Fragile Bones

Chapter Twenty-Four

I blinked into the sinking sun, not caring that it hurt my eyes a little. It was too pretty to ignore. The breeze ran through my hair, ruffling it into messy waves. My fingers picked at a loose thread on the black and white checkered blanket beneath me, undoing it from the millions of intricate weaves. A tiny ladybug appeared from between the blades of grass and made its way onto my hand. I watched the spotted creature as it crawled around before spreading its wings and flying somewhere in the distance, perhaps back to its family. The field was silent, aside from the quiet rustle of leaves and chirp of crickets.

"Here," Asher said from his spot next to me. I turned to face him and he held a dandelion in one of his hands. Carefully, he tucked it behind my ear and gave me a small smile. I smiled back at him, and reached for one of the cookies he had brought for the picnic. It was the perfect amount of soft, and tasted like it could have been professionally made. Eating one just made me want to eat more, but before I could Asher linked his hand with mine. Facing each other, it felt like we were the only people on this earth, and that was alright with me. Both of us started to lean in, but a loud beeping came from my phone, and broke the trance.

I hastily sat up in bed, and blinked the sleep away from my eyes. What the hell was that?

Had I really just dreamt about Asher and I going on a date together? And more than that, that I actually ate desserts that were there? I groaned and rubbed my temples. My impromptu visit to his house last night had apparently left me with more feelings than I expected it would. Angrily I pulled the blanket off me and stomped into the bathroom, contemplating for a second banging my head against the wall. It would certainly help distract me. Deciding I had enough problems all ready, I resolved to leave the head banging for another time. I had to get ready for another week of school. I heaved out a sigh, which allowed me to smell my breath. Scrunching up my nose, I walked to the bathroom so I could brush my teeth and hopefully rid the smell.

Squeezing the mint toothpaste out onto my toothbrush I began brushing. Usually my breath smelled fine, even in the morning. Vomiting could affect this, but I don't think I had done it enough for that. I'll just have to start chewing more gum.

My standard outfit, leggings and a hoodie were the choices for today. I stomped downstairs and ran smack into my mother, who was standing at the kitchen table. She shook me away from her and gave me a tired look. "Where did you go off to last night?" She asked, crossing her arms over the front of her robe.

I shrugged. "Someones house," I mumbled.

"Goddamn it, Madeline," my mom said, banging a fist down on the table. The sound made me jump. "Can't you speak without mumbling?"

"I was at someones house," I repeated more clearly, not wanting to upset her further.

"Who? That boy who was over that one day?"

I was surprised she actually remembered Asher, considering how much was going on. "Yes, his name's Asher."

"I don't know how I feel about you going to a boys house," she responded, sipping her drink. "Especially without telling your father or me. Did you forget we were supposed to have a talk?"

"Yeah, I guess so," I lied. "Asher's just a friend, so you shouldn't be so worried." I swear, if this woman was going to rid me of the one person who would talk to me, I would never forgive her.

"Whatever you say. Have a nice walk to school. It's chilly out so you better wear a coat," she said, and waved me away. I watched her retreat up the stairs, presumably back to her room. Turning, I began to walk out the door when I heard her say something else. "By the way, you have a doctors appointment Thursday, at 1:30."