chapter 3

I walked down the hallway, rubbing my elbows.

After somebody had broken into my locker yesterday, I was super anxious about what today would bring.

My friends waved me over from where they were standing which was at my locker. I needed to speak with the squad so I walked over to them."Morning, guys."

"How you doing, boo?" Crystal asked with a concerned look.

"I think my parents are finally splitting up," I cried, "My mom hired a private eye who definitely confirmed that my dad's having an affair and he didn't come home last night."

My friends looked shock at my explanation."That blows. I’m so sorry."

"Thanks, Skylar, I guess it was coming," I rubbed my forehead. "I've always known they were going to split up."

I gasped, "But I guess I’m not the first person whose parents are splitting up, right?" Anyways, I don't want to constantly monopolize the conversation with my problems.

*bell rings signalling the beginning of class*

I guess the saying ‘saved by the bell’ comes in handy in this case.

I walked into class with Bianca since we had calculus together.

In class, I found my thoughts wandering to my new neighbor. The only things I knew about him were his name and that he was twenty-one. Why did he have to act so damn mysterious anyway? I didn't even know why I was thinking about him! Ugh, he was so annoying! Mysterious and good-looking but annoying. I realized my cheeks where getting hot when the bell rang, signalling the end of this period. Damn it!

"Before you go, I want to hand out the results for the calculus test," Mrs. Bustier said, smiling. "Good job to those of you who got an A Plus Bethel and Emelie" she continued passing out the slips

OMG, I'm so relieved. I studied like crazy for this. I looked beside me, smiling, only to see a sad Bianca.

"Everything is falling apart!" She cried and ran out of the class.

‘I think Bianca really needs me right now!’ I thought to myself. ‘I should see if she's okay. But... I'm going to give her some space. I'll speak with her during cheer practice when she has calmed down.’

AFTER CHEER PRACTICE

I didn't get a chance to speak with Bianca later, though; she didn't turn up for cheer-leading practice.

"You're so funny, Dylan!" Skylar giggled. Dylan walked away, blushing.

I walked over to her, chuckling. "Dylan?" I asked.

She giggled again, "Isn't he cute?"

"He is," I nodded, "But what about Kim?"

"What about him?" She asked.

"You oblivious child, just... you're crazy about him!”

"Ugh, he's so boring. I'm so over him.” She groaned.

Crystal rolled her eyes.

"Wow, okay," I said, slightly amused. "Well, Dylan is much cuter, Skylar."

"You think so?” She asked.

"Has anyone seen Bianca?” I asked, ignoring her question.

Skylar shrugged, "No, she's not here."

"It's weird - she never misses practice," Crystal said. “She never misses anything."

"Yeah, that is weird, especially after..." I trailed off.

AFTER SCHOOL AT HOME: IN THE CULLEN RESIDENCE, SITTING ON THE COUCH IN THE LIVING ROOM

“I don't know what’s wrong with me.” I said to myself as I picked up the remote. I couldn't concentrate on my favorite show, HOLLYWOOD INSIDER, so I turned the T.V. off.

I tried doing my homework but I still couldn't concentrate. I dialed Bianca's number, trying to get a hold of her, but she didn't pick up. And my dad... my dad didn't even text or call me. He had abandoned my mom... but he had also abandoned me. It hurt. How could he do something like this? He had never been the world's best dad, but this cruelty was beyond what I thought he was capable of.

I realized with shock that I was looking forward to nightfall.

As soon as it was dark, I got ready to go up to the roof again. I was looking forward to another late night conversation with my mysterious neighbor. Maybe it was because he was a welcome distraction from my problems. I went up to the attic.

Maybe I just wanted to see his stupid, ridiculously good-looking face looking out of his window at me again.

........(time passes)

I sat there for an hour, but he never showed up.

"Who cares, anyway? Stupid guy... stupid me." I said to myself.

I just wanted him to know that I had been thinking about him and hoping to see him and speak with him again. Maybe... I could leave something behind, like my hoodie.

I chuckled to myself; he did notice it last time. That'll let him know that I was up here waiting for him and I'm sure I'll be able to see how he reacts to my hint from my room... that's just stupid, he's just a guy. I'll just go to bed.

I went up to my room and slipped off my hoodie, tossing it to who-knows-where and planted my face onto my pillow.

Dad didn't come home again that night.

‘I wonder if he has already moved out for good,’ I thought before slipping into a deep sleep.

THE NEXT DAY AT 7:45

I was ready for school and just about to step out when Mom yelled, “Have a good day, honey!"

I yelled right back, "Thanks, Mom, you too!" I opened the door, just about to step out but I was knocked down by a hard chest.

"Good morning, can I give you a ride to school?”