Page 21 of Obsession

His demeanor changed abruptly as he took his eyes off the screen. I had no idea what was going on with my dad, but he was home less and less, and I highly doubted he’d found a job so quickly. His coming and going schedule was completely out of whack. Last night he came home at seven. He hadn’t realized I’d skipped class, but he should have thanked Zac for driving me home instead of him.

I reminded myself that my friends would be here any minute and I was still in my pajamas, so I grabbed the coffee and sipped it as I walked back to my room. I took a cold shower, hoping it would help me, and it did, but when I got out of the shower, I was freezing cold.

I sat back down on the bed and swallowed a clonidine pill.

I had yet to figure out if I was staying away from drugs because my dad wanted me to or because I wanted to. I finished my coffee while I put on my makeup and straightened my hair.

It seemed cooler today, so I put on a pair of black ripped jeans, an oversized gray t-shirt, a pair of black combat boots, and grabbed my old leather jacket.

I still felt like shit and wondered if I should just skip class again. I could have come up with something to get Dad off my back, but there was another side to my problem, the person who seemed to be filling my every thought since yesterday.

Harris had completely shocked me, and as much as his arrogance annoyed me, I also liked it. I shook my head just before I heard my friend’s car pull up.

***

“Penny for your thoughts?” Kristen asked, looking at me like she was trying to read my brain.

“Nothing, I am not feeling very well.”

“You’re lying,” she accused pointing her index finger at me, “you’re thinking about Harris, aren’t you?” she narrowed her eyes.

“You’re crazy,” I replied sincerely, which made Zac laugh.

Now there were only three of us and we were on our way to pick up the others.

“Flattery won’t get you anywhere.”

She pouted and leaned back in her seat. I giggled, even though crazy pants over there was right; my mind was all on that electrifying demon and the moment I’d see him again.

But I didn’t want to admit it, a whole page dedicated to him was enough.

“I really didn’t miss this place,” Chris complained as we walked down the hallway.

We weren’t the only ones who had skipped the first day, but now things were getting serious, classes were in full swing. My dizziness had subsided a little, but not completely. I wanted to bang my head against a wall, looking for him in the mass of students.

“He’s not here yet. Stars are always late,” Chris whispered as we arrived at our lockers, and my eyes widened.

Was I really that obvious?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied.

“Oh, come on, Kath, who are you kidding? It’s obvious you’re looking for Harris.”

“You know what, I’ve had enough of this nonsense. How do you know I didn’t see another cute guy yesterday and that’s who I’m looking for? That tattooed maniac almost ran me over. If I see him, I’m going to kick him in the balls,” I growled, my voice a little too loud as I slammed the locker shut.

“Yeah, yeah…” Chris laughed, unfazed by my sudden outburst. “What’s your first period?”

“History.”

“I have biology, but I think Zac has history.”

“Good, at least I will have someone to talk to.”

“Good luck talking in Wilson’s class,” he laughed.

I looked at him and arched an eyebrow. Mean teachers. Just peachy.

“Ready to study?” The others gathered around us, each carrying a different book.

---