Our Way Home

Chapter 7

What is this situation?
His face is turning beet red while he takes back his hands that are under my head and on my wrist. I hear whispers from people that are staring at us.
"Ahhh! I'm so sorry! Are you ok?!" He stutters and helps me sit up.

"You broke my fall so more or less."

He notices my injured ankle and immediately bends down to observe it.
"It looks a bit swollen I think it might be sprained."
He slowly rolls it but stops once I let out a gasp.

"Ngh! That really hurts."

"I'll help you up then I'm gonna get you some ice okay?"

"Oh okay-!" He swiftly picks me up bridal style and sets me down on a stool. After bringing some ice he gently sets it on the swollen part of my ankle.

"I'm really sorry by the way. I'm the reason you fell right?"

"No, it's not your fault. I'm just really clumsy sometimes."

"Yeah."

There's an awkward silence. He looks very concerned but I don't want him to blame himself for something like this. I need to break the tension.

"Hey! I'm really glad you invited me today. I had more fun than I expected." He gives me a soft smile.

"Even the part where I almost made you a human pancake?" I laugh.

"Even that part." I didn't notice that we were staring at each other's faces. His forest green eyes are reaching into my soul. It feels like I could be completely fine getting lost in them.

Impulsively I back away. "Sorry, that was rude of me."

"You're okay." He looks at me with that sweet smile of his. My chest feels like it's burning. I want to see it even more now.

"Um thank you...for today."

"Course, I liked the company." What am I even doing right now?

"D-do you wanna go to the-"

"MILEY HAYES!" I freeze and we both turn to see Zoey storming her way over to us

"ZOEY?!"

"WHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME YOU WERE ON A DATE WITH A GUY?!" I slap my face while Tyler tenses up. I can already tell he's uncomfortable.

"He's not my date. We're just friends."

"Uh huh "just friends."

"Alright, we're done here. Thanks again Tyler!" I grab her arm and drag her out while limping on one leg.

"I'll text you later!" I hear him shout as I walk through the door. I smile to myself.

The next morning I got a note in my locker that said,
"I would stay away from Tyler if I were you sweetheart. He's nothing but a backstabbing psychopath."

Whoever wrote it must really hate me hanging out with him. Guess I have no choice but to ignore it. I toss it in the trash. Bella bangs her hands on the lockers making a beat.

"So what happened yesterday? I need details!" She says eagerly.

"We went roller skating and he fell on top of me." She gives me a smug look.

"Ooo kinky."

"STOP. It's nothing like that. We're just trying to tie up loose ends."

"Pfft okay." She says sarcastically. "By the way, are you going to the fall festival this year? You should shoot your shot and ask him to go with you." I cover her mouth.

"Not so loud! He could hear you!" She grabs my hand.

"Yes cause he's probably lurking in the corner like a stalker." I roll my eyes.

"I am going if you must know and I was thinking about it but now I'm not asking him."

"WHY?! He's obviously interested in you. Why would he suddenly wanna become friends with you after everything that happened?"

"NO HE IS NOT! Because the only reason that is is that he doesn't want my memory of him to be seen as negative. It was obvious when I talked to him."

"But you don't know that for sure do you?" I mumble. "Sorry, what was that?"

"Ugh no!"

"EXACTLY EXACTLY! So go be a woman and ask him already."

*****

During class, while I take my notes I feel a slight tap on my shoulder. I turn my head and see Tyler sitting behind me with crossed arms.

"What's up homie?" He whispers.

"Woah did you always sit there in Math?" He shakes his head.

"No, it's a recent thing. Apparently, two classmates here were causing trouble and the teacher split them apart. So here I am! I used to sit in the back by the way."

"Oh ok, I see. It's strange I never saw you here before."

"Miss Hayes! Is there something you would like to add to the lesson?" Mrs. Jenkins said. I jolt my head forward.

"No ma'am I'm sorry. You may continue."

"As I was saying...."

I hear him whisper in my ear. "Sorry bout that."

I smile at him. "You're fine."

After class is over Mrs. Jenkins calls me to the front. I already know what she's gonna say.

"I'm so sorry for interrupting the lesson Mrs. Jenkins. It won't happen again."

"Miley that's not the issue."

"I'm sorry?"

"Your recent grades in this class are disappointing and I know it's not an easy subject to pass. I'd hate to alert your parents about this. But I think it's time that you work with a tutor. I have a recommendation for who would best suit you. He's one of the top ranks in my class. You understand I'm doing what's best for you right?"

I nod. "I understand."

"Thank you. I'll let him know and you can let me know what days work for you. You may leave."
I let out a breath.
Just great.