Broken Promises

Chapter 4

To say I felt exhausted would be a major understatement. Luke had stayed with me for pretty much the whole day up until a few minutes ago and although I was really grateful for that, I knew it couldn’t go like that forever. Some people had tried to talk to me but I just blocked them off, every time. It was as if seeing what my life used to be like was too much, like it hurt to the see the happiness on their faces that once was also on mine. It’s pitiful to think that way, isn’t it? Getting back to reality just felt like this huge slap in the face.

“Catherine?” I heard my name being called just as I made my way through the parking lot and pushed my feet to move quicker. I remember the owner of that voice, it was the guy that had made this day even more uncomfortable than it already was. He had a little longer, darker hair where I had seen him run a hand through multiple times and he looked pretty fit. What had me always instantly looking down though were those piercing baby blue eyes.

He had been staring all day and in first period even came over and I instantly knew he was the type I needed to stay away from. Not easy when they don’t stay away from you…

“Hey Catherine, hold up”, he finally managed to catch up and went to stand in front of me, blocking my way.

That was the other thing about him. He didn’t just make me uncomfortable but nervous as well. I couldn’t deny that he was a handsome guy, that was even a light way of putting it, but this guy was really pushing me. I really didn’t need this kind of drama in my life right now.

He chuckled and that made me snap out of my little trance. What can I say, I guess I’m a little too used to just talking to myself.

“You free right now? I can show you around of you want to”, he spoke confidently and I couldn’t help but look everywhere except for his eyes, although I could very clearly feel them staring into mine.

“I can’t today”, I spoke almost in a whisper. I don’t have any plans today but there’s not a chance I’m going anywhere else but home right now. I was ready to go passed him but his hand reaching up to my cheek made my eyes go wide, freezing me in my spot. What is he doing?

He gently raised my face, not leaving another option but to look at him, and I wanted the ground to swallow me whole as I met with his intimidating blue eyes.

“How about tomorrow?” he spoke again, his voice low but his eyes that suddenly darted to my lips made all the alarms in my head go off. Panic slowly started flooding me and my heart started thumping like crazy.

Pushing his shoulders softly, I put some distance in between us and could almost cry out of happiness as I spotted my grandfathers car. He gave me a confused look and that just told me he wasn’t used to people telling him no. I really didn’t mind being the first though…

“I can’t tomorrow”, I muttered rapidly and cast my eyes down again as I quickly went passed him.

“You failed again”, I heard laughter behind me before I heard Jake again “Nope, just gotta change my tactics”

This is all just fun and games for them isn’t it?

Speed walking to the car, I quickly got in and let out a big breath. Why did that have to happen? As if this day on itself didn’t already suck enough…

“Everything alright honey?” my grandfather asked and I just quickly gave a nod, my eyes closing as I felt the car starting.

I’m not stupid. I went to high school before everything happened and I still now what a player looks like. I just need to get him to stay away from me. Probably won’t be that hard, he’ll probably get bored after a few days.

“We’re here Catherine”, my grandfathers voice made me open my eyes again but they quickly darted to the familiar car parked on the driveway. My lips slightly parted as I turned to my grandfather with wide eyes.

“Is he back?” the nod was all I needed the bolt out of the car and into the house.

I swiftly ran into the living room and an actual smile came to my face as a familiar pair of brown eyes came up to meet mine.

“Uncle Benjamin”, I squealed loudly and he carefully put my little sister down from his lap before standing up from his seat. Daisy happily skipped to the kitchen just as uncle Benjamin came my way to engulf me in a big hug “Hey Cathy, how was school?”

I closed my eyes tightly as I felt absolutely safe and exhaled loudly before answering “Horrible but I survived” I couldn’t lie to this man, not even if I wanted to.

“Either way, I’m proud of you kiddo”, I felt him press a kiss on top of my head before he softly caressed my hair.

“Uncle Benjamin?” my little sister’s voice made me open my eyes again and turn my head her way.

“Yes little one?” my uncle responded, his voice soft as he brightly smiled at Daisy.

“Dinner’s ready”, she told him with the biggest smile and I shortly had one of my own. We both really loved uncle Benjamin. I had always been close with him but ever since well, you know, he had kind of taken over the father roll. Not that anyone could ever replace my dad but he was there for my when well, when my real dad couldn’t be.

“We’ll be right there”, she gave my uncle a nod before his eyes came back to mine.

“Things will get better, I promi-“, he stopped himself, a sad smile coming to his face. He knew how much I hated people making promises, definitely if it were promises they couldn’t keep. It was like promises that actually were important to me, were just always meant to be broken…

“Let’s go have dinner”, he held out his hand for me and I gladly took it, trying to relax my mind for a little bit. I knew tomorrow was gonna be a lot harder than today so for now, I just wanted to be with the few people that made me feel I still had a place in this world.