Remembering October: Falling for You Series

Chapter Two: Trying

That Tuesday morning, I hadn't had any breakfast, so my stomach was growling while we were walking out of the door.

"Jonah! You're forgetting something," Mom called from the kitchen. I sighed and turned around to go to her. I snatched the lunch money out of her hand easily and gave her a grin.

"Thanks, Mom," I said and walked back out of the house. Matt was waiting for me on the porch, leaning against the wall. When he spotted me, he walked ahead and down the driveway to his car without a word. He was acting weird that morning, and it was putting me on edge. Then again, he'd been acting weird for a few days, but nothing to this extent. A few times caught day dreaming here and there, but never outright rude.

Usually Matt was smiling and carefree, but that day he was quiet and brooding, like he just knew today was going to be a bad day or something.

I guess I should have known. Right?

"Bad night?" I joked, but Matt didn't even turn his head to me when we both slid into the car. "Guess so," I mumbled as he hit the gas and tore out of the driveway, knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel.

I jerk awake to the sound of my alarm going off. I glare at it and hit the off switch before turning over and stuffing my head into the soft cushions. I know that I don't want to fall back into the dark pit, but sleep has me now, dragging me down.

A pounding on my door wakes me up again and I groan. "Jonah! It's time to get up, you're already late," my mom calls through the door.

I throw one of my pillows in the direction of the banging and bury my face in my hands, begging for more sleep. Though, I know I have to get up, just like every morning. Sighing, I slide out of the comfort of my bed and into the shower.

I let the blazing hot water fall onto the top of my head as I press my palms against the faded paint on the shower wall. My head is fighting me today. I try to let the water wash away the tired feeling, but I can't seem to shake it today.

Damn pills.

I suddenly remember why I don't take them as often as the label says I should.

After, I walk out of my bathroom with just a towel around my waist and my hair dripping wet.

I wouldn't say that I'm bad looking, because I'm not. My blonde hair looks darker because it's wet, but it will dry soon. I was an athlete, a pitcher for the Redwood Hawks baseball team, so I have muscle. I didn't feel the need to let all my hard workouts go to waste, so I try to keep up my strength.

Sometimes working out is the perfect excuse to let out a little bit of frustration.

I grab a pair of faded blue jeans and a green t-shirt that matches my eyes perfectly. I get dressed and shake my hair out to dry it out some more, running the towel over it at the same time.

I brush a hand through my damp hair and mess it up, not caring if it's neat or not. I pick up my backpack from the foot of my bed and head to the door. The last thing I grab is my favorite blue hoodie and throw it over my arm.

"I'm leaving, Mom! Is there anything you need me to pick up after school?" I call from the kitchen to wherever she is in the house.

"No, honey, I have an interview that a friend set me up with, so I'll be out," she calls back from what I think is her bedroom.

I shove a banana in my mouth and chew, "Already?" I ask.

She comes from down the hall, putting one of her earrings in. She has on her one and only grey suit that makes her look sophisticated and smart. Her blonde hair is neatly washed and in curls, resting on her shoulders and she has a light shade of makeup on.