edited

C H A P T E R F O U R

"Dinner Party"

The look on his face when his eyes met mine was pure confusion, and then in a split second he composed himself. He was obviously not aware that I was his next door neighbor, and by the way his shoulders became stiff, I'm sure it wasn't a welcomed surprise.

I gave him a tight lipped smile, moving to the side so that he could come in. He gave me a curt nod, slipping in past me. I followed a few steps behind until we diverged as we came into the open living room.

"Mr. Wood, I'm so glad you could make it!" my mother said cheerfully, wiping her hands on her brown apron.

She came out from behind the kitchen counter and gave him a friendly hug. I rolled my eyes, walking over to the couch. My mother was always friendly with other people, though I'm sure if she knew who Connell really was she wouldn't be as fond.

Connell and my parents talked to each other while the food was being made, which in my eyes made the food take way longer. Zach came to join me on the couch, sighing when he realized it was going to be a few minutes until we could eat.

By the time my parents and Connell were done talking enough time had passed to the point that I was too hungry to care that Connell was even there. Dottie had completely reserved herself, the same way she had done a few days before. It hurt me, her blocking me out, but I understand how she felt.

I sat at one head of the table and Connell sat at the other. Us being directly across from each other didn't help the burning in my chest. Our eyes never met, him looking at his plate most of the time, and me looking anywhere but him.

I sighed in relief when my mother started to place the food on the table, but gave me a look when I attempted to grab some of it. I could hear her nagging voice in my head, wait until it's all on the table you hungry wolf.

Finally the last dish was set down and I just started to grab. I piled my food onto my plate, nibbling on a breadstick as I served myself. Once everyone had gathered their food, my mother started making conversation.

"Ruby, how was your day," my mother asked. I picked up another breadstick, much against the narrowed look she gave me.

"Fine," I mumbled, stabbing my salad with my fork. My mother tucked a piece of her brown hair behind her ear, giving me another look that meant elaborate.

"I just, didn't do much."

Letting my fork rest on the rim of my bowl, I tore apart yet another breadstick. My mother let out a hum, before turning to my brother, asking him how he was. I was glad to have her off of me, knowing she was just trying to get an answer out of me because we had company. On any other day, she would have been okay with just a "fine".

I sat quietly as my parents and my brother talked. My brother was a bit more convincing with his questions, easily able to patter on with conversation. After she seemed to be finished asking us questions, she turned to Connell.

"Where are you moving from?" my mother asked.

Connell picked up his water glass, seeming to take great interest in it. He swished the water around in it and looked at my mother.

"I'm from Washington," he said, taking a short sip of his water.

My mother hummed politely. "I see, Virginia must be quite different."

Connell shrugged. "I suppose."

Seeming unsatisfied with his answer, my mother continued to prod. "Well what about your old pack, how were they?"

Connell didn't answer for a few seconds, his hands turning white as they tightened around his glass. I was afraid the glass would shatter under his grip.

Instead of breaking it, he just put the glass down, a pleasant smile crossing his face. A shiver ran down my spine as I watched him compose himself so suddenly.

"They were well enough," he said simply, his ice-blue eyes connecting with my mothers. I knew nothing about him, or his pack, but by his tone I could tell that he wasn't telling the truth.

I was impressed by Connell's ease of letting things go. He was soon engaged in a conversation with my father, any irritation from the previous question gone. It was almost admirable, if not a little bit creepy.

The dinner continued much in the same fashion, my parents directing aimless questions at each of us. I was nearly finished when my mother launched into another attack of questions.

"Ruby, Maddie's mom told me that you guys have a new English teacher, is that true?" she asked.

Connell and I looked up at the same time, staring at each other for a few short moments. I cleared my throat, playing with my fork.

"Yeah," I went silent.

"Well, what do you think of him?"

"He's an asshole," I smirked, then I glanced at my mother. "Grade A, I'll have you know. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't have something coming to him."

"You're joking of course, right Ruby," my mother warned, shooting me a look.

I met Connells eyes, my teeth grinding as I watched him lift an eyebrow at me. That little asshole.

Dottie let out a whine, begging me silently to let it go. I let go of my fork, pulling my napkin off of my lap and putting it on the table.

"I'm tired," I said sharply. "I'm going to sleep."

I stood, picking up my plate and water glass. Leaving the table with one last glance at Connell, I placed my plate in the sink and went up the stairs to my room.

I collapsed onto my bed as soon as I got into my room, snuggling into my blankets. He was encroaching in my life in every possible way.

I pulled my pillow to my face and screamed, hoping that they wouldn't be able to hear it downstairs. If pillows could muffle gunshots then they could probably muffle me.

After I had worn myself out, I closed my eyes and let myself be lulled to sleep.

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Elle Kay