Burned

Chapter Eighteen

I rolled on my side, glaring at my alarm clock. Today, was Thursday and Daniel and I had been broken up, for two days. It felt weird. Then again, the weird part should have been that yesterday I tried to kill him. I should have felt bad about that, but I didn't. At least, I didn't feel bad yet. He hadn't actually died, which was probably why I didn't feel that bad. I slapped my alarm clock, shutting it up. Then, I grabbed my phone and stumbled into the bathroom.

As I scrolled through my various apps, I saw a notification pop up. It was a Facebook post about Mir and Jack. They were officially dating. I clicked "Like," and locked my phone. The shower was seriously calling my name. I hadn't explained the whole almost-killing-Daniel incident to Erik yet. He had called me once I got home, but I let it go to voicemail. He then texts me, which I responded to with "I'll tell you later." I know it looks like I was ignoring him and therefore, being a hypocrite, but it was different.

I needed time because my life was crumbled at the foundation. Daniel hadn't needed time but chose to take time. Groaning in annoyance, I flipped the water off. I wrapped a towel around my body as I brushed my teeth. It was comforting knowing that despite everything being chaotic in my life, my morning bathroom routine was fully intact. It was the only thing giving me some structure. 

Finally, I was ready. I wore black ripped skinny jeans and an oversized t-shirt with some 80's band on the front. I let my hair fall naturally down my back. I didn't bother with makeup. It was one of those, despite my best efforts. I headed downstairs, wondering if I should eat some breakfast. I passed Dara's door on the way and noticed it was empty. She must already be waiting in my car, so instead of going to the kitchen, I went to my car. 

The front door shut behind me. She wasn't in my car. Where was Dara? I grabbed my phone out to see where she was. Unbeknown to me, she had text me telling me Gemma's family was giving her a ride to school. Sighing, I spun on my heel. At the same time, I heard a car coming from down the street. I recognized the truck. It was Erik! Full of confusion, I strode towards the driveway where Erik parked. 

"I thought you might need a ride," he called after rolling his window down.

"Why would you think that?" I asked, jutting out my hip. He looked down bashfully.

"I was kinda hoping you wouldn't ask that." He gave me his famous smirk. "Humor me?" He smiled so wide a small dimple appeared on the left side of his mouth. His hair was getting long and there were pieces of hair touching the back of his neck. 

"Okay," I strode to the passenger side. Neither one of us said anything as he backed out of the driveway. I tried not to remember all the times he had picked me up or dropped me off. I definitely wasn't thinking about the last time he was over. Nope, definitely not thinking about when Erik and I kissed. 

I cracked my knuckles and started picking at my lip.

"Look, you don't have to tell me--

"Daniel and I broke up." I blurted out, gauging his reaction. He tried his best to keep his face neutral.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, don't worry you two will get back together. It'll work out. You guys always do," the last part wasn't for me to hear. It sounded like he was reminding himself. 

"I broke up with him because he told me he bit those girls. The girls we thought were Levi's victims. I guess that's what Levi meant when he said, 'I only killed those girls." I stared at my hands. I felt embarrassed all over again. My face was splotchy with red. 

"Shit, you're serious?" I nodded. He was quiet as he stopped at the red light. "No wonder you tried to kill him yesterday." He offered me a soft smile.