What I Wish You Knew | ꪜ

Chapter Thirteen

To Landon,

13. I wish you knew I still loved you.

Hayley's POV

Sometimes when I remember that life goes on and on and on until the fateful day when we finally perish; I find myself wanting to put an end to that before my time was actually up. Knowing that I'd have to suffer another day on this forsaken Earth is enough to send me spiralling.

But I have to keep my head up, because what can I really do? "Hayley, get up, I have to get to work and today is your first day back at school so don't be late," I groaned in response, motioning for Drayton to close the door behind him.

When I was sure he was gone I rolled off the comfort of my bed and prepared for school. When I was done showering and dressing, I grabbed my belongings and padded down the stairs towards the kitchen. However, I didn't expect to see Landon sitting at the table eating breakfast, another plate set out beside him.

I frowned, "what are you doing here?"

Landon peered up from his plate and flashed me a toothy smile. "Good morning to you too and I'm here to take you to school." Oh I'm sure he's only doing it because Vanessa's suspension doesn't end today meaning she won't see us coming in together.

"I don't need your ride, I have a skateboard."

"I know, but I still want to drop you off." Is it because you feel guilty? I rolled my eyes and dragged my plate to the other end of the table so that I wouldn't have to sit beside him. The atmosphere was awkward but I held in the urge to bolt out of the room.

"What?" I snapped. He's been staring at me the entire time, yet to peel his eyes away. He cleared his throat and finally averted eye contact, "nothing, nothing," he chuckled. Why the hell did he suddenly decide to come by after a full week of not bothering to check up on me?

He lives right next door and sure I could have done the same but I have a reason to be pissed at him, he can't say the same for me. "Where were you this week? Whenever I came over after school Drayton told me you were out or no one came to the door."

My eyes met his. So he did come over then? I'm guessing Drayton told him I wasn't in on purpose because he's still angry about what Landon told me in the hallway. That's Drayton for you, you piss him off, you reap the consequences.

And as for no one coming to the door, I'm sure it's because most days I've been hanging out at Jenna's house and then there was the entire ordeal with Parker. Aside from all that, I've been clocking in more time with Doctor Maxine.

Maybe I was busier than I recalled. "I was around," I responded, suddenly feeling guilty that I jumped to the conclusion that he never bothered to stop by without any actual evidence. He seemed unsatisfied with my answer but nodded his head without much of a comeback.

The kitchen fell into silence and I wondered if that's because of the obvious tension between us. He never did reply to my comment two weeks ago when I blurted out that I loved him so is that why he's so uneasy around me? Or is it because he fears I'll snap? I'm on my medication, the chances of me snapping are highly unlikely.

"Are you acting weird because of what I said two weeks ago?" I needed to ask it straightforward, no beating around the bush because he'll respond in the same format. He parted his lips then clamped it shut, a look of uncertainty falling over his face. Realizing that it would be difficult to get a simple yes or no out of him, I decided to ease his worries.