A/N Another update! Let me know what you think.
Groaning as I sat up in bed, a sore ache had formed in my lower back from the odd position I'd slept in. Glancing around, I noticed by the lack of extra warmth and body that the Soldier must have left back to his own room during the night. Cracking my joints, I tossed off the blanket and walked into the bathroom to get ready.
Thinking back to last night, I'm happy that we didn't part angry on angry terms; which happens more often than not. But I know that it was a serious situation and I should have listened. I should have told him when I'd left and where I was going. I know that we still aren't in the clear. I'm becoming too reckless and careless – too relaxed.
I stopped the movement of the toothbrush when I heard the distinct faint sizzling of food from down stairs, the smell is already wafting under my nose. Wincing at the sting of the toothpaste as it burnt my tongue, I quickly spat it out and gargled with water before heading down into the kitchen. Sniffing the air, I sat down at the island counter and watched as the Soldier cooked breakfast on the stove.
"Good morning" he greeted without having to look over his shoulder.
"Good morning" I replied as he started to plate strips of bacon and eggs. My mouth watered at the flavoursome site.
Leaning on the opposite side of the bench, we ate in relative silent before I spoke up "A girl named Cassidy, she'll be coming over today"
The Soldier looked at me "Is she a friend?"
"Yes, she's a friend" I finished the last bite of my meal before getting up. Placing my dish in the machine, I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and took a sip. I assumed this moment would be as good as any "Will you tell me?" I asked softy.
The Soldier knitted his brows together as he navigated around the kitchen "Tell you what?" he asked before leaning against the counter with his arms crossed and eyes pinned onto me.
"About what's inside of your room" I clarified. It's been bothering me.
"I told you already. You don't need to know about what's in there"
"Does it have anything to do with me?" I pried before he had the chance to walk away.
He gave me a stern look that told me to drop the subject, but I'm not going to "Yes" he answered simply as he walked toward the stove and grabbed the pans and dirty instruments he'd used to cook breakfast before putting them away in the dishwasher. I can tell the Soldiers going to do what he always does; buys himself to avoid the question.
"If that's true then I have a right to know" I argued. He heaved a sigh and placed down my water bottle "Please" I begged "Please tell what you're doing. I just want to know"
"No" he said with a tone of finality "It's not the right time. You're not ready, and I'm not sure you ever will be" bowing my head with a defeated look, it's clear that he isn't going to tell me anything I wanted to know "I'll be outside if you need me"
After a small peculiar knocked sounded on the front door, I'd opened it to be greeted by the flushed faced of Cassidy. Dressed in a blue printed top and jeans, she carried a black bag over her shoulder. I eyed her shuffling body up and down before asking "What's wrong?" I couldn't find anything obvious.
Opening and closing her mouth, the Cassidy couldn't form words so she pointed behind her "Does your dad always wash the car without a shirt on?" she asked with a pitched squeak. Her cheeks turned redder than before and I looked at her with a confused expression. What?
Peeking out the door, I turned my head to see the Soldier standing on the driveway with a green hose. Strands of hair clung to his face in a damp sort of way as he continued to spray water onto the soapy four-wheel drive. Either oblivious to our attention or ignoring us, he didn't bother to say anything.
From this distance, I could see wet patches on his jeans and his shirt lay discarded on the ground in a soaking pile of fabric. I could only assume there must have been some sort of incident with the hose "No" I eventually answered "He doesn't" turning my attention back to Cassidy, I stepped back and to the side "Please, come in"
She nodded her head furiously before stepping inside. I can tell that she's nervous "Ugh. Did you want to do anything in particular?" she asked before scratching the back of her neck; a clear sign of being uncomfortable.
"No I didn't. What would you like to do?" I didn't think this far ahead when I'd agreed to her proposal yesterday, and there isn't anything exciting in the house that I could think of.
"Do you have any games, or something fun?"
I shook my head. Games are for children. It's a complete waste of time. Feeling an awkward tension bubble in the air, a light sheen of sweat had formed on her forehead as she played with the strap on her bag "I'm sorry" she suddenly apologised "I'm new to all of this. No one's ever aloud me over to their house before. I don't really know what I'm supposed to do"
Listening as she rambled, the Soldier came through the front door and Cassidy's cheek flared to a blush as she caught site of the exposed torso of the man. I found the display both interesting and unintelligent. External appearance is nothing more than that, but that isn't to say I don't understand attraction. I suppose to me, nakedness isn't such a taboo subject as it is in the modern world.
Watching as the Soldier glanced at orange haired girl who now has her head bowed in embarrassment, he soon turned to walk up the stairs in silence. I heard a distinct sharp intake of breath as Cassidy must have seen the scars that marked his back amongst other things. After the Soldier had retreated from view, she spoke up in a curious whisper "What happened?"
"An accident in the army" I lied. Talking about war and violence usually makes a person seize with guilt and pity; Cassidy is no different as she nodded with a sad face.
Switching through one activity after another, it's been five hours and our fun had eventually faded into me helping Cassidy with the work she still has due for school, along with the upcoming Mathematics Exam. When I first met the shy girl, Cassidy had told me she struggled with management and learning. I thought in my mind it wasn't anything serious. However, knowing what I know now, I'm finding myself to be wrong in that assumption.
Cassidy had absolutely no idea what she's doing and I'm surprised how the education system allowed her to pass classes when she's this far behind. Sitting on the office chair in my room, Cassidy glared down at the formula I'd given her "I still don't understand" she whined. Pointing the flower print pen down onto the paper, she asked "Why can't we just do it this way?"
"In order to get the answer for B, you need to us A. If you skip this part" I pointed down at the piece of paper "Then your answer will be incorrect and so will the rest of your data. Mister Glyson explained this on Friday" I watched as she scanned over it again with a dumbfounded look "It's a simple formula to calculate. Follow the instructions I gave you and you'll do well on your exam on Monday"
I glanced up at the small clock sitting on my bedside table "Yeah, I'll just study – I guess" nodding her head in self-assurance, she muttered "Yeah, that's it. Everything will be okay. No worries" a silent moment passed when Cassidy leapt from her seat and hurriedly shoved her belongings back into her bag "I didn't realise the time! I have to go. My mum gets angry if I'm not home before dark"
Guiding her back downstairs, Cassidy shrugged on her bag and adjusted the straps "Have a good afternoon" I said while opening the front door. Turning to me, my eyes widened when Cassidy latched on for a tight hug.
"Thank you so much. This means a lot" she said before letting go of me. I nodded my head and Cassidy looked at me with a bright eyes "I forgot to mention earlier. There's a parent, teacher interview this Tuesday. They told us ages ago but you weren't here, but just ask the Principal and she'll tell you everything"
"I will" I replied with a smile. Giving me a wide one of her own, Cassidy ran a hand through her fuzzy orange locks before starting her journey down the road.
Shutting the door with a small thud, I stood in place with my hand still on the knob "How did everything go? You two spent a lot of time together" spoke the Soldier as he walked down the stairs with a new set of clothes on "She seems nice – different than what I'd expected"
I followed him into the kitchen "Different? How so?"
Shrugging his shoulders, the Soldier opened the fridge door and grabbed a plum "She looks familiar" he said while closing the metallic door and taking a bite of the fruit. I know what he means.
"A coincidence" I uttered "And it wasn't as if I had a choice. She hasn't left me alone since the day she introduced herself"
"I thought you said you were friends" stated the Soldier as he gave me a sly look.
I sighed "She seems to have determined that we are, so I suppose it must be true" turning around, I headed upstairs before he could get another word out. Getting redressed into excising clothes, I grabbed my running shoes and sat down on a kitchen chair "Apparently there's interviews on Tuesday. I'll talk to the principal tomorrow and find out what it is" slipping my sneakers on, I tied the laces "Will you go?"
"Don't worry about talking to her. I already know and yes, I'll be going. There mandatory" he said "Especially since you've only been there for a short time"
Looking the Soldier up and down as he stood in the kitchen, I tried to imagine him sitting in a chair a little too small for him while he discussed my education. I found the thought a little difficult to stomach. It all seems a little too fatherly, and it makes me uncomfortable. This isn't normal for someone like me and him.
Getting up from my seat, I nodded to the door "I'm going for a run"