." I pointed an accusing finger at him.

"Yeah, I do. But like who doesn't?"he raised a brow at me.

"Crazy people?" I offered shrugging.

He nodded, and we all moved forwards, with the line.

We stood in comfortable silence for a moment.

But I felt the burn of someone's stare on me. I glanced around the large room, filled with tables and hungry teenagers.

Me eyes locked with Caiden's, sitting next to Kent and Bridgette.

He didn't break the state, and his grey eyes burned holes in to mine.

He didn't look away, but neither did I.

His lips were in a grim line, that sent chills down my spine.

He still didn't look away, even when Bridgette whispered something in his ear.