Falling

Chapter Six

Charlie: I'll do the project by myself you don't have to worry about it.

It took me a while to realize that Nate made it so I was responsible to text him because he didn't have my number. I was telling him that I would do the project. Without him. Everything with Tuck mad me believe I couldn't handle Nate's annoying presence. I had cried after my conversation with Summer. Tuck didn't want anything to do with me. I had broken his heart. I hadn't meant to do that. I just... couldn't handle him and I together at the moment. I didn't want to get rid of him.

Nate: Uh no, you aren't working on the project alone. Sorry.

I was annoyed by his response. Why can't he just take a hint? I didn't want him around. Did I? I try to convince him to let me do the project by myself.

~I'm giving you a free pass on a project. Why wouldn't you take me up on that offer?~

His response is immediate. Just like his talk, his texts were smooth, witty, and fast.

~Because I want to spend time with you, Freckles.~

I wish he could see my eyes rolling.

~You are extremely annoying, you know that?~

Again with in thirty seconds flat, he responds.

~Keep telling yourself, you don't like me, Freckles. When do you want to work on the project?~

~I don't.~

That had double meaning. I didn't like him and I didn't want to work on the project.

~Do. I'm available right now. What's your address? I'll pick you up.~

He wasn't listening to me. I wanted to work on the project by myself. I gave up though, not wanting to argue anymore.

~Why are you picking me up? Why can't we work here?~

~I don't want to hang around your evil stepsister~.

I got that, so I sent him my address.

~Cool. Be there in twenty.~

I had twenty minutes to get ready. I look in the mirror, I looked awful. It had rained today and my hair was ruined from that. I had taken a nap after school, so my makeup had worn off. I was in t-shirt and soffee's. This was going to take more then twenty minutes.

I quickly rummage through my closet to find something presentable. It was cold today so I found a pair of skinny jeans and a purple long sleeved V-neck. I went to my bathroom to reapply my makeup and to straighten my hair.

"Going somewhere?" My dad asks me when he passes the bathroom, noticing my frantic movement. I turn to look at him, but only for a second to acknowledge his presence.

"Uhh yeah. I'm going to work on a science project with my... friend. Is that okay?"

"Is this the same friend you went out with Saturday?" He had worry in his voice. Why was he worried? I turn to him, to read his facial expression. It looked like how his voice sounds, his arms folded.

"No, a different friend." I realized I was calling Nate a friend. I shrug, casually. "More of an acquaintance, really. Why? Are you worried?" I had started to straighten my hair.

"Well Saturday you came home and I could tell you had been crying, and I hear you crying in your room..." His voice trailed off, neither of us comfortable with where that was going. I had tried to be discreet about my tears for Tuck. I finish touching up my brown hair, and look at my dad.