Hello Stranger

Chapter 21

I woke up to an empty bed. Lizzie slept next to me last night in Daniel's bed, but now there was a pair of ripped jeans laid out with a pair of underwear folded neatly into the pocket. With towels beside it. It just screamed Lizzie. The apartment was quiet and I would've thought that no one was there if I wouldn't have heard a shower in the distance. I found myself in the kitchen with a note in front of me with a bottle of water and pills. 

For the hangover. Shirts in the top drawer. ~ D

 I have never been more thankful to know someone like Daniel right now. I took the pills and went back into the room. Of course, there was a bathroom attached to the bedroom. I went to the top drawer and grabbed out a random graphic tee and went into the bathroom with the clothes and towels to shower. It was Monday so I had school to get to.

After getting ready I came out of the bathroom and the house was silent. How the hell am I suppose to get to school? I mean, I guess I could get an Uber. I head into the living room toward the door.

"Oh, good. You're ready," Daniel said from the couch startling me.

"I thought you were gone," I say catching my breath.

"Nope. You need a ride," Daniel says with a shrug. With that, we headed down the elevator to his car outside.

Daniel was so casual about everything. It was as if he was used to doing these kinds f things, or he just expected them. "I'm sorry about last night," I blurt out ending the silence.

I saw Daniel's mouth twitch a little. "It's fine. I have no problem helping. But I do have a question."

"Hmm?" I say in response.

"You said you couldn't stay at home because Grayson broke your door. But why did he break your door?" Daniel asked.

I hesitated because I wasn't sure what I should tell him. "I guess everyone was freaking out cause I wasn't answering their calls or message and they were worried. I turned my phone on silent and went to bed so I didn't even know."

Daniel nodded, "Well, I said last night you guys can stay as long as you want. Did you need a place to crash?" 

"Yeah. That would be great, thank you," I say. I definitely appreciated Daniel immensely. He was kind to me and he was smart and obviously a hard worker. He was reserved too. Basically, everyone at school knows of him, but no one really knows him personally. He stays to himself.

Daniel parked the car inside the parking lot and turned to face me. "Okay, well after school we can stop at your place and you can get whatever you need."

"Thank you so much, Danny," I say. Then, I kissed him on the cheek and left. I knew Ellie was probably waiting on me to tell her what's going on, but honestly, I have no idea what's going on. I headed toward Ellie's locker like I usually do, but stopped when I saw Ellie with Mackenzie. She looked so happy. I walked away to give her privacy. I'd see her in our first hour anyway.

Instead, I went to Lizzie's locker. She stood there talking with E'Claine. It didn't seem as if they liked each other, but I also feel like I'd be interrupting. Before I could walk away, Lizzie had already motioned for me to come over. So, I did.

"You left early," I say casually.

"Yeah, I had to go home and get ready. I found some jeans that I figured would fit you but not any shirts," Lizzie said.

I shrug, "It's fine. He gave me one of his."

"This is E'Claine," Lizzie said motioning toward E'Claine who was looking at his phone. He put his phone in his pocket quickly.