BEING HALSEY

CHAPTER 14

I roll over and feel something moist touch my cheek.

I run my arm over my face and yawn as Pip paws me on the face and whines.

"I'm awake." I laugh.

Pip jumps up on my chest and knocks me back on the mattress. She spends most of the night curled up on my feet even though I've tried numerous times to get her to settle down in her bed.

I have to admit, I really love her sleeping on my bed. It makes me feel warm and cozy inside.

I run my hands through my hair and climb out of bed. The bathroom quickly fills with steam and I strip off my clothes and jump in the shower. The hot water feels nice on my cool skin and helps me to relax.

I'm a nervous wreck and relaxing is one of the many things I need to do.

I don't want to bump into Dave at school.

Infact, I never want to see him.

After I've showered and got dressed, I walk out to the living room and find dad sitting in his black leather chair. His eyes look tired and strained as if he hasn't slept all night.

"Umm...morning dad?"

I walk over and reach for my jacket and slip it on. I also tie my hair up so that it's out of my face.

Dad gives me a surprised look before he pushes himself to his feet and grabs his keys.

" Morning baby. I'm surprised you're not running everywhere." He grins and opens the door.

He's 200% right. I'm always running everywhere for my school stuff on the last day.

" You sure are ready for school?"

He asks as i walk out first before he locks the door behind us.

" Yes dad...and I hope that you're ready for a busy day."

✓✓✓✓✓

The hallways are crowded with students laughing and running and doing all kinds of stuff. I walk swiftly to my locker and stuff my books in.

" Gooood morning....."

Polly.

" Heyyy..." I lean over and hug her.

She's wearing a nice floral dress with white sneakers.

" Seen Dave around?" She asks and searches the hallways.

" That's none of my business right now. I hope he's transferred."

She rolls her eyes.

" You wish. He's right there."

I follow her eyes and spot Dave.

Our eyes lock and he walks towards me. I grab my bag and slam my locker loud. I'm walking so fast and my breath is hot.

He's dressed in a pair of form fitting trousers and a white buttoned down shirt.

" Hal . . . wait up."

How dare he call my name.

My name coming out from his lips feels like a knife is twisting in my damn heart.

I hate it!

I hear his footsteps behind me before I feel his hand grab my arm.

"Hal. Can I have a second? Please."

I swallow back my emotions and pull my arm out of his reach. I stiffen my arms at my sides.

I don't want his hands anywhere on me. The thought disgusts me. I can't even look at him so I give him my backside as I speak.

"What do you want Dave?"

He lets out a small breath and I feel his body almost touching me from behind but he stops, not letting himself get too close.

" I'm sorry."

I spin around and face him.

" Sorry for what exactly? For still thinking of Khloe, for ignoring my texts and calls? For being a bitch? For putting my hopes up? For everything?

Seeing his face up close makes me feel nauseous.

His eyes widen and I see him swallow nervously as he looks behind me, over my shoulder.

Good.

People are watching. I don't care who the hell sees my little outburst. They can watch from afar because I've been holding this in for a long time.

He takes a quick breath and releases it. "No. Hal. That's not . . ."

"I gave you everything I had, all of me." I point to my chest with my hand shaking.

I'm so angry that it's uncontrollable. I don't want him to see the way it's affecting me but it can't be stopped so fuck it.

His jaw clenches and his eyes look over my shoulder again as he runs a hand through his short, blonde hair...his stupid, always perfect hair.

"I'm sorry. Believe me."

"I don't care."

As if the heavens have heard my silent prayer, the principal makes an announcement from the hallway speakers.

Polly is right beside me in time and we head to the hall. To grab the center seats.

Dave sits behind us.

The head of school starts with the welcome-back speech and whatever they talk about.

I'm never paying attention to such things.

" I have a final accouncement," he's being saying that for the last thirty minutes.

" The rules should always be followed" He rubs his head and waits for the gossip to stop.

" The consequences to breaking the rules are big. And you're all aware of that. Detention. Suspension. Expulsion."

Finally. It's over.

We all walk back to our respective classes.

Our classroom looks the same, dark wooden trim, empty whiteboards, chairs attached to desks. Though it still carries that feeling of summer emptiness.

Mrs Susan arrives as she always does, just as the bell is ringing.

She's sometimes loud for a teacher but she's friendly and approachable.

" Morning students." She smacks down her coffee cup on the podium and looks around.

"Good. No new students, no need for an introduction." She pauses. "One empty desk. Who's missing?"

The door creaks open with her answer.

" Dave, of course."

Wait! He's switched classes?

Mrs Susan makes us push our desks into a circle. She's the only teacher here who forces us to look at one another during class. I take my seat again and suddenly Dave's desk is opposite mine.

My head jerks down. My hair shields my face.

Why is he making this so hard.

" Class, I'm going to set you both in groups. Two of my favorite students, Dave and Hal. You'll work together."

My jaw literally drops.

I fucking hate school!