25 - Breathing

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

* * *

"Breakfast is ready!"

I ignored the voice that muffled through my door as I turned my body to sleep on the cool untouched side of my bed, letting out a relaxed sigh I began to fall into a deep sleep.

"Avery! Get up! You still have school for one more day this week. You can sleep in tomorrow."

"Go Away, Isaac. I'm not going to school." I yelled out before thumping my head back into my pillow. I waited for a response but was greeted with blissful silence. Smiling to myself I let out another sigh of content as I wrapped my blanket tighter around me.

It didn't last too long because I felt the cold swish through me as my dooner cover was removed, exposing my legs to Melbourne's cold air.

"You're such an Asshole." I mumbled, annoyance evident in my tone.

"Get up." Isaac demanded.

"Why do you care if I go to school or not!"

"As if I wouldn't care about your education! You have three weeks until term 2 holidays. Besides, I made your favourite."

My head perked up at his last sentence, "No, you didn't."

"Baked beans on toast."

"Oh, hell yeah! You rock Zac."

He chuckled as he walked out of my room and back downstairs to the kitchen. Looking around my room I didn't have the energy to go to school, I just wanted one day to myself where I didn't have my friends, Jaxon, my brother, my Mum and Dad. I just wanted alone time, just for a day. Letting out a sigh I quickly got up and dressed for school, keeping it simple with skinny jeans, my yellow singlet and black sneaker wedges. After brushing my teeth I finally decided to join Alena and Isaac at the dining table for breakfast.

As much as I nagged about wanting alone time, I was finally at a stage in my life where I didn't have drama with my parents. It's been five days since the conversation with my dad, a conversation I wasn't expecting to have but was glad nonetheless. It was like this weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I felt free. Free from having to hold any kind of grudge on my dad and free from hate. Don't get me wrong, I have no intentions of seeing him everyday but it's made it so much easier to have that option with him. Our relationship was finally on the mend, it almost made it easier that Alena didn't remember anything of the past because I didn't have to put focus on fixing their relationship. As much as I hated Drew for this stupid bet, it was the best thing that happened to me.

"Earth to Avery! We're gonna be late if you don't hurry up!" Alena spoke up, snapping me from my thoughts. I wiped my hands with a hand towel just as I finished doing the dishes, it was only fair seeming Isaac made breakfast.

After grabbing my black bomber jacket and my backpack we made our way to the car. Turning the ignition on I set my car into reverse, only to be interrupted by my phone ringing. I looked at Alena in plea who quickly got the message. Rolling her eyes she answered my phone before placing it on speaker.

"Hey Drew. I got you on speaker."

"Yo. I gotta ask you a question." He responded almost instantly.

"Hi Drew!" Alena spoke up

"Hey, Alena! How are you baby sis."

Alena rolled her eyes before answering, "I'm not a baby."

"I know, I know. I'm sorry." He said as he chuckled through the phone.

"What's up?" I spoke up as I changed gears before driving off to school.

My eyebrows creased in confusion as he began to fumble his words.

"You know what, it doesn't even matter." He responded.

"Just tell me." I persisted.

"Nah. You drive to school safe. I'll call you later."

After saying our goodbyes it was at that point I realised the possibility that he didn't want to speak in front of Alena. What could he possibly want to ask me? What was it that he didn't feel comfortable talking about in front of Alena?

All the possibilities had my mind racing from when I left home, dropped Alena off and until I walked into class.

* * *

Truth be told, I probably could have skipped today, there was nothing remotely special about class. My classes were the same as per any other day, Brittany was still being a complete moron and Jaxon and I were still amicable to each other. We could finally hang on to a conversation that doesn't turn bitter, it was like it used to be. Which I'm glad for because it's no longer awkward between us, I don't have to stress about going to lunch and possibly making that awkward eye contact. It's like I know when he's in the room or when he's near. It's like electricity, pulls my eyes towards him. I can spot him immediately in a crowded room.

"We need to do something like paintball again! So much fun." Mason announced ecstatically before taking a sip of his drink.

"I did not enjoy it." Laura moped.

Mason raised his left eyebrow in confusion, "The first game or the second?"

"Both." Laura huffed out.

Nikki chuckled before throwing a french fry at Laura, "That's because you were the first one to get shot in both rounds."

"Thanks Captain Obvious." Laura mocked, causing all of us to chuckle at her.

After the first round of paintball which Mason was declared the winner, we decided to play another game where there were no teams, no bets; every man for themselves. The second round was much more satisfying for me, not only did I win the round but I got my revenge on Drew.

"At least you got shot by your loverrr." Michelle mocked as she budged Laura. I couldn't help but smile as I rolled my eyes.

"You're still crushing on Drew?! Why?!" Peter asked. I couldn't tell if it was shock that was evident in his tone, or annoyance?

"I'm not crushing on him!" Laura responded almost immediately as her eyes flickered towards me. I smirked at her the moment her cheeks went red.

"You so are." Mason said in between chuckles.

"I have connections if you want me to work my magic?" I asked as I smirked at her. I had to let out a laugh when she groaned and placed her forehead on the table.

Michelle leaned over and messed her fingers through Laura's hair, "We're just shit stirring you babes."

I let out a light giggle as I got up with my tray to throw it away. All this talk about Drew made me realise that we had an unfinished conversation lingering in the air.

"Where you going?" Nikki asked.

My head nudged towards Laura who was now looking at me, "To call her lover."

"Come on!" Laura whined as the table erupted in laughter at my comment.

Winking at Laura, I made my way towards the garden which had a few students in it so I went towards the end that was more secluded. As of late, it's become a weekly ritual for me. Every Friday I spend the first thirty minutes of lunch with the guys and the other thirty minutes in this garden for myself.

Letting out a relaxed sigh, I began to dial his number before waiting patiently as it rang.

"Yo." The only word he spoke as he answered his phone.

Rolling my eyes, I let out a chuckle before sighing, "One day you will say the infamous word of Hi, Hey or even Hello."

"Never!" He dramatically yelled out through the phone.

"What did you want to talk about before?" I asked

"Always one to burst the bubble."

"Careful, I'm still holding the pin." I said, chuckling when I heard him let out a laugh.

"I didn't realise Alena was in the car with you earlier. It's honestly not a big deal."

"Spit it out, Drew." I responded as I rolled my eyes.

"I wanted to see if you guys wanted to sleep over and have a movie night. I didn't want to speak in front of Alena in case you didn't want to, I didn't want to cause any problems." He burst the words out in one breath.

I couldn't help but smile at my brother and his thoughtfulness. It made me want to hug him until he couldn't breath. I let out a laugh but forced it down into a chuckle when he whined about me laughing at him.

"That's the cutest thing you have said to me."

He let out a chuckle before sighing, "Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to keep."

I groaned mockingly, "You sound like Isaac."

I smiled as he let out another laugh, "I'm working tonight but I'm sure Alena would love to sleep over."

"You're okay with that?" He asked.

"Of course. Next time though, count me in." I smiled as I said the words. The best part is that I genuinely meant them. It was a work-in progress but it was still progress nonetheless.

"I'll ask her and message you later."

"Done. Stay safe sis." Drew responded in his brotherly tone before hanging up.

"This seat taken?"

I turned and smiled at Jaxon before shaking my head. I watched as he sat directly across me before placing his hands on the bench that was positioned in between us. It felt good to be able to sit like this with him and not feel any form of resentment towards him. I felt comfortable and at ease with him because I know that everything he did, was to protect me. I knew he still cared for me, still had feelings for me. I could feel the electricity every time we were close to each other, it always made me want to get closer to him. I let out a content sigh as I smiled at him.

"So, I remember we promised no more secrets right?" He said.

I creased my eyebrows in confusion as I fought back the smile, "Yeah, something you need to add?" I asked.

He bit on his bottom lip before smiling at me, "Yellow, is not your colour."

I let out a laugh as I leaned forward to smack him playfully on his shoulder, "Shithead."

He chuckled as he raised his arms to playfully protect his face, "Sorry, just had to. But, you still look beautiful."

I blushed at his words, "Even with the horrid yellow?"

"Even with the horrid yellow." He said as he looked into my eyes.

"But in all seriousness. There is something I've been meaning to ask you." He said as he leaned forward.

I watched as he fiddled with his fingers, he swallowed before looking into my eyes, "Would you like to go out with me?"

"Like a date?"

He reached over to hold my hands, "Exactly like a date" he whispered.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I looked into his eyes, unsure of what to do. Half of me wanted to scream yes, the other half knew I couldn't without closing one more chapter in my life.

"I really want to-"

"But?"

"There's a few things I need to do. For me. Before I take this next step with you." I whispered the words out as I looked around.

He licked his lips before smiling sadly at me, "It's ok, I understand."

I let out a sigh as the school bell rang, "Let's go to class, shall we?"

* * *

"I'm so excited!" Alena squealed as she put her backpack in the car. I knew this is exactly how she would react when I asked her if she wanted to sleep over at Dad's house. She asked why I couldn't come along so I told her the same thing I told Drew, to keep my story up. After giving her a lecture about how to behave, I watched as she walked inside their house before my dad waved me goodbye. I unlocked my phone and dialled Isaac's number as I waved back.

"Boo-Bear." He spoke in a calm husky tone.

"I need a race."

He chuckled as he let out a sigh, "I'm on it. I just can't go with you."

My eyebrows creased in confusion, "How come?"

"If I ditch on Nikki and our date again, there's drama that I don't want to deal with."

Guilt hit me as realisation sunk in, "No. that's fine. I can totally go on my own."

Isaac let out a sigh, "I'll sort it out. Give me half an hour and I'll have this all figured out."

"Zac. Don't-"

Our call ended before I could tell him not to cancel on Nikki. It wasn't fair on her at all. I shook my head as I made my way home. Quickly having a shower before getting ready, with the constant thought of 'WWIMYW'

"Ok." I whispered to myself.

"What would Isaac make you wear?" I asked myself as I started to get dressed.

I jumped at the sound of my doorbell and was slightly confused about why and who was ringing it. Quickly zipping up my leather pants, I ran downstairs to open the door. Unsure of what to expect but was surprised as to who was standing there smiling sheepishly at me.

"Jaxon? What are you doing here?"

* * *

A/N: Who doesn't like an early update!

Next Chapter: BTS are helping set the scene for a good old school street race!

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net