Page 15 of Damaged Boys Don't Fall For Bubbly Girls
I’m lying on my bed after school, staring at the ceiling as the events from today race around in my mind. Things were okay for the most part. Sure, things are still strained a bit with my friends, but I think we’re slowly getting back to how things were. I know things will never be the same, but maybe that’s just something I’ll have to live with. My classes were okay and many kids came over to ask me how I was doing.
The hardest part was during lunch. Everyone else was having fun eating and talking to their friends, but for me, it was like the walls were closing in on me. Sitting in the cafeteria with the kids I recognized from my elementary and middle school years was hard. It reminded me of the times Andy and I would sit together at lunch. We’d eat with the gang, but sometimes we’d sit together, just the two of us.
I couldn’t handle the memories today, so I walked out of the cafeteria and read my book. I wasn’t hungry anyway.
And of course I can’t forget what happened before lunch when I apologized to Lexi. I’m glad I was able to get the words out and that I let her know how genuinely sorry I was. I hope—really hope—that I’ll never hurt her again.
Sitting up, my eyes scan my room until I locate the small bag on my dresser. I thought about bringing it to school today, but figured this needed to be given to her in private.
I stand and walk over to the dresser, plucking the bag off and checking to make sure it’s still in there. Then I gently tuck it into my back pocket, grab my helmet from my desk, and make my way downstairs.
Mom and Dad are watching a football game on TV. I tell them I’m going out and will be back later.
“Drive safely!” Dad calls after me. I salute before shutting the door behind me. There are three bikes in the garage—Mom’s, Dad’s, and mine. I think I’m the only kid in Edenbury whose both parents ride motorcycles. It’s probably because of them that I got interested. I remember when I was a kid and kept asking them when I’d be old enough to have a motorcycle of my own.
Then two years ago, Grandma and Grandpa offered to buy me a bike if I kept my grades up. They bought it for me a few months ago, after I got my license, and I’m kind of obsessed with it. Almost as much as I love reading.
After putting on my helmet, I swing my leg over the bike and get on. Then I rev the engine and zoom toward Lexi’s house. She lives close and I pull into her driveway within minutes.
I get off, pull my helmet off and tuck it under my arm, then head to the front door where I ring the bell. A few seconds later, the door opens to reveal Mrs. West.
A bright smile forms on her face as she takes me in. “Brock!” She pulls me into her arms. “It’s been so long.” She draws back, examining me. “My, you’ve grown into such a handsome young man. How are you?”
I give her a pleasant smile. “I’m okay.”
An expression enters her eyes, the one I see on basically everyone in town who comes into contact with me. Sympathy. Pity. I’m the poor, damaged boy who saw my friend die right before my eyes. I know they don’t mean to look at me that way—it’s just human nature. But I wish everyone would just treat me the same. I knowI’mnot the same and I never will be, but it’s harder when every single person I meet looks at me that way.
She must realize she’s staring for too long because she quickly shakes her head. “Are you here to see Lexi?”
“If that’s okay.”
“Of course it is.” She leads me into the house. I spend a few seconds glancing around. It’s pretty much the same, except for new wallpaper and carpeting. “Would you like a snack? Maybe a drink?”
“Sure, thanks.” I follow her into the kitchen, the smell of baked goods and dinner filling my nose. There are a few trays of cupcakes cooling off on the counter.
Mrs. West gestures for me to take one. “Careful. They’re still hot.”
“Thanks. They look great.” I reach for one and take a bite. “Really good.”
She smiles as she watches me eat. I’m well aware that she’s still looking at methatway. Maybe she’s trying to determine just how damaged I am. Maybe she’s worried about me. After all, the guys and I were over at Lexi’s house a lot, so she knows us well. And I’m also pretty sure she knows how I treated Lexi these past four years. But she’s being so nice to me and it’s great to know she doesn’t hate me for hurting her daughter.
After washing the cupcake down with water, I thank her again for the snack and climb the stairs to Lexi’s room. She used to live in a smaller house with only one floor, but after Easton Knight helped them out, they were able to move into a larger home. And Lexi and Skylar didn’t have to share a room anymore.
Her room is the second from the stairs. I can hear sounds coming from the TV, since the door is open. Before I peek inside, I knock on the door.
“Come in,” she calls lazily, probably figuring it’s her mom.
The floor creaks beneath my feet as I step inside. Lexi barely looks my way, too absorbed with the TV. Looks like it’s a show about whales. She loved watching this stuff when we were younger. I’m glad she hasn’t given up her dream of becoming a marine biologist.
“Hi,” I greet.
Her body goes still before she slowly turns her head in my direction. Her eyes widen and she sits up sharply. “Brock! Hi.” She waves for a second before lowering her hand. “Um…” She stands and looks at me, eyebrows pinched like she has no idea why I’m at her house. But at the same time, she looks very excited that I’m here.
“Am I bothering you?” I ask.
“No. Of course not. I was just watching this.” She nods at the TV.
My lips kick up into a small smile. “It’s great that you still love ocean life.”
