Lunchbox Friends | Aaron Hull

31

Alexa's Point of View

"I'm sorry he didn't show Alexa," Haley said as we sat in her on the drive back to my house.

"It doesn't make any sense to me," I cried putting my face in my hands. "Maybe Ryleigh was right."

"We could give him the benefit of the doubt," Haley shrugged.

"We could. But I'm not."

"I get it either way," She said.

"You sure you wanna go home?" Asked Haley.

"I don't know. Maybe I should be alone," I said.

"Are you sure?"

I sniffled and nodded my head as she pulled into the driveway of the basement apartment Tarver was allowing me to stay in.

"Sixteen and you have your own apartment," Haley shook her head with a smile. "You go girl!"

I gave her a week smile, "You know it."

"Do you miss your parents?" Asked Haley.

"My mom has become a full fledged alcoholic who allows my father to have affairs," I said. "Does that answer your question?"

She nodded her head, "You can always stay with me."

"Thanks for the offer Hales," I said as I leaned over to her and hugged her. "Thank you for being such a good friend since we met. I never deserved you."

"Alexa stop talking like that," Haley said. "You're freaking me out. And of course you deserve me! We deserve each other!"

I flashed her a smile as I pulled away from the hug, "Talk to you later."

I got out the car and walked down the stairs to my basement apartment. Despite being a basement, it was all redone and super nice.

"Home sweet home," I mumbled as I pushed into the door.

I checked my phone and surprised, I had a text from no other but Kathy.

Kathy: hey alexa <3 i left my rehab last night and just got access to my cellphone back. thank you so much for saving my LIFE. i can never thank you enough. you are the bestest friend anyone could ever ask for. everyone in your life, should feel so lucky. i love you to death and can't wait for you to visit<3

I smiled at the text. This was so nice to see after a night of feeling so empty and worthless. It's crazy how one person can tear down what a ton of people are trying to build up for you.

Me: kathy!!! i'm so glad your home surrounded by the people that love you! i'm always here for you if need be. i love you so much girly <33

I dropped my bags down on the floor of my bed and crawled into my bed. I let sleep take over all of me.

I woke up to the sunshine no longer shining through my windows. I decdied to call Hamzah. The familiar sound of a FaceTime call beginning filled me ears. I ringing eventually stopped, and I heard Hamzah instead.

"Hi Hamzah," I said as I leaned back in my bed.

"How was it Alexa!" Hamzah beamed excitedly.

"He never showed," I sighed.

"Wait what?" Asked Hamzah. "Seriously?"

I nodded my head but didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry Alexa," Hamzah said. "Why?"

I shrugged, "I don't have. You haven't talk to him I guess?"

"No he hasn't gotten on PC," Hamzah shrugged. "I thought that was because he was with you."

"God I just hate it here Hamzah!" I cried into the phone. "Everything's falling apart! First with my parents, then Delilah, then you, then Kathy, and now Aaron! I can never catch a break!"

"Don't cry Alexa. Seriously, don't cry."

"I'm tired of being here. I just want to escape!"

"Then escape," Hamzah said. "Go and move somewhere. Try New York!"

"New York is too expensive," I rolled my eyes with a small laugh.

"Well how was I supposed to know that?! I'm no New Yorker," Hamzah laughed.

"Actually, you just gave me an idea. I'll call you back later. Okay?"

"Okay," Hamzah shrugged. "This isn't.. anything bad.. right?"

"Right," I smiled. "Call you later! By Hamzah love you!"

I hung up the phone not giving him the chance to say anything back. I hopped out of my bed and began shoving everything I own into duffle bags. All my clothes and small little things I needed. I decided to text Kathy.

Me: hey i really need your help. think i can stay with you for a little while?

Kathy: duhhh you're always more than welcomed.

I grabbed all my overstuffed duffle bags and even an overstuffed backpack and started walking towards the front door.

I looked around the apartment and smiled, "Goodbye."

I walked down the street to the diner. I entered my manager's office. I placed my uniform on his desk. He looked up at me, "What is this Alexa."

"My uniform," I said. "Oh and this key." I placed the key on top of the dress.

"What's the matter, why?" He asked. "Don't tell me my star waitress is quitting."

"I've got to leave," I said. "It's whats best for me."

"C'mon Alexa. You're thinking irrationally and impulsively. You want a raise? I'll give you a raise if that's what it takes."

"I've already made up my mind," I said. "But thank you."

"Alexa," Tarver said. "I know things for you aren't easy, if you need something, let me know. Always."

"Thank you," I said. "That means a lot. Well actually, can you give me a ride somewhere?"

"Sure," He said.

He stood up and put on his jacket and grabbed his keys off of his hook. As we walked out of the diner he turned to Matthew, a manager, "You're in charge. I'm stepping out for a little bit."

I waved to Matt as Tarver and I left the diner and walked to his expensive car.

"Where do you need to go?" He asked.

I gave him the address to Benny's house. As Tarver drove I poured my heart out about how I didn't belong here.

"I get it Alexa. Things are tough. But there's gotta be another way."

"There isn't," I shrugged.

As Tarver pulled up, I walked over to the door and knocked. Benny answered the door. 

"Hey Alexa, you coming in?" Asked Benny.

"No I-" I didn't know how to say it. "Can you just give this to Aaron?"

"Wait what, why?" Asked Benny.

I shrugged but turned around and walked away.

"Alexa!" He called.

I felt arms envelope behind me. I turned around and Benny stood there.

"Alexa I don't know what's happening with you but I have a really bad feeling about it," Benny said.

I hugged Benny, "I'm okay. I just need time for myself."

"Alexa if anything happened between you and Aaron you still have me. You can text or call if you need anything," Benny offered.

"Thanks," I said. "But I really have to go Benny."

"Who is that?" Benny pointed at the car

"My ride," I said.

"To where?" Benny asked.

"I'll text and call you okay?" I questioned as I rushed to Tarver's car as it began to down pour.

"Where to next?" Asked Tarver. "The train station. I need a ticket to Dallas, Texas."