Chapter 4

I awoke in the morning to the distant ringing of my alarm clock. It read 7:10 and school started at 7:30. I ached so badly, I could barely move. Nonetheless, I picked my sorry ass out of bed and went to my dresser to get dressed. Every movement hurt, but I couldn't let that bring me down and I sure as hell couldn't call in sick. I pulled a clean Led Zeppelin shirt over my severely bruised back, and then pulled on a clean pair of jeans. I then unlocked my door and headed downstairs. My dad wasn't anywhere to be seen, thank God. Hopefully he still wouldn't be here when I came home from school.

I went to the refrigerator scattered with pictures from my childhood, my father, and my mother. God, she was so beautiful. But best not to linger on those thoughts. I pulled open the door and pulled out the milk and poured myself a glass. I fished through the cupboard to find my left over prescription vicodin from when I broke my nose. We all know who's fault that was, now don't we? I swallowed down the little white pill and thought, 'Ow, it even hurts to swallow.' I went into the living room to get my messenger bag and car keys. Another day of school, how wonderful. I went out the front door, and out to my car. I put the key into the ignition and started it up. What could be in store for me today?

I once again walked through the double glass doors smudged with fingerprints. Thank God those guys who torment me weren't sitting there. Good thing to get to school right before the bell rings. I took a sip of the coffee I picked up on my way here, and decided that today might be a decent day.

I sat through my first few classes, listening intently. I was getting better at controlling the thoughts of Sonny. I'm not sure how good I'd be able to do that after drawing class though, which in fact, was my next class. I had been eager for it all day. Though, I did keep my mind under control, thank you very much.

The bell for chemistry rang, and I once again gathered my things and raced out the door. This was the very first day in my life that I had been in a rush to get to a class. I wanted to see Sonny so badly that it hurt. More than my back did, honest.

I walked through the doors, took in the smell of the room and waved to Ms. Fisher. "Good afternoon, Ms. Fisher," I complimented. She welcomed me, and I took my seat across from Sonny. God, it felt so good to see him.

"I was wondering when you'd get here," he coyly stated. His eyes narrowed and he smiled. That beautiful, amazing smile that accentuated his nice cheek bones and brightened up his beautiful hybrid brown eyes. I could sit and stare at him all day, if it wouldn't creep the fuck out of him, of course.

"What is there something on my face?" he asked. I guess I must have been gawking over him.

"Oh. . . Uh. . . No, sorry. I was just. . . admiring," I laughed quietly and he smiled.

He then laughed and replied, "It's okay. I get that a lot. I know I'm funny looking." That made me laugh, but I quickly stopped not wanting him to think I thought that.

"Oh, trust me. You're not funny looking at all. You're perfect," I said. What the hell was I saying? I'm never this nice to people. Did I just call him perfect? My eyes widened and I inhaled sharply, gasping a little bit. That really hurt my back.

"What's wrong? You look like you're in pain," he said, concerned. I looked at him and briskly shook my head.

"No, it's nothing. I'm fine, really," I convinced. He looked at me for a few moments, and then smiled. He let it go, thank God. I didn't want to explain anything. Although, it really did look like he didn't believe me. Hell, I didn't even believe me. And of course it didn't help that my expression was rather disbelieving and unsure.

The rest of the class period we just conversed. Nice little small talk. We talked about his home and life back in Philadelphia. He talked about all the packed punk rock clubs that were scattered across the city. This place sounded like heaven. Definitely a whole lot better than Middleton. All the while, I admired the way his lips moved when he talked, and the way his eyebrows would raise when he talked about something he found really interesting. It was hard not to love him. I know I sure did. I felt so different when I was around him. The bell would be ringing in five minutes, and again I would have to wait a whole other day when I would see him again. But at that moment, my hopes flew high into the clouds.

"So I was wondering, if you'd like to come to my place after school. You can meet my mom and stay for dinner. I think you'd really like her. And I'd really like it if you came," he exclaimed.

Hope glimmered across my face instantly. He had me hooked. "I'd love to, Sonny," I replied. Oh how I'd fucking love to. Nobody's ever taken an interest in me, wanted to be around me, until this very moment. A huge grin silhouetted across my face. He smiled back, happy to please.

"How about you come over at 5:00?" he asked, hope playing along the lines of his face. Who could deny the look he was giving me? I sure as hell couldn't.

"I'll be there," I said and with that, he wrote down his address and asked if I knew where it was. Of course I knew where it was. It's Middleton for heaven's sake. We walked out the door, side by side, and then both said our goodbyes and see you laters and went our separate ways.

For the first time in years, I had hope. Now all I could wish for is that the hope didn't burn out or fade away. Somehow, I didn't think it would. And for that I was thankful. I walked down the hallway to my next class feeling exuberant and as fucking happy as I had felt in such a long time.

A frown quickly fell across my face as I turned the corner towards my classroom door. I was standing face to face with the enemy.