Free Hopelessly Imperfect (Imperfect #1) by Gabriela Cabezut Page A

know. I expected him to pull away disgusted or even shocked; but there wasn’t pity or shock in his eyes, just sadness and…guilt?
    His hand softly trailed up my arm before pulling me to him. His arms encircled me, and I could feel his heart pounding as fast as mine as I leaned on his chest once again. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I swallowed hard. Nathan didn’t say anything. He just held me tight.
    When I calmed down, he grabbed my hand and led me to his car. I was thankful he wasn’t asking questions I didn’t want to answer. He was silent as we got in; but his jaw was clenched and he gripped the steering wheel so hard, his knuckles were white.
    Knowing very well that the school was keeping a close eye on me, I texted Dad to let him know I was fine, but I was skipping for the rest of the day. Not even a minute later my cell phone rang. Grimacing and with a heavy heart, I answered the call. “Hi, Dad.”
    “Are you okay? Why are you skipping? I have a meeting with the dean, and I can’t miss it.” He sounded as stressed out as he probably was.
    “I just need some space.” Although my whole face was turned to the side, I was acutely aware of the boy beside me.
    “What happened? You sound troubled.”
    Sighing, I explained to him that I had stood up for Anne but she wasn’t happy about it. I swallowed a lump down my throat. “She hates me.” I closed my eyes as I started to tear up once more.
    Dad stayed quiet for a moment. “I’ll call the school, and I’m also going to ring Marie. I don’t want you to be alone right now.”
    “I’m not!” I said, panicked. I didn’t want to see her. It was just too confusing. “A friend is with me.” I frowned as the words left my mouth.
    “Huh.” Dad sounded troubled himself. After a second he murmured, “I still think it would be better if I called her.”
    “Dad, I really don’t want to see her.” My tone was soft but serious.
    He sighed, and I could picture him rubbing a palm down his face. “I’ll try to get out early. I’ll pick you up at Pierce’s, okay?”
    Thankful that he dropped the subject, I nodded. “Yes.”
    “Is your friend staying with you for a while?” he asked, sounding hopeful as my stomach plummeted. I hated to hear Dad so worried. I hated that it was all because of me. I gazed at Nathan for a moment, and he was still looking at the road, but I could tell he was listening intently to every word I said.
    “I don’t know,” I answered truthfully. “If he does, you won’t call her, right?”
    “ He? ” my dad shrieked.
    “ Dad. ”
    Beaten, he took a deep breath. “Okay. Just be careful.”
    “Yes. I’ll text you.” Relief laced my tone. I really didn’t want to see Mom’s friend.
    “I love you, Cassie.”
    “Me too.”
    As I put my phone away in the front pocket of my backpack, I looked up and was surprised to see we were already parked in front of my house. I never gave him directions. Stalker much?
    Nathan hopped out of the car and waited for me to get out as well. We walked to the front door in silence. Before I opened it, I turned to him. “Thank you for bringing me home.” Good-bye, I’ll see at school , my tone pretty much implied.
    He gazed at me and raised an eyebrow. “I’d like a sandwich, thank you.”
    “Huh?” I frowned.
    “I’m famished, woman. I brought you home, now I want to eat.” He forced a smile, trying to sound nonchalant. “Please.” Even though he was trying not to show it, his eyes were soft and concerned. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be alone right now.
    The image of Mom’s cold body lying in bed was still fresh on my mind. Gnawing my lip, I moved to let him walk in.
    As I stepped inside my house, a heavy feeling washed over me, just like it did every time. I was hoping it would fade eventually. Everything looked the same as when Mom was alive, so it felt like she was around; but she wasn’t, and every time I entered the house I got a sinking feeling knowing I