Come Back Here

Later on at Gerard's, we didn't do anything special or exciting. A little conversation here and there, but mainly we sat in silence. It was a comforting silence, because there's no doubt on my mind that everyone had things they needed to think about. Not to sound so melodramatic, but there needed to be some deep thinking done on what the hell has been happening to us lately.

I was snuggled into Andy's side on the black chair, which might I add, was a little uncomfortable because it hardly fit us both. I didn't mind too much, even if my back was killing me. God damn you Brent and your fucking back blows and complete waste of human entity.

"I'm sorry." I whispered to Andy, hoping Gee and Renae wouldn't hear. They unfortunately did, which sparked a conversation.

"Celeste, what are you sorry about?" Gerard asked.

Andy lifted my chin to meet his eyes. He looked just as confused as Gerard sounded. I guess it wasn't crystal clear what I was talking about, I just assumed it would click.

"For getting Andy and I suspended."

"That's not your fault." Andy started, "It's that goddamn principal and Brent and his friends."

"Celeste, how would it be your fault?" Renae chimed in.

I took a look around. Was I the only one that heard Brent earlier? Clearly his target was me and his goal was to beat the living shit out of anyone that posed as a threat to that.

"Brent was after me." I paused, hoping they'd understand what I was trying to state, but to no avail.

"If he didn't see you guys as threats to getting what he wants, then he wouldn't have paid any attention and the fight wouldn't have started."

"Celeste," Andy began, his voice calm and assuring, "I still would have beat the living shit out of him, or at least tried."

"Didn't you hear what he said, though? When he slepped me he got really defensive, stating I was just a slut anyways." I took a breath, "I guess if it didn't piss me off so much that he attacked you and Gee and Renae and called me that, then I wouldn't have gotten so engaged at Thornburg and gotten us into more trouble."

"It's still not your fault." Andy said, brushing my hair from my face. I was going to need to dye it again soon, my roots were showing horrendously.

"Look at the bright side: extra sleep." Gerard commented.

"Oh! Celeste, did you tell Andy?" Renae chirped.

I looked at her confused. There's lots of things I've told Andy, but then again, there's a lot I haven't. I couldn't think of anything important that I needed to tell him.

She signed, "About what's coming up next Friday?"

Click. "Oh, that! No, I haven't."

"Wait, what haven't you told me?" Andy asked.

"That your girlfriend's birthday is next Friday."

"Girlfriend? Since when?" Gerard asked.

Renae hit him on the shoulder. "Gee, we told you this morning."

"I forgot, no need to hurt me."

"How did you forget?"

"It was a wild morning. Woke up and--"

Andy cut him off, "Sooooo, Cel, why didn't you inform me that you're turning seventeen soon?"

I was chuckling from Gerard's earlier comments so I had to gather myself to answer. "I didn't really prioritize it; it was the last thing on my mind."

Which was completely true. The fact that my birthday wasso close hadn't crossed my mind. I was so caught up in finding my dad, and now brother, that my last concern was another day in the year that symbolized I aged another year.

"Well, I think I know exactly what to get you." Andy commented.

Notes