Come Back To Me

Chapter 18

Another Monday rolls around, and its time to start another school day. It’s been a couple weeks since Reid kind of broke up with me. He’s only appeared twice since then, and each time, it was brief. He’s following through with his word. I miss him so much, but I know it’s for the best. I have to miss him in order to get over him. I also miss Gavin; I haven’t seen him since that same night. It’s my fault; I haven’t reached out to him. He’s sent me multiple texts wanting to hang out, but I tell him I’m busy. I’ve been hanging out with Julia a lot more though. She’s been really helpful and understanding through all of this.

I drag myself up out of bed; go through my usual morning routine to get ready, then head into the kitchen for breakfast. My mom is up, humming happily to herself as she prepares some eggs. She sings a lot ever since Kevin came into our lives, which is a good thing. I’m glad she has him.

“Morning mom,” I say to her, “you’re in a good mood this morning.” She smiles and then blushes scarlet.

“Mornin’ chickadee.”

I jump at the voice behind me, and turn around. Kevin stands in the hallway behind me, a goofy grin on his face. I let him pass me and he joins my mom at the stove and kisses the side of her head. I watch as she wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him back tenderly.

“Uh, good morning Kevin, I didn’t know you stayed over last night,” I say as I start gathering a bowl for my cereal.

“I just couldn’t let him go,” my mom croons, brushing her hands through his longish, dark wavy hair.

“I’m trying to eat here,” I gesture at my empty cereal bowl.

“Sorry honey,” she apologizes and lets him go.

Kevin grabs a coffee and joins me at the table.

After breakfast, Kevin offers to drive me to school because my mom needed the truck today. Her car is on the fritz, and Kevin has to look at it. We head outside, and I notice another distinct vehicle parked behind Kevin’s truck, Gavin’s Camaro. He gets out of his car and walks towards us.

“Um, hey Gavin,” I greet him, feeling a little nervous.

“Hey Hadley, Kevin.”

Gavin reaches out and shakes Kevin’s hand.

“Hey Gav, I haven’t seen you around lately,” Kevin says.

“Yeah,” Gavin shoots me a look, “it’s been busy.”

“That’s a nice car you got there,” Kevin whistles at it.

“Spoils of hard labor,” Gavin smiles at him.

“I’ll say. Anyway Gavin, I was just about to drive Hadley to school.”

“Actually, I came to see if I could give her a ride,” Gavin says to him. Kevin looks to me.

“Sure. I’d bet that Hadley would like a ride in your car instead of my old beater anyway.”

They both look at me expectantly.

“Sure,” I say.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll see you guys later,” Kevin waves at us then goes back inside.

I go to the passenger side of Gavin’s car and slide in. Gavin slips in and off we go.

“So, you’re avoiding me I take it,” Gavin says as soon as we’re on the road.

I glance over at him and he’s staring at me with a look I can’t place. Hurt? Anger? Both? I’m not sure. I tell him the truth.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I told you, I needed space.”

“For how long?”

“I don’t know,” I shrug, “is there a timeline?”

“No, but I miss you, so I’m hoping it’s not for too much longer.”

He reaches over and brushes my cheek with his pointer finger. The small touch sends a small shiver through me. Before I realize what I’m doing, I grab his hand and hold it against my cheek.

“I miss you too, Gavin,” I whisper.

Suddenly, the car slows and Gavin pulls over on the side of the road. Gavin leans over the center console so that his face is close to mine, but I don’t think he’s going to kiss me.

“Then stop trying to stay away from me,” he implores me.

“It’s not because I don’t want to see you Gavin. I’m just afraid of where it’ll go if I do.”

“I told you, I’m not going to try anything until you’re ready for it Had, but that doesn’t mean we can’t hang out,” he pauses, as if he just realizes something, “if you’re afraid of where it’ll go, does that mean that you have feelings for me too?”

“I thought you knew that already?” I say, unable to look at him.

Gently, Gavin puts two fingers under my chin and turns my face to look at him.

“I had my hopes, but you never actually said the words. I guess a part of me was afraid that you were just too worried about hurting me to tell me that you didn’t feel the same,” then he smiles, “that, or that you really do like Cole instead.”

I can’t help but laugh.

“Don’t worry about Cole,” I say, “he’ll stay in the friend zone.”

Gavin laughs.

“Oh no, a guy’s worst enemy. So are you going to let him down easy? If you want, I can do it for you,” he smiles wolfishly.

“Um, no Gavin. I’ll tell him it’s never going to happen. You know, I’m surprised you’re being so antagonistic towards him. He was Reid’s best friend.”

“Antagonistic? Me?” he asks innocently and I nod.

“You almost started a fight with him at Brad’s party, over nothing.”

“It wouldn’t have been over nothing, it would have been over you.” My cheeks warm in embarrassment.

“I don’t want anybody fighting over me. Just be nice.”

“Sorry babe, I’ll try and behave next time.”

I realize we’re flirting now. It feels strange, but it also feels good.

“Okay good. But now, we really need to get a move on or I’m going to be late.”

“Your wish, my command,” he grins.

Gavin pulls back onto the road and off we go. I feel like I’ve taken a huge leap today in opening myself up. It’s out there now. Gavin likes me, and I like him, and now he knows it, and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it’d be.

Gavin pulls up in front of the main doors, and puts the car in park.

“Thanks for the ride, Gavin.”

“No problem. I’m just glad we got to talk. Seriously Had, please stop avoiding me.”

“I won’t, I promise.”

“Good. So, shall I pick you up after school today?” he offers.

“Don’t you have to work?”

“Day off. So I’ll see you at three thirty then?” I smile at his hopeful face.

“Wow, drop off and pick up. People are going to get the wrong idea.”

“They can think whatever they want, I don’t care anymore Hadley, and you shouldn’t either.”

I sigh and nod in response. Gavin leans over the console again, pulling me towards him for a hug. I feel his warm breath near my ear.

“Is this too much?” he murmurs.

“No,” I murmur against his shoulder, “it’s actually nice.”

His arms tighten around me even more, and then I feel him kiss the side of my head before pulling away. The gesture is innocent enough, so I don’t mention it.

“Okay, I guess I should let you go. I don’t want you to be late.”

“See you later Gavin.”

I grab my bag, and exit the car, and wave at him as he pulls away. I glance at my phone; I still have a few minutes before I have to go inside, so I take a seat on a nearby bench. The weather is becoming warmer, so I shrug off my jacket and let the sun soak into my skin for a little while before I have to be cooped up inside for most of the day. I look around me, watching the other students arriving. My eyes land on the student parking lot where I see Cole’s big, black truck. He’s leaning against it, and he’s watching me. He doesn’t look happy, so he must have seen Gavin dropping me off. I see Aaiden and Taylor come around and grab his attention. The three of them then make their way towards the school. Taylor spots me and waves.

“Hey Hadley,” she greets me; her tone is sweet and sugary, like she’s actually happy to see me, or something.

In the past, this would have made me instantly suspicious, but right now, she seems genuine.

“Hi guys,” I reply.

Cole and Aaiden stand behind her, but only Aaiden smiles at me.

“Hey Had,” Aaiden says as he moves next to Taylor, and entwines his fingers through hers.

I must be staring because Taylor giggles.

“Yeah, I know, big surprise right? I guess good things come to those who decide to be nice for once right?” She says then she leans over and kisses Aaiden’s cheek.

“That’s not the only surprise of the day,” Cole snorts.

We look at him in question, but he just shakes his head and strides away.

“What’s with him?” Taylor asks.

“Beats me,” Aaiden says, but he glances at me in a way that tells me, he knows exactly what the problem is.

Before any more questions can be asked, the warning bell rings.

“Alright everyone,” My teacher announces just before the lunch bell rings, “Don’t forget to put your names down for Graduation Formal tickets. Mrs. Hall will be distributing them next Friday. If you don’t register, you won’t get any.”

The classroom erupts into excited whispering. Ashley, who sits next to me, leans over.

“Oh, I’m so excited! I can’t believe we graduate in just over a month. Do you have a date yet Hadley?”

I had almost completely forgotten about Grad Formal. For some reason, our school never called it a Prom, but that’s basically what it is, and I had always envisioned going with Reid. We had talked about how we would wear some cheesy matching dress and tux combo.

“I uh…no,” I murmur, looking straight ahead, trying not to tear up. Ashley doesn’t seem to notice, and she starts yammering on, but I barely hear her.

“You should go with Cole, I know he likes you. I’m going with Jack Belling. I was hoping that Aaiden would ask me, but word has it that apparently he’s going out with Taylor Bennett now. Can you believe it? Taylor Bennett? What has happened in this world? Hadley? Are you even listening to me?”

“Yeah, Taylor, craziness,” I mumble.

Luckily, the bell rings and I’m free. I grab my books and practically run out of the classroom. I quickly head to my locker to put away my books. I hide my head in my open locker, and start breathing deeply trying to calm myself. I knew this day was coming, I just forgot how soon.

“Are you okay?”

I jump at the deep voice behind me. It’s Cole. I pull my head out of my locker and shut it. Clearing my throat, I answer him with what I hope is a steady voice.

“Yeah Cole, I’m fine.”

“You sure? You don’t look so good.”

“I’m just tired, that’s all,” I fib.

He studies my face for a second, and then he frowns.

“Really? Up late with your new boyfriend?” he scoffs, taking me off guard.

“Excuse me?”

“So, you and Gavin hey?”

His tone is accusing, and I’m on the defensive.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but Gavin’s not my boyfriend.” I’m not sure what we are yet, but I know that’s not it.

“So, he just decided he’d give you a ride this morning? You looked pretty cozy.”

“If you must know, my moms car broke down, and she needed to take the truck to work. Gavin lives nearby and offered to take me.”

“Really?”

Cole’s posture relaxes and he releases a deep breath.

“Yeah, so are you done interrogating me then?” I snap.

“Sorry Had. I guess I’m jealous. You know you could have called me for a ride. I’d be there in a second.”

“Thanks,” I grumble, so not in the mood to be nice anymore.

“So, Grad Formal huh? Can you believe it’s so soon?”

He waits for my reaction, but I remain quiet. So he continues.

“Uh yeah, so I don’t have a date or anything, and I was hoping…”

I have to cut him off there, because I need to end this now. Gavin and I may not be an item, but that may change someday, and if I’m going to go with anybody, it’ll be him.

“Cole, I can’t go to Grad with you,” I say.

“Why not?” he challenges.

He steps closer to me; placing his hands against the lockers on either side of my head, trapping me.

“Let me guess, you’re going with Gavin?”

“I haven’t asked him yet, but yeah, probably.”

I try not to let his proximity intimidate me. I meet him square in the eye.

“Tell me again that you two aren’t together,” Cole says.

“We’re not.”

“But you want to be, which is why you’re turning me down, right?” Without warning, he smacks the lockers hard, causing me to jump. “Damn it Hadley! I can’t believe you’re messing around with Reid’s own brother. What would he think?”

Without thinking, I reach out and smack Cole across the face. He backs up and puts a hand to his reddening cheek.

“Cole, you don’t know anything, and besides, it’s none of your business what I, or Gavin do with each other. Reid wants us to be happy, and that’s all that matters. Also, you can’t play the brother card, because you,” I jab a finger hard into his chest, “were his best friend. I’d bet he’d like that just as much. So don’t be an ass, trying to make me feel bad. You’re my friend Cole, or were, and I’m sorry, but that’s as far as it’s ever going to go.”

Cole is stunned silent.

I’m so angry now that I don’t even want to hear what he has to say for himself. I storm away from him, putting as much distance as I can between us. I’ve lost my appetite, and decide to go outside instead. I manage to find an empty picnic table and pull out my cell phone. There’s only one person I want to talk to right now. I find Gavin’s number and write him a message.

*Hey Gavin. What are you up to?

He responds immediately.

*Trying desperately to scrub a giant bird turd from the hood of my car. Damn crows.

I giggle to myself, feeling better already.

*Oh no! Your poor baby, I hope she makes it.

*I do too; it’s a pretty substantial splatter of s**t.

He sends me a picture, and I burst out laughing. In the picture, Gavin is making a horrified expression next to the biggest bird poop I’ve ever seen.

*Ewe gross! I write back.

*I’ll have her all shined up for you by the time I have to pick you up.

*Oh good, otherwise I couldn’t possibly accept a ride in the poop-mobile. How embarrassing. I tease.

*Nothing but the best for my little princess. He teases back.

*Thank you, I needed the laugh today.

*Happy to be of service, but what happened that warranted it?

*I got into an argument with Cole.

*About?

*I’ll tell you about it later. I’d rather not churn it up again after you’ve done such a good job at cheering me up.

*Ok Had, we’ll talk later. Let me know if you need me to come down there and open a can of whoop-ass.

Again, I laugh out loud.

*Ok, keep the can closed. I’ll see you later Gavin.

*Closed. See you in a few hours.

I put my phone away, feeling a million times better. I’m so glad to be talking to Gavin again. I had missed him more than I thought during that couple weeks I was avoiding him. The more I think about him though, the more I realize the feelings I was denying, the feelings I was too scared to admit to. I do feel a little bad about how I handled the Cole situation though. He’s always been a good friend to me, but for some reason, he’s kind of being a jerk about all this. I get that he’s jealous, but his actions today were too much. How dare he try and make the Reid argument. How often will people throw that in my face? A part of me wishes I could just tell him that Reid has accepted the possibility of Gavin and me being together, and that if he had to choose, it wouldn’t be Cole. Of course, I know that I can’t, that would cause more problems than it would solve. I’d probably end up in a nut house, even though I’m not the only one who’s seen him. I wonder when the day will come when everything is just simple again.