HEY GUYS!
I'm sorry its taken me literally months to update. I got a new job and moved to a new apartment so my life has been pretty cray and I've been settling in. But even through my absence, I was getting readers, followers, favorites, AND reviews! I couldn't believe it. I'm planning to update twice tonight so you guys can get a double dose. Thank you for being so patient! ON WITH THE STORY!
~Honey Boo Boo
Chapter 7
I died on the inside. What would happen to me now? I ruined it. Not even here a week and I've already lost everything.
That night was the longest night of my life. I had excused myself without a word, only to crawl sheepishly into my bed. I locked my door, not willing to face anyone. I sat there fingering my quilt, wringing it until my own sweat made the dye run in my hands.
What would Rye do? Would he tell his parents? Would he hold it against us?
I bit my lip. Maybe he wouldn't say anything at all...
The next morning brought no one to my door. I had woken up with the sun, despite my lack of sleep the night before.
They had a shower at Peeta's house. The water ran cold, as all District 12 water did, but it beat sitting in a basin and scrubbing myself with a rag. I let the cool water trickle down my spine and leave a trail of goosebumps.
By the time I was finished, everyone had gone to their respective obligations for the day. Peeta's school books were gone, and their shoes were no where in sight. I was safe, for now.
I went to the refrigerator, expecting to see a note with my list of chores on it. I plucked the yellow piece of paper from the appliance and leaned back against the counter.
"Come to bakery when you wake up- Rye"
So there it was. This was as good a warning as I could get. I looked around the kitchen, everything was still pretty neat from the day before. I went to my room, made my bed, and smoothed my hair. Should I even put on my white linen dress for this? Why not, it was better than what I had brought with me. I quickly plated my hair into a braid and tossed it over my shoulder. I would be approaching them with dignity, even if I shouldn't be.
The bakery's front door rang sweetly when I opened it, the little bell on the door handle swinging to and fro. It was such an ironically light-hearted sight that I almost laughed in the midst of my anxiety.
"Katniss! Come here." Rye sang from behind the counter. I approached slowly, my stance apprehensive.
"So you and...my little brother eh?" He smiled, cutting something with a knife. His grin reflected in the blade. I didn't respond, but I'm sure my face turned red.
My lips parted, I willed myself to try and explain but no sound could escape.
"Don't worry about it." He grinned.
I started, blinking a few times. I opened my mouth again.
"I said don't worry about it. But I will warn you..." My eyes widened, and I edged closer to the front counter. "Do NOT let the witch find out. She tolerates you now, but only because you're proving her money's worth. If she finds out about you and Peet, well, I'm not sure what she would do." I nodded swiftly.
"So how long have you two been fooling around like this?" My cheeks had almost burst into flames.
"N-not long. I really don't know how it-"
The back door slammed. I heard the shuffling of light boots and a long hem. The witch was there.
"Rye, why is Katniss' chore list in your bag back here?" She cracked.
"Ma, I completely forgot it this morning, but that's alright because Katniss came to the bakery to grab it from me, right?" He locked eyes with mine, his eyes brimming with warning.
I nodded quietly as Mrs. Mellark came to the front of the bakery. She waved the list in front of me, and I took it gingerly.
"Blasted boys. Head up in the clouds as usual Rye..." She snarled. She wouldn't dare hit him in front of me. "Back to work Everdeen." I could feel her eyes on me as I took my leave.
XXX
I still couldn't believe how our little "meeting" at the bakery went. Rye not only was okay with what he saw, but he wasn't planning on telling anyone. I smiled to myself, it felt good to have someone else on my side.
I walked home to the Mellark's house slowly, not yet ready to work. I had woken up almost too early, what was the point in rushing? I could hear birds chirping from a near by tree. The morning air smelled sweeter.
I must have spaced out while walking home, because I found myself walking towards the school building.
The front yard was filling up, the school bell hadn't rang yet. I saw a few teachers sitting on the front steps of the school building, their expressions listless and checked-out. There were less students this year, more probably left to get contracted. Even the younger classes were smaller. It made me reel a little bit, to think that students as young as Prim were dropping out to go to work.
I leaned against the school fence relishing in the sight. I really, really wanted Prim to get as far as she could in school. Maybe she could get an apprenticeship with a healer eventually...
"Peeta!" I heard some girl giggle.
Some girl. Giggling Peeta's name. That was certainly odd...
Was it the same Peeta?
I looked in the direction of the laughter. A young man, taller than me, but not too tall, with messy blonde hair, stood swinging a girl around in his arms. It was the same Peeta, and he was holding a girl I knew to be Delly Cartwright in an...embrace? I squinted to get a better view of the scene. Her face was flushed, and his smile was huge. Why was this happening? Would he kiss her too? My glare lingered.
And then the school bell rang.
I saw him put one hand on her shoulder, and take her school bag with the other. They walked to the building side by side.
What was that?
