By the time the sun comes up, I'm already dressed for school and out the door before they even wake up. School doesn't even start for another hour.

I don't care, I just want to avoid him. Pathetic piece of garbage. "Yazmin?"

I look over to see Zach in a black Mustang. "Hey."

"Why are you headed to school so early?"

"Why are you?" I throw back at him, giggling. I stop abruptly.

He parks the car on the side of the road. "I always grab breakfast before school. Best way to start my day. Besides, I want coffee."

I don't say anything, so he continues. "Why don't you join me? It's my treat."

I go to shake my head, but my stomach rumbles, and I sigh in defeat. I head over to the car, getting in and buckling up. "Thanks."

"Not a problem. I love the company."

After breakfast, we sit in his car until it's time to go inside. Which isn't for another thirty minutes.

"So why are you so early? You never told me."

Nosy little shit. I mentally smack myself. I'm an asshole. I'm just tired from the lack of sleep. "Couldn't sleep. So I just came early out of boredom."

Half true. And a half lie isn't that bad. Especially if it's not hurting anyone.

"I feel it. My mom 'surprises' me with breakfast every morning. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate it. She just shoves food into my face like I'm anorexic."

"That's not too bad. I wish my mom could cook."

"And don't get me started on my dad. He's always wanted to watch a movie or play a video game, and I feel so smothered and overwhelmed."

What is he even complaining about? I wish my parents would give me love and affection. Well, except my dad. They work so much and care so little that I feel like I'm living on my own. Besides paying bills, of course.

I would get a job, but then I'd never be able to go home at night because of them locking the doors. Anytime they gave me money for more groceries, they'd overdo it. I'd keep the remaining amount and store it in the back of my closet in a hollowed out book.

"That's sweet, though. I love that your parents care for you and your relationship with them so much."

He scoffs. "You're the one to talk. You have an amazing house and everything you could ever want. Your parents aren't up your ass about everything."

I bite my tongue. If only he understood. "I'm gonna head in. Maybe go to the library and get a book or two."

I stepped out of the car but followed immediately by him. "Are we still on for study hall and lunch?"

"Yeah. Thanks for breakfast, by the way."

He sips the last of his coffee before throwing it in the bind at the entrance. "My pleasure. See you later then!"

"Yeah, later." I say, turning the corner towards the library.

I grab a couple of books from the fiction section and one from the non-fiction as well. I take them to my first class, history, and begin reading one before the bell rings.

Two chapters deep, and students begin sitting down in their assigned seats. I fold the paper on the edge to mark my place, taking out my history book and notebook.

This day couldn't go any faster. Before I know it, lunch is rolling around, and I'm already dreading going home. I'm at least alone, so I can't complain too much.

Zach said to meet in the library when I got my lunch, so I do just that. He's already sitting at a table in the corner with a tupperware container and his notebook.

I sit down, saying hi, and stare down at the monstrosity that is this lunch. If you can call it that. Pizza, applesauce, corn, and a milk box. Wow. So healthy.

Meanwhile, he pulls out a delicious turkey sandwich, apple, homemade coleslaw, and a water bottle.

"Lucky. I might as well be eating garbage."

He looks down at the plate. "Man, I love pizza Fridays. Wanna trade?"

Oh my God. "Are you sure?" I keep it cool, containing my excitement.

"My mom packed this for me. You can have it." He laughs. We switch meals and dig in before getting started on his paper.

"Why is West falling in love with Reina? There has to be a reason behind his actions."

He points out a part we wrote yesterday. "Because he got to know her over the course of six months. Even though their interests aren't the same, they understand one another, and he finds her as an outlet in his cruel world he's living in."

"Well, that's a very good start, but maybe add something about how she's passionate about animals and wanting to be a doctor. How hard she works to get what she needs and wants. I suppose you could describe her as well, but I'll leave that up to you."

The bell rings, signifying the end of lunch so we pack our things up, trashing our lunches. He waves to me before heading off to his next class while I head to math.

By the time gym class ends, I'm sweating from the four laps around the track that we did. I decided to shower at school quickly because I smell like trash.

I spray on my perfume and head to the double doors, but not before Zach meets me outside and asks if I need a ride home.

If my parents saw a boy dropping me off-- "Nope. I need the fresh air."

"You just ran a mile in gym, and you want more fresh air and more pain in your legs?" He smiles.

I slap my thigh. "I'm made of steel. Like Iron Man. Or something."

He laughs hard before correcting me. "No one's technically made of steel. Especially not IRON man. And Superman isn't made of steel. He's just 'the man of steel'."

"Okay, nerd." I smile. "But I don't need a ride. My dad would freak."

"Didn't you say they were rarely home?"

"Yeah, but they're home right now. They don't leave until 3:30." I explain.

"So? We could go for some food, and I could drop you off when they're gone."

I sigh. "I can't, Zach. I gotta get home. I have a lot of work to do. Maybe you can stop by sometime this weekend, though?"

He smiles. "Okay. Just be careful walking home." He waves and gets in his car, taking off down the road.

I make my way home and get there two minutes before 3:30. I see my mom's car pulling out and driving down the street, and my heart falls to my stomach.

I'm locked out. Great. Fantastic. I sit on the porch steps, pondering on what to even do. They're never home until midnight.

It would be easy to just wait, but it’s not worth it. My dad can get angry when he finds me wandering around town without him. If he found me out here at a late hour, I’d get a lecture about how irresponsible I am or something. Not good enough for his fancy, expensive life.

I can't climb to the second floor even if I were athletically inclined. Sabrina is still sick, and Zach is an absolute no-go.

I try the back door, and by sheer luck, it's actually unlocked. Idiots. I make my way inside, stopping in the kitchen to make some dinner.

This time, I decided on a roast, potatoes, and carrots. I season the roast beautifully and put all of the ingredients into the large pan. I fill it with broth and water before putting it into the oven.

I might as well do my chores while it's cooking. I finish in enough time to start on my homework.

An hour later, I hear a knock at the front door. I head downstairs and open it, revealing a sweaty, tired Zach.

"Hey." He smiles.