Falling Apart (GANG Series)

Chapter 10

Aria's POV

      The sun is setting as I walk outside the building. Freshly changed into my clothes from this morning. Since class started late, Nate and I ended up staying later. Along with Gina and some seniors.

"Aria, we're gonna go grab some breakfast for dinner, wanna come?" Gina catches up to me. We're by the grass staircase.

"No, thank you. I'm really tired. Maybe another time."

"Okay." She smiles. "Hey, are you okay? You seemed off in Music class. I usually look at your clapping when I lose the rhythm."

I lightly laugh. Fortunately Music is my only academic class. Sometimes I find it a little annoying to go to change, go to modern, change, go to Music, change, go to rehearsals. But I'm use to it now. It's just annoying with the cold now.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Break up. First birthday and holiday away from home and family, you know?" I try to be discreet and open at the same time.

"Oh, when's your birthday?" She asks.

"December seventeenth."

"You doing anything?"

"Oh, I don't think I will."

She frowns at my words.

"I'll see you tomorrow." I dismiss myself so she doesn't feel the need to try and comfort me. She just pitifully smiles and walks in the opposite direction. I walk off campus and down the streets of New York to my car.

I almost drop my bag when I walk through the front door. What the hell is he doing here? He tries to speak to me and walk towards me but I just speed past him right into my cousins room.

"Are you insane?" I ask him. He looks up from the episode of gossip girl playing on his television.

"I'm good, thank you for asking. My day was wonderful. Hope yours was too." Amusement clear in his eyes.

"Sebastian, what were you thinking letting a stranger into the house?"

"He's not a stranger. His names Jake and he says he's your friend. That he's worried about you and wanted to check up on you."

"Just because he says he is doesn't mean he is. At least not anymore. And I'm guessing he didn't tell you the part where he's in the same gang as Jacob."

"No, he didn't tell me that actually. I'm sorry, okay. But when someone looks that good, your mind tends to wander." He weakly argues.

"Who are you letting in next, the mafia?" I tease him.

"Hilarious. Now if you don't mind. I'm busy. Just tell you gangster friend to keep the gunshot noises to a minimum."

I just laugh and shake my head. Great. I actually have to go face him. I waltz back out into living room.

"What are you doing here?"

"Shopping." He sarcastically says. "Look, you wouldn't answer your phone. I was worried. No one had heard from."

"Oh, so you're gonna give me the same bullshit story you gave my cousin."

"Where's the bullshit? I mean it. I was worried. I'm happy that you're living here again."

"You do realize if my aunt ever saw you here she would call the cops, right?" I cross my arms.

"Good thing she's not here. I just came to make sure you're alright." He tells me again.

"I'm alright. You can go now."

"I know you probably hate me but can I explain myself. You gave Aaron another chance. Aaron. The best friend of that asshole." He points out.