Chapter 5
Lost
My alarm clock is what woke me up the next morning. I forced myself to roll out of bed, knowing that I've lost all of the friends I had. Well, in all honesty they are the ones that lost me. I didn't think I wanted to be friends with people like then, or guys that tried…
I pushed the thought away from my head. I stood to look at my mirror. I needed some serious work, I had tossed and turned all night last night and I was looking terribly tired. I dressed quickly and had absolutely no idea what to do with my hair. I didn't feel like taking the time to straighten it and the curls were way too unruly for me to leave alone. So in the end I decided to throw it up in a messy looking bun. I put on one of those elastic headbands and left my bangs in a bump.
As for makeup, well I hardly bothered, a little liner and shadow was all I felt like doing. I felt decent enough so I went downstairs to grab some breakfast. Helen sat at the kitchen table, texting like a hopeless teenager. She didn't look up at me as I entered the room. I poured myself a bowl of cereal and sat down across from her. My parents came down the stairs and into the room a few moments after.
"Does anyone need a ride to school today?" my father asked.
"No, I'm good. Lilly's mom is giving me a ride again." Helen answered, still looking at her phone.
"What about you Andrea?"
"Oh, no, I'm getting a ride with a friend." I answered, taking a bite of cereal.
"Not one of your party friends I hope." My mother answered, pouring herself a glass of orange juice.
"No, it isn't."
"Who then?"
"Blaize,"
"Oh, alright."
They didn't seem the slightest bit phased by the fact, I was glad. I finished my cereal slowly, seeing as I still had half an hour before Blaize would show up to come get me. My parents and Helen left. I was left in the house alone, something that felt oddly relieving. I went back upstairs to brush my teeth. I took my time with that detail.
Afterward I went back downstairs, sitting at the kitchen table. I didn't want to think about how school would be today. The awkward level would be through the roof and the stairs would be even more piercing. I heard the engine of a car cut and some footsteps coming up my steps. Then there was a quiet tap on the door. I sighed in relief and went to get the door.
Blaize stood there, holding an umbrella. "I figured we'd need this." He smiled.
"Good thinking." I laughed.
He stepped aside so I could get out of the house. I shut the door behind me, slinging my bag over my right shoulder. He walked closely behind me, keeping the umbrella over my head. He wasn't shielding himself at all from the rain. What a gentlemen. I smiled to myself as he opened the door for me and then proceeded to his side. He got in and started the car, then backed it out of the driveway quickly.
"So, how did you sleep?" he asked.
"Not the greatest." I admitted.
He laughed a little. "You're nervous, aren't you?"
I sighed. "A little."
"Don't be, I'll make sure no one bothers you." He smiled a reassuring smile.
I couldn't help but smile back. I looked back out at the window. The silence was beginning to feel awkward, but in a good way. He pulled into the school parking lot, only this time he parked in the front row.
"I don't want you to walk through the rain, even if you have an umbrella." He smiled.
"You don't have to do that, I'm perfectly fine walking in the rain!" I laughed.
He shrugged. "Oh well, I guess."
He got out and helped me out of the car. He linked arms with me and escorted me into the school, holding the umbrella over us. I have never felt as safe in my life as we walked into that school. My predictions were correct, the stares were worse than ever. Everyone's head snapped to me and Blaize, curious eyes searching my entire body. I took a deep breath, willing myself not to run out that door.
"Relax, it's okay." Blaize whispered in my ear.
The feeling of his breath on me sent shivers down my spine. Goosebumps rose on my arms, I prayed he wouldn't notice. He led me to our lockers, Anneliese wasn't there. Yet. I opened my locker and put the few books I had inside. We still had fifteen minutes until class started. It gave me more time to be alone with him. He quietly put his books in his locker. When he was finished, he turned to me. His eyes looked behind me and his posture immediately stiffened. I turned to see what he saw, but turned back around as soon as I saw it.
Anneliese was coming down the hall, her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail and her face was tired. She had dark circles around her eyes. I had no doubt in my mind that she'd spent all day yesterday in the bathroom throwing up. I kept my eyes on Blaize's, I didn't want to talk to her, but I knew at some point I'd have to.
"Andrea, can I talk to you?" she whispered.
I looked at Blaize and he nodded slightly. He stepped away, walking down the hall to give us privacy. I sighed and turned back around to talk to her.
"Look, Andrea, I'm really sorry." She whispered.
"Why are you whispering?"
"Headache." She grimaced.
"That's what you get for getting totally wasted." I rolled my eyes.
"I know, I know, but can I at least explain?"
"What's there to explain?"
"Look, Andrea, I'm really sorry that I didn't give you a ride home when you asked. It was wrong and I should have told you there would have been alcohol there."
"So you knew?"
She sighed. "I did, I just thought it would be fun. You know, have a few drinks, and kiss some guys. I thought it'd be all innocent."
"Doesn't change about how I felt about the whole situation."
"I said I'm sorry!" she shouted, then winced as she touched her fingers to her head. "Besides, nothing happened, you know, until the cops came…"
"Oh really? Nothing happened? Did you talk to Kyle at all yesterday?"
She looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about what he tried to….He tried to…"
"Wait, he…" her eyes widened and then squinted again.
"No, he I ran out of the room before he could force me…" I took a deep breath. "To."
"Well, I mean it's not his fault."
I stared at her in disbelief. "What do you mean it's not his fault?"
"Well he was drunk, he wasn't thinking right."
I rolled my eyes.
"What do you want from me? I said I was sorry." She was getting annoyed.
"I thought you were my friend."
"I am."
"Oh, that's right. That's why you left me to fend for myself at a drinking party, that's why your nose is always in my business, that's why when I asked you, nicely I might add, to take me home, you refused. You said, 'no have fun."
"I said I was sorry!" she half screamed, wincing again.
"You know Anneliese, some things you can't just forget with a sorry." I snapped.
I slammed my locker door with emphasis, making sure it was loud enough to hurt someone with a hangover. She covered her ears and leaned against her locker. Blaize was at my side in a matter of seconds, his hand on the small of my back. He guided me through the hallway.
"I'm sorry, that was probably harder than it should have been." He whispered.
"It's okay, it had to be done." I shrugged.
He nodded and continued to my first hour. I knew unfortunately I couldn't avoid Anneliese then, I had a seat next to her. When we got up to the class, he looked worried.
"Are you sure you don't want me to run downstairs and switch my schedule?" he asked.
"I think it may be a little late for that, but no, thank you. I think I can handle myself." I smiled.
"Okay, well, if you get any trouble from anyone…send them to me." He smiled slyly.
I smiled back as he walked away. I turned to go into class. Anneliese had obviously taken the faster route to the class, for she was already in her seat. Her eyes were full of anger and apology at once. I didn't care though, I just took my seat. I sat at the farthest end of the table possible. I wish I'd left my hair down so that I could put a blond curtain between us. She stared at me, waiting for me to talk.
Kyle walked in a few moments after, his eyes snapped to mine. I looked away as soon as they met. He sat down and the class began. I paid attention today, very closely in fact. I didn't think about the eyes burning on me, I ignored all of it. I glanced at the clock, maybe more than I need to. It seemed as though the digital numbers were changing slower and slower with each glance. I tapped my pencil on my book meticulously.
The bell relieved me from my own personal hell. I got up as fast as I could, hoping, knowing it's impossible, that he would be there.
I guess though, that it's impossible for me to not be surprised when it comes to Blaize. There he was, flashing a brilliant smile at me. "How was it?"
"Hell, but what else could I expect?"
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault."
"Well, it sort of is. I shouldn't have made such a scene that night, breaking Kyle's wrist and all. It's just…"
"What?"
"Nothing, it's nothing."
We got to our lockers now; I grabbed my book and turned to him. We started walking to my next class. I felt like I was having a bodyguard…but I liked it. I was beginning to think the stares weren't ending soon, so I decided I should just embrace it. I ignored them and walked like I was supposed to be with him, not like I wasn't.
When we got to the door he smiled at me. "I'll see you after class." He walked away.
I walked into the class, feeling more eyes on me. Kyle wasn't in the room, thankfully. I took my usual seat, waiting for him to come in. I hoped that he had gone home sick or something. I was unlucky though, he walked in a few moments later. He took his seat next to me and massaged his temples, then turned to me.
"Look, Andrea, I'm so sorry." He whispered
I turned to him; he was wearing a cast on his wrist. "For what?"
"For…well…you know…"
I didn't say anything.
"I was drunk—"
"Oh save it, if that's going to be your excuse, I don't want to hear it." I rolled my eyes and turned forward.
"No, listen!" he winced at the headache.
"To what? To you telling me that you were drunk and that's why you tried to—"for some reason the words were hard to say.
"I know, I was stupid. I really don't know what I was thinking. I'm sorry." His eyes were sincere, but I didn't buy it.
I shrugged.
"Please, Anneliese….I…"
"You what?"
"I really like you, and I guess it was just…fantasies—"
"Okay, stop right there."
"What?"
"I don't think of you like that…but it doesn't excuse your pigheaded behavior."
"I hope you'll forgive me."
"Don't hold your breath." I turned back around.
The teacher came in to save me. This class was just the same as last hour. I felt the eyes of Kyle on my side all hour. I really wished now that I had left my hair down, I guess that's what I get for being lazy. I read the chapter that we were discussing, pay attention to every single word she said.
When the bell finally ended, I picked up my book and started to walk out of the room. Blaize was there, of course. He was waiting for me, smiling again. His expression changed though when Kyle walked out. He looked at Kyle's arm and then back at his face. Kyle looked overly tired and extremely sick. Blaize snickered a little when Kyle flinched at his look. He put his hand on the small of my back, intending that I was with him and not Kyle. I liked that thought more than I should.
We walked to my locker; he waited as I opened mine and then smiled when I was finished. "You're in an awfully good mood today." I observed.
He shrugged. "I guess I am."
"If you don't want to walk me to this class, I wouldn't mind." I said quickly. I didn't want him to think I was so helpless I needed a body guard.
"I'll walk with you as long as you need me."
"I know, but I'm not very exciting. I think you're bored."
"It'd be impossible to find someone less bored than me." He smiled as we walked down the hall.
Abby and Anneliese were walking sluggishly to their lockers. I guess I haven't stopped to notice the other students and how they looked. They all walked with pale faces and dark circles under their eyes. They pinched the bridges of their noses because of their hangover headaches. I smiled, knowing I definitely made the right choice not to drink. I was feeling extremely proud of myself at that point.
"What's funny?" he asked.
"Nothing, just glad I decided not to drink." I answered, looking up at his eyes.
I had never noticed, before they seemed blue with golden shinning through. Now, however, they were full-blown golden. They had dark rim around the edges and inside was a liquid topaz color. It absolutely exquisite, I couldn't help but stare into them.
"What?" he asked.
"Your eyes….it's just that…well…"
"They changed color?"
I nodded.
"I got contacts."
"Oh, it's a pretty color."
He laughed at that. "Thank you."
We were at my biology class now. "I'll see you at lunch? I don't mind if you sit with your friends, but if you'd rather not, I'd be happy to sit with you."
"Okay, well, I'll see you after class." I smiled.
"Alright." He smiled back.
I went into my class now. All of the seats were filled, mostly with kids who were massaging their temples. Of course my class room is filled with hung-over students. I knew there were a lot of people there, but I didn't think there were that many. I guess I didn't look at my surroundings very much. Abby and Anneliese walked into the room. I scooted to the farthest end of the table as possible.
Abby took her seat next to me, she looked apologetic. "Andrea?"
"What?" I asked loudly.
She squinted. "I'm so sorry about the other night."
"Why are you sorry? You looked like you were having a good time." I rolled my eyes.
"I know Anneliese probably said sorry for the both of us, but I really am sorry. I know that you wanted to go home, but it wasn't my car. I couldn't have taken you home."
"You guys could have just told me that there was going to be alcohol at the bonfire, I would never have gone."
"Okay, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
"Oh well I guess."
"So you forgive me?"
"I didn't say that."
The class started a few minutes later. The class was the same as the last two hours. Boring and nothing special. I paid attention again, not wanting to look at either of the girls.
The bell rang, thankfully. It felt like it would never end but I was glad when it did. I ran out of the room, finding Blaize leaning against the door. He had another grin on his face.
"Are you going to have lunch with me?" he asked.
"Absolutely."
"Great," he smiled.
We went back to our lockers and put away our books. He led me to the cafeteria. When we got there he showed me where we would sit.
"Here, you stay here. I'll go get you some lunch." He suggested as he pulled out my chair for me.
"Okay."
"Oh, my siblings will be joining us eventually. I guarantee that I will be back before they come though. I'll be here to introduce you."
"Alright."
He left to go get our food. I sat there awkwardly, not knowing what to do. Across the room was the table I usually sat at. Everyone there stared at me, not in an apologetic way though, but with hate. I could tell they thought I betrayed them, but in all truth, they've betrayed me. I looked back to the table. Blaize was returning with a tray full of food. My eyes practically popped out of my head.
"That's for you too, right?"
"Of course." He smiled.
I took a bite of the sandwich that was at the end of the tray. I noticed a girl coming into the cafeteria, her eyes scanning for someone. Her eyes flitted to us and she smiled. She pranced over to our table, her teeth glistening. She was an absolutely gorgeous girl. She had long blond hair with black lowlights.
"Hello Blaize!" she greeted, her tone enthusiastic.
"Hello, Ellyn." He smiled.
She took a seat next to Blaize, looking at me. "Who may this be?" she asked.
"My apologies. This is Andrea Genea', she's the new student this year." He answered, gesturing to me. "Andrea, this is my sister Ellyn."
"Hi, Andrea!" she reached out for me to shake her hand.
"A-hem." Blaize cleared his throat and Ellyn dropped her hand immediately.
"Well, it's nice to finally meet you, Andrea. Blaize has told me so much about you."
"He has?"
"Oh, absolutely, you're all he ever talks—"
"Ellyn, is this really necessary?"
She had a sly little smile on her face. "Sorry, shutting up now."
I giggled. "You know, Blaize, you better start eating, there's no way I'll finish all this."
"I guess I'm not terribly hungry." He shrugged.
I eyed him up curiously, and then looked at his beautiful adopted sister. She had the exact same golden eyes that he had, and her nose was perfectly sculpted, just as his is. If I hadn't been told any better, I would've sworn they were siblings.
"So, Andrea, Blaize tells me you are an artist?" Ellyn asked.
"Well, I don't know—"
"Don't be modest." He looked back at Ellyn. "She's a wonderful artist."
I blushed.
"It's nothing to lie about!" he laughed. "You have amazing talent, you should show it off."
We all laughed together, and I could feel a friendship becoming between Ellyn and I.
The rest of the day was the same, stares, glares, and the occasional snicker. If any of this had to do with my spending time with Blaize, well then, bring on the snickers.
When the final bell rang, I left the room slowly this time. Only because I was with Blaize, though. I didn't mind walking through the halls with him; he made me feel like myself. We talked and chatted on the way back to our lockers. When we got there I put away my books. I had no homework today and I didn't feel the need to bring home a bag. He led me out of the school and into the parking lot. It wasn't exactly sunny, but it was nicer out than before; warmer.
He opened my car door for me and helped me in. Then he proceeded to his side of the car and got in. He started it up and backed out of the parking lot.
"Your siblings never joined us." I observed.
"They must have gone out to lunch today." He shrugged.
I nodded and looked out the window. It, of course, started to rain again. We must be going through a rainy season at the moment.
"I never asked you, what happened with your parents Sunday?" he asked.
"Uh, well, they thought…" I paused for a moment. "They thought that I was hung-over…"
He sighed. "I'm sorry; I should have called them and told them the story about the night before."
"No, it's not your fault. I explained to them what happened and they were proud of me."
"Well good. They should have been." He smiled. "Not many teenagers would pass up free alcohol."
I shrugged. "I don't know, I guess I've never really been interested in the whole…drinking and partying concept. I mean don't get me wrong, I love to have fun it's just that..."
"You just love having legal fun." He laughed.
"Exactly," I laughed.
We listened to music until we got to my house. He got out with the umbrella and walked me to the door.
"Thanks for the ride." I smiled.
"My pleasure, would you like one tomorrow as well?" he asked. His voice was hopeful, not complaining.
"Sure,"
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow."
I desperately wanted to reach up and kiss him, but I refrained. "So, my parents want to meet you sometime."
"Well how about right now?"
"Uh, I'm not so sure that's a good idea…with the whole party thing Saturday. They're still skeptical and I don't want to send them over the edge."
"Right, well I would like to meet them as well. We'll have to make a point of doing so." He smiled.
"Will do,"
"Okay, I'll pick you up at the same time tomorrow."
"Thank you."
He looked at the door and chuckled lightly, and then he smiled and ducked off the porch and walked over to his car. I opened my door.
"Ow!" I heard and then someone fell to the ground.
When I opened my door completely, Helen was lying on the ground. She was rubbing her left ear, her hand bleeding from the shattered glass on the floor. "You were spying on me you little rat, weren't you?" I shouted.
"No!" she shouted back.
"Liar, why were you pressed up against the door then?"
"Okay, yes I was spying."
"What's the glass for?" I asked.
"I googled it. I found out that if you press a glass up against the door or wall, it will help you hear what's going on the other side." She shrugged.
I sighed and went to get a broom. "Helen, this was mom's good crystal." I complained.
"Well it's not my fault you opened the door so quickly." She snapped.
"It's not my fault that you were spying!"
I swept up the shards of glass and dumped it into the trash can. She washed her hand under ice-cold water. I went upstairs and grabbed a band-aid. I wrapped it around her middle finger to stop the bleeding. She chuckled.
"What?" I asked.
"When people ask which finger I cut I can just do this!" she held up her middle finger.
"Put that down, that's rude." I snapped, pushing her hand away.
I walked over to the couch and sat down to watch TV. She went over to the chair across the room, staring at me.
"What do you want, twerp?" I asked.
"Nothing I guess, I suppose I heard most of it."
"Good, cause I'm not telling you anything." I snapped off the TV and headed toward the stairs.
"Well can you at least give me the remote?" she yelled.
I flicked the wall with my middle finger. "Ouch!" I called.
"What?" she asked.
I walked back around the corner and held my middle finger up. "I hurt my finger."
"Oh, how original, Andrea!" she said, sarcasm coloring her voice.
"Right?" I called back.
I went up the stairs and into my room, locking the door behind me.
The rest of my night was uneventful. I of course had to explain to mom why her crystal was missing, but took the blame for Helen. She would owe me big and when she's came up to my room a few hours later, I told her that she wasn't allowed to ask any more questions about Blaize or my personal life with him.
She agreed and we shook on it.
"So do you—"
"I said no more questions, Helen." I moaned, burying my face in my pillow.
"One more, I promise."
"Fine…" I moaned.
"Do you…like him?" she asked.
I looked up.
"Well do you?"
I nodded slowly.
"Does he know that?"
"I hope not, I don't think he likes me back."
"Well, I think you should tell him."
I shrugged and sat up. "He wants to meet mom and dad soon."
I looked over at the clock; it was already nine-thirty. "You need to go to bed."
She rolled her eyes and got up. "Good night, sis. Love you."
"Love you too." I put on some pajamas and crawled into bed.