Basic

Chapter Eight

After Harley drove off last night, I've had this uncomfortably heavy feeling in my chest. He's the one who asked about my mom, so I shouldn't feel guilty... right? Maybe I should've asked him about it. maybe that was his way of calling out for help. But he doesn't seem the type to open up so easily, I think last night was a slip up. whereas I might as well have told him my entire life story. Hazel might be the only one to know each of my secrets. So why was I telling Harley my personal business?

It was fun spending last night with him and seeing that bit of his unguarded side and just when I thought he was warming up to me, he closed off. at least he didn't run away, he even bought us fries. Why didn't he run away? I'm thinking way too deeply into this guy I met literally two days ago. I think I need a break from all this motorcycle club crap. Stanley's not in town these days anyway, maybe he is avoiding me. stop thinking about it Amber!

School's just finished for the day and I'm already getting tired of having to walk to and from school, so I decide to stop at my father's mechanics to get some gas.

As I reach closer and closer to the shop the clanging of metal becomes louder with each step. Ah the familiar sound of home.

The building is rather plain, with a big red sign hung over the garage door reading 'Riley's', I've always hated that sign, it's so old and rusted but my father can never seem to find the time to replace it. it's weird being here again, I've always been one of those weirdos that likes the smell of the fumes, just being here again feels homey, but there's a reason I stopped working here.

I walk through the small reception space and politely smile to Felix, who is sat typing behind the desk; he's quite young, he joined my last day here.

I head out back where I see the usual car parts and tools scattered across the room, with a towering stack of wheels all balanced on the back wall. I walk towards the red BMW I know my father has been working on all week, and just to my luck my father's head pops up from behind the open bonnet, at the sound of my sneakers crossing the concrete. It was dangerous of me to come in here with my white shoes on.

"Just wanted to grab a gas can to fill up Gloria" I let him know as I look over at his dusty and smudged face.

"You know where they are" is all he responds before getting back to his work. Before I can go grab one, something tells me to stay put.

"Dad?" it feels strange to call him that, but he still responds, and I see his eyes pop back up quite confused. Why did I call him that? "I've been wondering about your dad, your real dad"

"Amber, I've told you all you need to know about that man" Before he can get back to work and dismiss me again, I speak up.

"His name. but don't you want to know where he is now? Aren't you curious?"

"Amber don't start getting into that shit, I know where he is now, probably prison, I want you staying away from everything about him, so stop asking and get home" my head falls from my temporary confident stance and I head round back to get a gas can. I shouldn't have asked. What's wrong with me? maybe he's right, I should stay away from that stuff... my curiosity always just gets the best of me. I come back to the dormant car and he's not moved an inch; he's still intently staring at the car with his hand rubbing his chin. I know that face, he's stuck.

"Need a hand?" I miss working in the shop. Coming home with greased up hands and my clothes reeking of gas, I don't miss. I do miss Bex and solving car mysteries, I miss the joy of finally fixing a car I've been stuck on for days and going to Andy's for our lunch break.

"I can't get it running, you've always seen things I don't" a grin slowly grows on my face at the subtle face. It reminds me of the good old times with my dad at the mechanics. I quickly tie my hair back from my face and just looking at the car parts hits me with a wave of nostalgia.