Chapter 44

♡ Lauren’s POV ♡ We are having breakfast in the kitchen. While Simon and Bella ate eggs and toast, I had to eat dry biscuits and tea. The nausea went away a bit, but I still felt weak because I had thrown up earlier. "So when are you going to meet your father and sister? "Simon asked. I wasn't satisfied when he called her my sister or my father. It makes my blood boil to think about it. I refrained from scolding him, however, because it was an innocent question. He had no idea how much it would affect me. So I decided to answer the question as nonchalantly as possible, trying to hide my anger at the question. "There were still two days left in the summer vacation, so I thought I'd take the chance.” I shrugged and munched on cookies. When my jaw started to hurt, I realized I was biting a little too hard, so I stopped myself from gritting my teeth. "I think that's a good idea! ” "Bella added happily. "Yeah, I guess, I still don't know if I made the right choice.” I said a little crossly as I collapsed on a bar stool. I really had no appetite, not even for dry biscuits, because we were talking about a sensitive subject. "I think you can do it, Lauren. Stay positive.” Bella nodded in agreement, Simon told me. "How are you going to get there? "Bella asked after an awkward eight-minute pause. I watched her as I got off my stool to wash my hands. "I think I'll take the bus.” I shrugged as I dried my hands. "But you hate buses.” She pointed out as she ate her eggs. Some pieces even flew out and landed on Simon's cheek. He wiped his wincing eyes away and gave her a glare. I hate buses, it's true. Whenever I get on a bus, I always feel claustrophobic, which is not a good feeling. "Yes, I know, but I don't want to bother my mother to pick me up.” I'll be honest. I really don't want to bother her, my so-called dad came back to try to make it up to her, she's already busy enough. Bella asked hopefully, "Can't you just find someone with a car to drive you? ". "I don't have any friends but you.” I said sadly. I have another friend. Is Chris one of them? I mean, we're getting closer. They gave me a reassuring look before changing the subject. "We can't go with you. We're actually going to our parents' for the summer.” Simon sighed, feeling guilty that he couldn't let me ride. "Oh, that sounds cute.” I'm really happy for them, they haven't seen their parents for a while. Not since they had a huge fight about Simon being gay and not accepting him. He moved here to make a fresh start, and Bella moved with him as a supportive sister. I'm glad to see that they are now making up with their parents again, because they are very close to each other, but that bitter quarrel has driven them apart. "Yes, I hope you can come.” Bella said sadly. "Anything would be better than seeing that man and his daughter.” I said, shivering dramatically, trying to make my point. We all laughed before continuing with what we were doing. Simon and Bella continue to eat breakfast, and I continue to get ready for school. In the school. I noticed in the second class that the teacher was out today. So with nothing to do, I decided to get out a book and read it to kill time. I had only been reading for five minutes when I heard footsteps coming towards me. I was a bit surprised when someone sat in the seat next to me. I looked up at the perp and I was relieved to see it was Chris. He looked breathless and sweaty. I was suspicious of his untidy state. "What's wrong with you? "I asked. "My alarm clock didn't go off.” He smiled sheepishly. "Oh, I thought you were running from a masked murderer or something.” I joked. He smiled and sat in his chair, slouching on the table. "So what did I miss? "He asked as he looked around for his teacher. When he couldn't see one, he looked confused, and he turned his attention back to me. "You didn't miss anything except that our teacher was absent as usual.” I shrugged my shoulders casually. Indeed, although our teacher is hardly present, when she is, she only gives us homework and doesn't explain anything to us. Sometimes I wonder how she got to be a teacher in the first place. "Ha, looks like she has better things to do than take care of a bunch of seniors who are still acting like toddlers," Chris joked. . "But that's what she gets paid for, and it's kind of annoying when your teacher doesn't teach you anything, but at the end of the semester we have a test that we don't even know about.” I said angrily. "Did you ever think of telling the headmaster? "He asked. "Believe me, we did, but it didn't work because she was his wife! ” I said with a smile. "Oh, that explains it! He nodded his understanding. 'Yes! I answered with a bang. "So what are your plans for the summer vacation? "I asked, trying to engage him in conversation. "Nothing really, I thought I could lie in bed and play video games.” He smiled when he saw the look on my face. "That's boring. Why don't you come home with me? I'm sure my mom would love the extra company.” When I faced my father and half sister, I had a shoulder to lean on. Chris has a car, so it's a bonus for me. I really don't want to take the bus. "Oh, isn't it time to meet your parents? Didn't know we were in a committed relationship, Lauren.” "He joked. He waited for me to return with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. I rolled my eyes. "Stop asking for trouble. I just want some company. "Ouch, friend zone! ” He dramatically put his hand over his heart, his face contorted in pain. We laughed when I hit him on the head with the book I had just read. "You're an idiot! As I spoke, he rubbed his head where I had hit it. "Okay, I'll do it, but on one condition.” He said. "Go ahead.” I motioned him to continue. "You should play at least one video game with me.” "He announced, giving me the look of a lost puppy. He looked so cute, I couldn't think. "It's a deal.” I agreed and shook his hand to emphasize the deal.