Keeping The 'V'

Chapter 12 - Train Of Despair

I took in a deep breath, wiped my eyes and stood up. I changed into some comfy pajamas and moved the the mirror. I looked like crap. Red puffy eyes, face plastered with dried tears and my hair askew. I combed my fingers through my hair and splashed some water from my bottle over my face. Finally, roughly satisfied with my appearance, I unlocked the door and stalked down the stairs to the living room. Oliver was curled up on the couch watching American football, while Taylor was no where to be seen. I drew in a sharp breath and sat down next to Oliver.

" Look Oliver, I'm really sorry for snapping at you this morning. I was pissed and tired and I wasn't thinking straight. I really appreciate you looking out for me." I sighed. He looked at me with his beautiful blue eyes and smiled.

" Hey, don't worry about it. I know I was being pushy and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry." He reached over and pulled me into a big hug.
" What's on?" I asked.
" Football. Gators are playing." It was clear that Oliver loved football, but luckily so did I.

We sat down together and watched, Oliver occasionally shouting insults at the screen. The game ended and the Gators won.
" So, school is on tomorrow, if you wanna go?" Oliver asked. I took in a deep breath and nodded. It was time to face the music.
" Yeah, I'll go." I sighed. Oliver reached over and squeezed my hand.
" It's gonna be ok. I'll be there and so will your friends." I nodded and forced a smile. It wasn't something I was looking forward too, but something it was something I had to face.

.~.

Breathing seemed to get harder as I entered through the school gates. I was late, so only the few people who decided to skip class were an audience to my walk of shame. I didn't know how I was going to tackle the delicate subject that was Mitch. It was like talking to a 12 year old boy about sex, one word wrong and you'd never hear the end of it.
'Am I sad about Mitch? Well of course I am, apart from the fact he got halfway to raping me and all.'
Hell; that was more if an ice breaker than the titanic.

I walk-of-shamed down the hallway to my class a mere twenty minutes late.
My entire home room could be compared to an freight train of emotion on a tell tail course of collision and that would not nearly describe the amount of sorrow and heartache in the room when I entered. Not a dry eye in sight, even for the 'tough guys' who 'never cry'. Tissues littered desks and floor, sobs filled the air and every miserable face turned to look at me and tears went off like a sprinkler.
" Please sit down Kat." The teacher tried to keep herself together, but feel apart like cardboard in rain, wiping back tears.
This is not what I had expected. Sure, Mitch was the class clown and go to man for sassy remarks but he also had multiple run ins with the principal, putting his name in the teachers bad books.
Okay, maybe I was being a little harsh on the guy after certain incidents.
But regardless of previous events I broke down into the waterworks. I sobbed at my desk, hugging me knees on my chair as everyone shared memories of Mitch. I could hardly bare to listen.
The bell rang and I was instantly flocked by my girls and the remaining four boys. The girls enveloped me in a hug of warmth and sadness, whispering words of kindness and condolences. Toby, Harrison and Chris each took their turn hugging me and comforting me, but Nathaniel stood on the outskirts and offered me a sad smile when we locked eyes. Something was bothering him, and it wasn't just Mitch.

.~.

I met up with Oliver after school where Taylor picked us up like little kids.
" Kat I am so so so sorry for not finding you today. I was just so busy I didn't have time. Ugh I feel so bad." We're the first words out of Oliver's' mouth.
" Olly, it's all right i understand." I laughed.
" But I-"
" Hush child. I understand." My phone buzzed again. Another one of the millions of heartfelt messages I had received today. Where the hell where people getting my number from?

Back at Taylor's he set off for work and Oliver and I started a night of tv, Xbox and pizza, in an attempt to distract from reality.

.~.

Hey guys :) Look who finally decided to get her shit together and update.
This chick 🙋🙋
I am really sorry it's been so long and that this chapter is short but I will try to get bigger updates sooner from here. Also sorry about any spelling errors I will get round to them!
Big thanks to all my readers :) you guys are the real MVP
mikeelyjane_ 🐳