Xander

Making Up (15)

My alarm clock blares, and I crack my eyes open. I blink back the sleepiness and turn onto my back. Trying to remember why I set my alarm clock for eight on a Saturday, I stretch and sit up. All at once, it hits me and I jump up.

Today is Saturday. My first day at Reed's.

I smile, almost curious as to why it excites me so much. Maybe because it's the only escape I'll have from my chaotic life.

Once I get up, I pick out a pair of jeans and a semi-formal white blouse. As I head to the shower, I point out my empty stomach and decide to eat before I head out. Once I'm out, I braid my hair, then brush my teeth before going back into my room.

I stuff my phone, some excess cash my mother left me last week for groceries, and some of my homework in case I find any free time to start it into my shoulder bag. I throw on my black jacket, slip on my ankle high boots and walk downstairs.

My mom is in the kitchen, fiddling with her coffee mug as she stares into space. I pause in the doorway before making my way over to the fridge and taking out the orange juice carton and butter. As I pop two slices of bread into the toaster, I fill my mom's gaze train on me.

While I pull out a cup from the cabinet, I hear her speak.

"Your father is coming home today."

My hand freezes over the orange juice carton, and I feel my eyes narrow. "Of course he's coming home today. Shall we throw a party?" I growl, angry at the thought of my father finally coming home.

I hear her sigh as I pour some juice into my cup. When I put the carton back into the fridge, I stiffen as I feel my mother put her hand on my shoulder. I move away from her as if she's carrying a plague and glare at her.

I see sadness in her eyes, and I almost apologize. But, of course, I don't. Where has this side of her been these past few months?

"Look, I know, that your father and I haven't been there for you these last few months-"

I cut her off with a cold laugh, and shoot out, "You guys have been practically nonexistent." I see her flinch at my words, then calm her expression. As I hear my toast pop up, I grab them and throw them on a paper plate.

"Abigail-"

"Sorry, mother, I have to go."

I quickly lather my toast with butter, down the rest of my juice, and rush out of the kitchen and the house as fast as I can. Once I'm out, I breathe a sigh of relief and begin walking down the street. Having no clue as to where I should go currently to eat my toast, I decide my best choice is to Kyle's. He only lives a few minutes away, and we haven't talked all week. I think now's a good time as any to make up.

When I reach his house, I've already eaten one slice of bread and realize I could just eat the rest while I walk. As I turn to walk away, I hear his front door open and I sigh with dread. I look up and I feel my eyebrows raise in surprise.

I see a girl walk out, with her hair all crazy and her clothes all wrinkled. She glances behind her shoulder and waves back at Kyle. A shirtless Kyle who is watching her leave with a small smirk.

When his gaze finds mine, the smirk falls and he engages me in a stare down.

"Bye Kyle," I hear the girl coo as she jumps into her pink slug bug and drives away.

"New conquest I see," I call to him, as I am still standing on the sidewalk.

He stands up straight and stretches his arns. "You know me so well," he says sarcastically- with a hint of hostility. He spends a couple of moments regarding my appearance before nodding his head to the side, motioning that I follow him into the house.