6

Bri

The next morning I slept through my alarm and had to rush to be dressed, and ready to go before Cody arrived to pick me up. Which meant throwing on a pair of leggings, an oversized t-shirt, and some sandals. I threw my hair up in a messy bun and went downstairs in time to see my parents just as they walked out the door to head to work. My mom gave me a quick hug, "I left some money on the counter. We are both going to be late again." I hugged her back, "Ok." And they were out the door. I ran into the kitchen, grabbed the money she had left, and no more than tucked it into my book bag when I heard the honk from Cody's car. Grabbing my bag, I ran out the door making sure to lock it, before closing it, and ran across the yard, climbing into the car. "About time...what are you wearing?" I rolled my eyes which I knew he hated, but really he just pulled up. It wasn't like he had been waiting long and what I was wearing was just fine. His hand shot out and grabbed my chin. His fingers dug into my skin, forcing my head around to look at him. "Don't roll your eyes at me." I did my best to nod my head which granted him to release me ruffly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you wait. I overslept, so I had to dress quickly. I won't do it again."

I looked down into my lap as I spoke. He grunted as he pulled the car onto the road, "Better not." Silence fell between us as he drove. Soon we were parked in his usual spot close to the rest of the football players. His mood seemed to have changed by the time we got to school because he was all laughs and smiles as we got out of the car. We stood next to his car, him leaning on it with his arms around me while he talked with a few of the other players. I stood there and watched the other students as they parked their cars and headed inside or milled about talking with their friends. 

Just before the first bell rang, the new kid drove up on a motorcycle. Our eyes met briefly before Cody pulled me along to head inside. The day seemed to go by slowly, and by lunch, I was ready to go home and go back to sleep. Maybe I should tell Cody I was starting to come down with something and skip out on the party tomorrow? He wouldn't be happy about that, but I didn't feel right. But not wanting to push it for today, I made sure I was in the cafeteria at the start of lunch and was at the table the guys liked to sit at. I even had time to stop and get Cody his favorite candy bar from the vending machine in hopes it would keep him in a better mood. I nibbled on my fries as I waited and watched the others come in. The new kid sat over at the same table he had yesterday. And just like yesterday, he sat and stared at me. I stared back, and if I wasn't mistaken, his eyes looked slightly darker today. But that couldn't be, this wasn't a book, and he wasn't a vampire that sparkled in the sunlight. And besides, even if he was, I was team Jacob all the way. Werewolves were so much cooler, anyway. 

Cody arriving at the table, pulled me away from my thoughts as he plucked the candy bar off my tray with a smile. "This for me?" I nodded. He knew I was allergic to chocolate, so even if I wanted it, I couldn't have it. "Aww, thanks, babe." He kissed my cheek quickly before digging into the candy. Soon enough, the rest of the football team and most of the cheerleaders were there talking, laughing, and eating all while ignoring me. Which didn't bother me, I just sometimes wished Cody would be fine with me leaving halfway through, but he wanted me there with him for the whole hour. I gave up on trying to eat my fries.

All they were doing was making me feel worse. I sat back in my seat and looked around, catching the new guy still staring at me. His eyes definitely looked darker than they were yesterday, even more so than they were a few minutes ago. By the time lunch was over, I was for sure not feeling well. But my only ride home was Cody, and unless I was dropping dead, he didn't like to have to leave and miss any of his classes. He had to keep his attendants and grades up, or the school wouldn't let him play football. Taking my tray that had been filled with everyone's trash again today, I dumped it and headed to my next class. The second half of the day seemed to go even slower than the first half, and by the time school was over, I was ready to pass out. I made it out to the bleachers and lay down in the spot I usually sit. I didn't even bother working on my homework today, not that I had much, and nothing was due tomorrow anyway, so who cared? I listened to the football team practice while I dozed on the bleachers.

When I heard they were done, I set up and waited for Cody to come out and walked with him to his car. "What's wrong with you today?" I shook my head, "I don't know. I don't feel well." Anger flashed in his eyes, "You said you were going to the party tomorrow. You can't back out now, or you'll make me look like an idiot." Carefully I reached over and took his hand, "I need rest. I will be fine. I didn't say I wasn't going to go to the party tomorrow. I already told you I would go." He pulled my hand up and kissed it, "Good." He drove me home and parked on the street like he always did. "Go get some rest and feel better. And don't be late tomorrow. And wear something nicer." I nodded my head, "I will." He let me climb out of the car today without stopping me. And soon, I was inside in my room, changed into pajamas, and in bed sound asleep.