Hate Of The Unknown

Chapter 9- Unexpected But Not Unwelcomed

But it felt wrong, ignoring him like he never existed. "I know you all don't want to talk about Jake for my sake, but he's not dead. He just moved away with his family. Everything is okay." All their eyes were instantly on me, worry clearly written across their faces. "We know you two were close. We just don't want to hurt you." Sara said quietly.

"I know, and I appreciate that, but I'm okay," I said, trying to convince myself more than anyone else. It seemed no one had bought my crap, yet they returned to their conversations as if nothing had occurred. I guess it could be worse.

Hunter and I were driving to pick up Jaron as usual. Hunter didn't seem to be angry with me anymore about the whole Lyanna deal. "You know, if you need to talk, I'm here for you. I know something happened between you and Jake, so... I'm just here." Hunter always was very perceptive, couldn't hide from him a lot. "We went on that date I told you about. It was incredibly good. We kissed, I had my gay panic, the entire package, you know? And then I got a call for him, telling me we basically should break up and that he was moving."

"Damn, Jules, I'm so sorry. I really hope he's safe. It does sound like his family is in a tough spot, though. I'm sure he would stay with you if he had the choice." I couldn't help but doubt that after everything that Vivian and Vincent told me. I didn't know what to think now, so I just gave a small nod.

Hunter kept driving, not saying anything. I'm pretty sure he's cool with the entire gay thing, well, technically, bi thing. "It's really painful right now. So I decided to take it one day at a time, but thanks anyway. Oh, and by the way, it was bi-panic," I said, glancing at him through my eyelashes.

Hunter just grinned back. "The best panic there is." We both were laughing as we got to Jaron's school. Jaron got inside the car and immediately rolled his eyes. "Maybe you can do less laughing and more driving." He told Hunter. "Oh, the sass on that one. How are you related again?"

"Shut up, Hunter," I exclaimed with amusement. As we arrived home, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Grandma wasn't home, but this was expected. So, I quickly focused on finishing my assignments and began making dinner.

My phone vibrated, and I checked it to find a message from Vincent. A smile crept across my face when I saw his name on the screen. I opened the message and saw he would arrive in an hour to take me to the council. Hurriedly, I scrounged for something to wear, settling for the most mundane outfit I had. Unfortunately, none of my clothing were suitable for a professional meeting.

I decided on plain black jeans to avoid looking like a clown, ensuring they weren't too tight. Next, I put on a white shirt and tucked the front of it into my pants, just as Sara had shown me. I was pleased with my look, pulling my hair back into a low ponytail to keep it out of my face.

Finally, I slipped on a plain jacket and made my way downstairs. "Hey, I'm heading off to work now. Have you got everything you need?" Jaron snuck me a glance from his comfy spot on the sofa. "Yeah, why are you working two days in a row?" He questioned with an edge of agitation. "So I can buy you those sneakers you've been eyeing for the past year in that magazine," I told him, only half joking.

Jaron blushed and looked down. "I don't need favors from you. You sliver-head idiot."

"Wow, what an insult. I can already feel the tears welling up in my eyes," I said, hoping it sounded like I was joking so that Jaron wouldn't take real offense. He hurled a pillow at me, and I dodged it while laughing and sprinting for the door.

I shut the door, taking in a deep breath of crisp air. May had brought mild weather, neither too hot nor too cold. Thinking about it, my birthday was approaching, and I will soon turn seventeen. I still didn't know how I wanted to celebrate. It was probably time to start the planning.