Chapter 64: Chapter Thirty Five-1

"I'll make the arrangements," he tells me with confidence. "I'm so happy you want to go." "I'd go anywhere with you," I reply instantly. He crawls over to me and gently pushes me so that I'm back to laying down. He tenderly strokes my cheek, his thumb rubbing circles into my skin. "Thank you for welcoming me back in your life." I reach up and snake my arms around his neck. "I'm sorry I ever let you go." --------------------- Mile's POV Having slept by Isobel's side several times now, has made sleeping on my own feel lonely and cold. I glance over to the empty left side of the bed, imagining what it would be like to wake up with her, every morning. The soft sun rays would fall across her smooth skin. Her brown eyes would peer up at me, so sleepy and peaceful. Her lips would smile as she mumbled, "good morning" to me. Suppressing a groan, I roll onto my back and stare up at the patchy white ceiling. If only that was my reality. My door swings open and I snap my head up, to see Emily enter. "Do you have a lighter?" she asks me, leaning on my door frame, dressed in a short shirt and lacey underwear. I roll my eyes at her over-the-top attention seeking. She doesn't need one, she just wants me to see her half-naked. "No, fuck off," I snarl at her and fling my arm over my face. "Why are you such a dick these days?" she snaps at me, sounding extremely pissed off. "You didn't treat me this way, before her." "Treated you like what?" I ask her with a sigh, still not moving my arm. "We've never spoke much and the only time you really wanted my attention, was when you saw it on her. Now get out of my room and don't come back." I can practically hear her scowl as she slams my door shut. I hear the distinct, angry sound of her footfalls and she heads back to her room. Shaking my head, I peel myself off the mattress and direct myself to the bathroom. I spend the next twenty minutes showering, getting dressed and attempting to find any school work or books I need for the day, only to shove them in my bag. As I walk own the hall, I don't bother to look down as my feet hit various items of clothing, cigarette packets and empty beer bottles, some even having shattered. This is why I always wear shoes inside, otherwise I'd be leaving a blood trail by now. "For fuck sake," I mutter when I notice that the bread I bought two days ago has been left open. I see a series of flies inside the packaging of the now-stale bread. Moving to option two, I search the fruit basket, only to find that they're all mouldy and off. I tip the bowl into the bin with a look of repulse on my face. I don't bother checking the fridge, knowing that the milk will be expired and anything else I've had in there, long gone by now. Sliding my leather jacket onto my shoulders, I grip the pocket and feel relieved that my bike keys are still lodged in there. The drive to school is quick as I go faster than the suggested speed. As soon as I make my way towards the school, my eyes begin to scan for dark hair, smooth white skin and the prettiest smile I've ever seen. When I can't see her, I head to my locker. I begin to swap textbooks around, when I hear the soft pad of vans hitting the cement floor beneath us. "Hey man," Jai greets me and slaps my shoulder in a friendly gesture. "What's up?" I grin, flickering my eyes to his. "I have a proposition for you," he tells me, leaning on the locker beside mine and folding his arms across his chest. "And what's that?" "You joining the team, to replace Finn while he's out," he answers casually and the book I'm holding fumbles in my hand and drops. Jai quickly scoops it up, before holding it out to me, offering me a lope-sided smile. "What?" I simply ask, wondering if I heard him correctly or whether I'm really losing it. He grins at me. "I'm wondering if you'd be interested in joining the team again?" I blink at him for a few moments, before swinging my door shut. "Does everyone agree?" Jai's smile wavers for a moment. "Some more than others." "Finn?" I nervously ask, my fingers tightening around the strap of my bag involuntarily. "To be honest, I haven't mentioned it to him," Jai says, averting his gaze and I let out a breath of disappointment. "But I told the team." "What was the reaction?" "Mostly good," he replies honestly. "You were a killer player, no one can deny it." "Alec?" Jai points to his arm. "My poor bicep copped a blow from him, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm offering you the spot." "Bentley?" I continue. "Who gives a fuck about Bentley?" Jai rolls his eyes and I chuckle, agreeing. I find myself nodding, trying to appear casual and not like I want to leap into the air and fist pump. "Okay. Sure. I'll join. Thanks for asking me." Jai grins at me. "Good stuff. It really is the easier option - you know the team, you know the play, it just makes sense. You would have joined sooner, if it was up to me." "Thanks man," I say gratefully and we exchange a fist bump. "Are you filling in as captain?" "Yes sir," he replies and makes a salute. "Good." "Thanks for your vote of approval," he states sarcastically as we make our way out to the court yard. "Training is tonight at five." "I'll be there," I assure him as the cool morning air blasts our faces. He sends a light punch into my arm, as my eyes land on Isobel. "Jesus," I see Jai grin beside me. "You've got it bad for her, huh?" "What do you mean?" I ask him, but don't look away from her as she laughs at something Kiarra says. "Nothing," he replies casually as we reach the girls. "Morning ladies."