chapter 6

The music played softly as Declan drove me home. He decided to take the rest of the day off. He was upset when I told him I walked, but if I'm not allowed to drive, walking is my only option. I didn't feel like being cooped up in the house all day.

Besides, the walk was kind of relaxing, giving me a chance to breathe. It was nice to walk when the sidewalks were clear of people. I probably won't be walking again in the morning anytime soon though with school and all.

We're not too far away from my house.

My house is somewhat far back and has a medium length rocky driveway. You can somewhat see my house from the road but it sits a little ways back in the woods. It's a standard grey two-story house with dark blue shutters. A small wooden porch comes off the front of the house. I lived here my whole life.

Declan breaks the silence, "So why didn't you drive your truck earlier?"

"My mom won't let me, she's afraid I'll freak out while driving and get into an accident," I tell him the truth sheepishly.

"Hmm," Declan hums in thought. "I'll bring you to school for now on."

"That's okay my brother brings me," I say. He doesn't have to drive out of his way when Thomas can just bring me.

"And now I'm bringing you." He states in a way that you don't know if you should question it or not. I glance sideways, "You really don't have too." I mumble, not wanting to be a burden.

He looks at me for a split second before turning back to the road, "I've already made up my mind."

"Oh o-okay," I whisper.

Declan smiles a bit, he looks pleased with my answer.

I point out the white mailbox coming up to Declan. The somewhat long driveway next to it is where my house is. He pulls into the driveway and the ride immediately becomes bumpy from the rocks. He parks right in front of the garage next to my truck looking at my house.

We stay in the silent car for a couple of minutes. I then open my door and step out, Declan does the same. We walk next to each other to my front door. Once there I open the door and glance back at him."You can c-come in if you want." I murmur nervously.

I don't want to be home alone and I don't want him to reject my offer. I peer down and fold my hands together waiting for his answer.

"Okay."

With that, I lift my head and see the smile on his peachy lips. That smile has my stomach dancing in delight.

Opening my door, I take off my crocs and walk into the house, heading right for the stairs. Declan follows behind me as we walk up the creaky stairs and down the narrow hall to my bedroom. Pushing the door open, I walk in.

I have never had a boy over before.

Declan strolls right into my room, his eyes already surveying it. My room is decently sized with white walls, a wooden queen-sized bed, and fairy lights edging the ceiling. In the corner, I have a navy reading chair and on my back wall are two bookcases full of books.

Declan walks around looking at my pictures, my books, and observes practically everything. I kind of just stand in the middle of the room and watch him. It's weird watching someone look at your own space who is actually interested in seeing it.

I love my room, I decorated it a couple of years ago. It's one thing that feels like my own.

"You look so different, happy." Declan murmurs turning to me. The picture he's looking at is from two years ago. I was on one of my soccer teammates' backs holding a trophy we just won. I was happy then.

"Yeah," I mumble taking a seat on my bed.

Grabbing my remote I turn on Netflix. Soon after Declan joins me on the other side of the bed. He lays on his back with his arms behind his head and feet crossed.

A blush settles in on my cheeks. How Declan just makes himself at home, it's cute.

"What do you want to watch?"

"You," Declan answers winking.

My cheeks tingle with warmth, I'm sure an ugly shade of red. My attention immediately turns to the Tv, if I look at him any longer I'll burn up.

His eyes are set on me, I can feel it. "Whatever you want to watch is fine." He then says after a moment, probably enjoying my embarrassment.

I turn on The Originals and lay back and try to relax, but can't when I still feel Declan's burning gaze on me. Finding some courage I peek over, he's not even watching Tv.

He's staring at me.

"You're so different." He whispers.

"Is that a good or a bad thing," I ask quietly, feeling nervous. Different how? Does he think I'm weird?

Declan smiles to himself. "Good." But he doesn't elaborate.

Turning back to the Tv I try to pay attention, I really do. But I can't because the only thing on my mind is Declan lying right next to me. It doesn't help that he's watching me either.

"I like your room, it's authentically pleasing."

I give him a sideways glance, "Umm thanks." I murmur.

For a moment we're both quiet, Declan is still looking at me though, He seems to be thinking, then finally he speaks, "I want to know you, Ellie." He murmurs, "really know you."

A shy feeling sets in my stomach as I replay his words. He wants to know me? "You do?" I whisper.

He nods, "That's right."

*

At two o'clock, my stomach's growling. Declan glances away from the movie divergent and looks at me, I give him a sheepish smile in which he chuckles.

"Come on let's go feed your hungry tummy." Declan teases pausing the movie.

We get up and head downstairs, I sit at the island stool as Declan roams my kitchen as if it were his own. I told him I would make us something but he insisted.

So here I sit watching him as he grabs the items he needs. He looks so graceful as he does his thing. He seasons chicken and throws it in the oven and skins potatoes before putting them on the stove to boil.

To be somewhat helpful, I grab out plates and utensils.

Declan fills the two plates up with baked chicken and garlic mashed potatoes. It looks super yummy, my mouth is watering just looking at it. He seems to have a lot of talents.

"It smells really good."

"Well of course it does, I made it," Declan replies winking.

I laugh, setting down two glasses of water. After I sit, not wanting to waste another minute, I take a bite. I swear my taste buds dance. When Declan sees my reaction, a smirk plants itself right on his lips.

"I told you, I'm just that good." He states taking a bite himself.

I can't help the giggle that escapes my lips. "What about my drink? You haven't even tasted it." I tease.

"Was that a joke I heard?" He says with a raised brow, he then takes the glass and looks at me before taking a sip of the water. "My tastebuds are now satisfied."

A big goofy smile settles on my face. I don't usually joke or even talk much really. But with Declan, the words just come out.