Chapter Sixteen:

The ride back into town blurred by – I slept through most of it. I felt rejuvenated by the time we reached the Baker’s place. I have this nagging sense of responsibility tugging on my conscience. I should go by school and pick up my assignments so I can catch up this weekend. Do I want to? No, of course not. Will I? Yes.

“What’s on your mind, Ace?” Brian asked me, as I tossed my overnight bag on the floor of my new bedroom. I sighed and looked over at him.

“I was thinking that I should go by school and get my homework.” I told him, making a face. He chuckled.

“Every time I think I have you figured out, you surprise me.” He said, quietly.

“Jeez, make it sound like a bad thing.” I teased, hitting his arm. He smirked and started tickling my sides relentlessly. “Okay, okay! I’m sorry!” I thrashed around, trying to get away from his spazzing fingers. It seemed to work out in my favor, because he stopped. “Psych! I’m not that sorry.” I stuck my tongue out and emptied my tote bag. I’ll need something to put my homework in.

“Are you heading out now?” He asked me. I nodded. “Alright, I’ll drive.” He told me, grabbing my hand. I don’t recall asking for company, but suddenly this seems so much more ideal than before.

---

I stepped into Mr. White’s office, while Brian waited for me outside. The principal looked surprised to see me.

“Miss Wolf I wasn’t expected to see you back so soon. I was led to believe that you were on a mental sabbatical.” He greeted me, seemingly in a good mood.

“I feel stable enough to be back in school. I don’t want to get behind in my classes.” I told him, sitting down the chair in front of his desk. He nodded.

“Well, I’m pleased to hear that you’re well enough to be here. I presume that you’re here to discuss your new classroom placement?” He asked me. I nodded.

“Yes, that and I wanted to pick up the course work I missed.” I replied, casually.

“Very well – I’ve placed you in a new calculus class. Is that alright with you?” He asked me.

“If it’s all the same to you, is there any way that I could have an independent study instead? I’m good with numbers and I guarantee you that I’ll ace the class with or without a teacher.” I requested. He looked surprised, but didn’t shoot me down.

“I don’t see why we couldn’t give a try. At any rate, you’ll need to get your assignments and turn them into Mr. Whitmore.”

“Thank you.” I smiled.

“Have you been having any other problems with school?” He asked me. I shook my head.

“No, I can’t say that I have. If it’s alright, I need to pick up those assignments.” I tried to excuse myself. He nodded. He seemed to be in a much better mood than the Tuesday. “Thanks.” I told him, before walking away and meeting Brian.

“Everything go smoothly?” He asked me, smiling.

“When doesn’t it? I’m awesome.” I quipped.

“Just keep telling yourself that Ace.” He smirked and put an arm over my shoulder. We made our rounds to our classes and picked up our work. I didn’t have any problems. My new calc teacher seems friendly enough. As long as he doesn’t make it a habit to make a punching bag out of his students – literal or otherwise – I doubt I’ll run into any issues with him. We stopped by Mr. Matthew’s class last. He smiled when we walked into his room.

“Lydia, it’s good to see you. Are you doing any better?” He asked me. “Not sick anymore, Brian?”

“I’m much better – thank you.” I told him.

“Yes, sir.” Brian smirked.

“Glad to hear it. I have your assignments for you two. Give me just a second.” He turned and ruffled through some scattered papers on his desk. After a minute of rummaging, he held up a few papers and some notes. He handed them to us. “Look, I know that you probably get this from a lot of your teachers, but if you’re going through something or just need to talk to someone, without judgment, you can always come to me. I know I’m not hip or whatever you guys call it these days, but I do care about your wellbeing. And if you’re not comfortable coming to me, Ms. Hallowell is great.” He offered.

“The guidance counselor?” I guessed. He nodded. “Thanks Mr. Matthews; that means a lot. I appreciate that.”

“Call me ‘Anthony’, please. ‘Mr. Matthews’ is my father and I’m not ready to feel that old.”

“Alright, Anthony,” I corrected myself. “Thanks for the papers.” I told him.

---

“What do you want to do tonight?” Zacky asked me. I shrugged.

“Homework is calling my name.”I sighed.

“Lame – don’t talk about homework. It’s such a downer.”

“Hey, you asked.” I reminded him. He rolled his eyes. “You guys can do something without me.” I suggested.

“But, who will I make short jokes about?” Zacky frowned. I rolled my eyes.

“Way to make me feel loved, jerk. And there’s always Johnny.” I reminded them.

“Hey!” Johnny protested. I just laughed.

“I’ve gotta jet. I forgot some school shit at my place.” I told them.

“Should you go alone?” Brian asked me. I shot him an exasperated look.

“I’m a grown woman. Damn. What do you think is going to happen? It’s like a five minute drive.” I asked him.

“I know that, smart-ass, but I also remember what happened last time.” He reminded me. I glowered.

“As long as I avoid paper cuts, I’ll be fine.” I pressed.

“What happened last time?” Matt asked.

“She got a tattoo?” Jimmy guessed, remembering my new ink.

“I’ll see you guys soon. Bye.” I told them, making a run for it. I slipped into my car and turned on the ignition and cranked the music.

Keep holding on, when my brain’s ticking like a bomb.
Guess the black thoughts have come again to get me.
Sweet bitter words, unlike nothing I have heard.
Sing along, mockingbird – you don’t affect me.

That’s right – deliver it to my heart.
Please strike – be deliberate.

I banged my hands on my steering wheel as I drove. I was so caught up with singing along that I almost didn’t see that the front door to my house was open and the yard was trashed. I grabbed the taser out of my glove compartment and parked my car. I turned it off and ran inside. Is this my best idea? Oh, hell no. I have two guesses to who would break into my house. One, it’s probably Derek sending me a message. Two, it’s some dumbass thief that couldn’t find people more well off to steal from. I’m prepping for the first option, but seriously hoping for the latter.

As soon as I stepped inside, I head a crash. I had my finger on the shock button my taser and my other hand held my pocket knife.

“Derek?!” I yelled out. As soon as I heard the low laughter, I knew that I had guessed right. “Quit being a pussy and show yourself!” I demanded, straining to keep my confident bravado going.

“Look behind you, Pumpkin.” He whispered.

“Shit.”

Notes

Music Credit: "Coming Undone" - KoRn

So, cliff-hanger... next chapter will pick up from where this one ended. Predictions? Comments? Also, have I mentioned how freaking awesome you lovely people are? Over three thousand views. You know how to make a lady feel loved. :D

Much love,
Katie