The Beginning, Middle, but not the End

Day 6,053 (May 13th)

It's the last day of school, so we stay with our homeroom class for the first half of the school day. None of my friends are in my homeroom, however, I do have a few acquaintances. We're watching​Charlie and the Chocolate Factory w​hile eating pizza. Some people are in groups, talking and laughing, enjoying their last day. What am I doing? I'm sitting here in a squeaky plastic chair, consuming greasy pepperoni pizza, drinking flat soda, watching one of my favorite movies, alone.

I dispose of all my trash in the trash bin, and gather my belongings as the bell rings. We go to the gym for one last assembly of the year. It's supposed to be a farewell type thing. I skipped last year, and I could probably do the same this year, but what's the point in that? I don't have anything better to do, unlike last year when I skipped with my friends to go out city-roaming.

The gym is crowded and hot, making it feel suffocating. Humidity is higher in here, and the air smells strongly of B.O. The bleachers are packed with all the students at school. Maybe I could skip, I don't see any spot that is visibly accessible anyways. I turn around and walk away. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a familiar face. Just for a second, I let my eyes wander away from my walking path. It's Dallas. He doesn't smile at me, he stops in his tracks. His lips are in a straight line. My heart begins to race faster and faster, where am I going again? I shake my head as I look back down to my feet. I walk quicker, and leave the school.

It's getting hot out now, so I stop to take off my hoodie and tie it around my waist. There's a few other people who clearly had the same idea as me about skipping. They walk towards the parking lots, but I stay with the sidewalk. I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do, but I know what direction I'm headed.

I pass by the animal clinic, I stopped volunteering there a while ago. It was because another group of volunteers started there and it was getting crowded, so I decided to step down, that's okay though because I realized I needed to spend more time on schoolwork and yearbook rather than there. I'm still considering that as a future though. I'm going to try volunteering there again at some other point maybe.

It bums though because I'd only really want to do it with Dante, but none of them are talking to me and unfortunately I'm not so upset by that. Maybe it's for the best.

I walk through the entrance, and the doorbell rings as usual. At the counter I wait for someone to come take my order. The familiar blond-haired boy walks my way.

"You're here later for once," Brendon smirks to me.

I smile back to him, "It's the last day of school."

He starts making my coffee for me, "That's so cool, dude. I don't have a last day, I'm home schooled."

That must be why I never see him, "Okay, that makes more sense as to why we've never run into each other before."

He nods, "Yeah. So what are your plans for the day?"

I'm probably going to go for a walk after this, "Just wandering around. You?"

"Nothing. I get off for lunch in 20 though and get an hour break. Care for me to join you?"

At first, I hesitated, "Uh, sure. I'll hang around here until then." Brendon smiles and nods at me. I turn around and find an empty booth. I'll wait here until his shift is over. The Harry Potter book in my bag calls my name, so I take it out. I flip the book to page one, and start from the beginning. The pages of the book are worn out because I've read it so many times, in fact I've lost track. It will never not be my favorite book though.

Soon enough, I feel someone tap my shoulder. I turn around to see Brendon wearing his normal clothes. It's odd seeing him without his apron. "Harry Potter?" He gestures to my book. I nod, and he shrugs.

"I don't care for the series. I'm sure the books are better than the movies, but they kind of ruined it for me."

I scoff, "How can anyone hate HP?"

"It's not that I hate it, I just don't care for it."

"That's crazy."

He shrugs, "You ready for our walk?" I stand up and gather my things. Before we walk out, I make sure to grab my coffee. We walk down the streets, and end up on the street next to mine. In the distance, I hear adrenaline filled alternative music that I immediately recognize. I don't want to continue on this path, but I don't want to chicken out on something so small like I normally do. I can do this, I'll just walk past the house.

Fifteen more feet until I'm in front of the house. I can do this. We walk past, but someone calls my name and the music stops. I dreadfully turn to the garage. Brendon looks to them and waves with a big smile plastered on his face. Dallas and his band are practicing. Well, not anymore. They've stopped to stare at me, well everyone except Dallas. He looks everywhere but me, mainly at his bass. Elliot, the guitarist and vocalist, waves me over with a big smile on his face. I'm guessing Dallas hasn't told them anything. I look at Dallas, my former best friend, who looks so sad. Did I do this? Am I the one who is hurting everyone? How is that even possible?

My eyes start to sting, and I take a deep breath, "I'm sorry, Brendon. I have to go."

His smile fades, "What do you mean?"

"I'm sorry," I turn away, and walk. I walk quicker and quicker, hoping the music will resume, but it doesn't. I don't want to be here. I'm still shocked that they stopped me. Oh God, I left Brendon there too. I shake my head, why am I so stupid? My eyes sting even more now. Finally, the tears escape and relieve the stinging sensation. What am I even doing anymore? I walk back to my house, cutting in alleyways between houses, weaving my way back and forth until I finally reach home. I go straight to my room, and collapse onto the comfort of my bed.