My Rehab

TWO

I wake to the morning sun shining on my face. Lifting my head off the car door, I glance at the digital clock; it's 9 in the morning. Swallowing, I feel an awful taste in my mouth, so I look around for water, but no luck. Tyler slows down as we reach a stop light, and I feel something hit my foot.

I reach down, blindly looking for the unknown. Feeling around, I don't feel anything at first, but then I touch w cool, bottle like thing. I bring it up to my field of vision, and smile at my finding. Water. I instantly bring it up to my lips, and once it reaches my throat, I know it's not water.

"Em. That's not-" I instantly spit out the foul liquid I had just poured into my mouth. "-water." Tyler finishes with an amused chuckle.

"Gross. What was that?" Tyler hands me a bottle of actual water and his smile falters at my question. "Please don't don't tell me that was your bathroom." I gasp in horror. He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

"No. It wasn't my bathroom, Em." He gives me an apologetic smile, but I stop him once I remember the taste. It's straight Vodka.

"Don't. I don't want to start at the wrong foot with you. I need time to forgive you about leaving me to get arrested, and I don't want to make the list longer."

"I'm sorry." He whispers and takes my hand, giving it a small squeeze. I close my eyes and start thinking back to the day I first met him. The day when I felt my life truly began.

I was walking home from my friend Jacob's house when I heard a loud thumping of music. Curious as a 15 year old is, I crossed the street to walk by the house. As I neared closer, a couple of guys that looked around my age, were outside. I silently laughed at them as they danced around to the music. I'm guessing they were drunk.

"Hey!" One of them called over to me as I passed a bush belonging to the house next door. I looked around, but didn't see anyone else around. Confused, I pointed at myself, and a guy who looked like he could be on the football team, nodded. "Yeah, you. Come here." His smile was infectious, and I found myself walking over to him.

As I got closer, I was able to see him clearer. His hair was dark, chiseled jaw, blue/green eyes, and he was fit. He was the complete package. Look wise, anyway. When I was at arms reach, he instantly pulled me into him, but not too close, and we started dancing to what ever song was blaring through the speakers. Laughing, I mimicked his moves.

In that moment, I forgot I was 15-year-old, fucked up girl. I forgot that I was crashing some random high school party and was dancing on the front lawn with a random cute boy. This is what I wish my every day feel was. I wanted to forget about how shitty my life was. I wanted to live in the now, and do whatever I pleased. I wanted to truly be happy.

A different song started playing and the unnamed boy stopped dancing and stared into my eyes, as if looking for something. Instinctively growing insecure, I looked down at the ground.

"Hey." I felt him place his first finger under my chin, and he slowly lifted my head up. "What's your name?" His voice was extremely soothing- inviting even.

"Emma." I answered, feeling my normal, shy self. I don't know where I got the confidence to dance around like a crazy person, but it didn't last long. Nothing changes.

"Tyler." He stepped back and playfully bowed with one hand tucked neatly across his stomach, the other on his back.

I laughed at his gesture, and with the same modesty replied, "Such a perfect name for a perfect boy."

"Babe. I'm far from perfect." He instantly pointed out, unfazed by my remark.

That was a warning I should've paid attention to.