Peripheral Vision | ✓ [NOW PUBLISHED AS HUNTINGTON AVENUE]

Chapter 12

C H A P T E R  T W E L V E

Three days later.

Kelsey's P.O.V. (continued)

In a tired daze, I stumbled out of my room, putting my phone into my back pocket. My eyes were crusty and dry, due to the fact I haven't been sleeping well since my grandpa passed away.

Thoughts swirled through my exhausted mind, and I attempted to push them away. I'm not in the mood for extensive thinking. Not now, not for a while.

I ran my fingers through my knotted hair, not caring that I didn't spend the time to brush it out entirely. Dark bags have recently developed under my eyes, and they're extremely heavy, weighing my alertness down like a pile of bricks.

Upon my arrival to the family room, I grabbed one of my favorite hoodies, which was navy blue in color. It's a bit oversized, but that's what I like about it. It gives me comfort when I really need it. I slipped it over my head, instantly feeling the warmth that it gives.

"Hi Kelsey," Dad exclaimed cheerfully as I entered the kitchen. "How'd you sleep?"

I sat myself down at the table, giving him a small wave as I walked past. Not even giving an answer, I folded my arms on the table's surface, laying my head down on them as a pillow. Releasing a small groan, my eyes fluttered shut, almost drifting off again.

"Did you sleep at all?" my dad inquired, eyeing me with a concerned expression.

I shook my head, not even lifting it from the table. In reality, my mind was spinning in an attempt to process the massive number of thoughts whirling through it. I let out a sigh as I felt a comforting hand on my shoulder. I straightened my posture, positioning my fist on my chin to hold it upright.

"On the bright side, I made some pancakes," Dad announced, putting a plate in front of me, which contained two pancakes. "I made your favorite: chocolate chip!"

My eyes lit up a little bit. I absolutely love chocolate chip pancakes so much that I could eat them for every meal of the day. I smiled, grabbing a bottle of syrup from the table and putting it on my breakfast.

"Thanks, Dad," I smiled, giving him a grateful look.

After giving me a loving pat on the back, he replied, "Of course."

Indulging into my pancakes, the sweet taste of chocolate, flour, and syrup erupted through my taste buds. It didn't take me long to finish both pancakes, not realizing how hungry I was.

Almost like it was on cue, I heard the school bus outside as soon as I got myself together. Grabbing my backpack, and slinging it over my shoulders, I strode out the front door.

"See you tonight, Dad!" I exclaimed as I walked down the driveway. "Thank you for breakfast!"

"Bye, Kelsey!" he responded with a smile on his face. "Have a good day at school!"

~•~•~

The combination lock on my locker clicked open, as I opened the door. Stuffing my textbooks from my last class inside of the metal compartment, I sighed. I was much more awake than earlier when I first left my room. Shutting my locker door, I turned around to see a familiar pair of eyes staring back at me.

"Daydreaming much?" the hostile voice which belonged to Amelia snickered.

I rolled my eyes. Not right now, Amelia, not now.