Growing Up Human

Chapter 5 Lilas POV

I've been on the road now for 3 hours with 1 more to go. Kate is passed out in my passenger seat and Ryan is in the car ahead. Since I will be going to my grandparents' after camp it made sense for me to drive my car to school and then Ry and Kate go straight home. Can we pull over? My ass is numb, Ryan says over the phone. Sure I'm a little peckish, anyway I reply. I slapped Kate on the leg to wake her up. She jumped up with a start, jumped her legs and mumbled that I didn't have to slap her so hard as we pulled into a Snailway station. Ryan gets out of his car and rubs his cute little bum. As Kate and I get out of the car and walk towards him, he lifts up his shirt to reveal his abs and the beginnings of a v-line. He catches me looking and smirks. I turned to say something to Kate and noticed her eyes were lingering a little longer than I liked. I pursed my lips together and made a mental note. Over the past year, I've noticed a change in their relationship. Nothing too serious but enough for me to notice. Things like hugs lasting a little too long, hands brushing each other and the occasional stolen glance in the hallways at school. About a year ago, Kate's parents got a divorce, and a pretty nasty one at that. Being the only girl out of 5 kids means sometimes Kate has to do more than a high school student should. Her 4 younger brothers didn't take the news too well and were acting out whenever they got the chance. Her youngest brother, being 6 and the triplets being 9, took a toll on her. I know she would confide in Ryan sometimes when her parents would fight on drop off days. Ryan's parents divorced when we were 11, so he helps her understand how the boys feel while also letting her vent. I have been a part of some of those conversations, but my parents are still together and my advice on the subject is limited. I still check on her to make sure she's getting enough to eat and sleep and taking time for herself. Sometimes I even do her homework while she cooks the boys' dinner. We walked into the station grabbing food and drinks and taking turns using the bathroom. Before we hopped in the car, I put Kate's phone on the hood of my car, propping it up and setting a timer. Say cheese, we all pose for the picture and once happy Kate saves the picture and posts it on her social media, tagging both Ryan and I. The last hour of the drive went by pretty fast and at 7:30 pm we checked into dorms at the school. After unpacking, we decided to grab dinner at a local restaurant. When we entered the pizza parlor, the scent of grass, sandalwood, sweat and pizza hit my nose. I looked around and noticed a group of boys in the back corner. One of them looks up when we enter and I notice him watching me the whole time. Ryan notices that I'm uncomfortable and I wave it off saying I'm ready for bed. By the time we get our pizza, the group of boys gets up to leave and I'm relieved, thinking he'll leave and stop looking at me. To my dismay, he waves his friends away and gets on his phone. I eat my pizza as fast as I can without being suspicious and after everyone is done we all walk back to the dorm. I didn't fully relax till I shut and locked the door. I quickly fell asleep only to dream of the gray wolf again.