Is This Our Second Chance

Chapter 6

"I have nothing to wear," I announce to Brandon. I was standing in the middle of my bedroom with most of the contents of my closet tossed around my room like a tornado.

Brandon glances up from a game he's playing on his pone. "I think a pair of jeans and a t-shirt would be just fine."

I throw my hands up in frustration. "Can't you just give me a hint as to where we are going?"

Without looking up he pops a "nope" my way. "You have 10 more minutes though, so get a move on."

I shoot into my closet and begin to leaf through my clothes, sighing as I realize that the perfect outfit wasn't going to jump out at me. I settle on a denim romper and a pair of sandals, slapping some makeup on and yanking my hair into a ponytail.

"You look nice," Brandon encourages as we grab our phones and head out to his car.

"It's a great evening out. The sky is clear. It's not hot but not chilly enough for a jacket. I love this time of year, especially when the leaves start to change and the smell of bond fires is in the air." With the window down, I rest my head on my arm while my fingers play with the air rushing through them.

Brandon pulls into the driveway of an old barn that has light spilling out of the open doors and music playing so loud it can be heard inside the car. The party was already in full swing by the time we arrive, just how I like it.

I step out, and grin over at Brandon who grins right back. "Kayla's already waiting for you inside," he says with a smile.

At that I dash off towards the party and quickly find Kayla with a beer in her hand waiting for me.

****

The first thought that I registers is the pounding headache, the next is the intense sunlight streaming through the window in my bedroom. Lying in bed, I stare up at the ceiling watching the ceiling fan blades go in circles trying to recall memories of the night before. Only brief images pop into my mind's eye, and the images that I can make sense of start to make my stomach clench into knots.

I quickly press my fingers to my eyes and try to get my breathing under control. The panic attack creeping up on me is reaching an unavoidable peak. Throwing my covers off myself I lung into my bathroom and turn the water to scolding hot in the shower. I shed my clothes and get in and sit down to feel the water rain down on my back and head.

I start wheezing and clutching at my chest as I force air into my lungs. After a few moments, my breathing slows, and I can retain some oxygen. I lean back against the wall of the shower and focus on relaxing each of my muscles starting from my toes.

Once I feel satisfied, I'm going to live, I towel off and get dressed. Grabbing my phone, I fall face first onto my bed and dial Kayla's number.

"I wondered if you'd call me this morning."

I can practically hear the smirk through the phone.

"Yeah, I need some help filling in some blanks from last night. The pieces I do remember, I really wish I didn't. Care to help?"

"I suppose it depends on what you actually remember. Do you remember the part of the night where Zach showed up? Or does your memory get lost before then?" Again, the smirk evident in her voice.

"I remember him showing up at the party and being thoroughly pissed off that I was basically drunk. But that's about where it all stops. I only have glimpses after that." I feel my headache starting to throb again.

"Well Stella, you sort of unleashed The Kraken of emotions on him. Then he scooped you up, under your intense protests, and carried you outside to his car. After that, I can only assume there was crying, yelling, and some making up." Now, I can hear genuine concern in her voice. "Does any of that ring any bells?"

I let out a sigh. "Yeah, some of that is starting to come back to me. At least enough of it that I'll have to swallow my pride and talk to him now that I'm sober to get the rest of the details." Just at the thought of that was giving me anxiety.

****

A few days passed without incident. I found my mood getting darker as the days crept closer to winter. It was a Friday afternoon and the bell signaling the day was over had just finished ringing throughout the halls. While everyone around me was busy making plans and talking of parties for the next forty eight hours, I made myself busy counting those hours down till the tardy bell rang Monday morning. 

The weekends were the worst. It was always hit or miss on if things at home would be quiet and depressing or loud and upsetting. To top things off Zach and I had still not talked about last weekend's events.

Out of nowhere though, Zach appeared by my side at my locker.

"So, I think we should probably talk about last weekend. What do you think? We could head out now and get the serious stuff out of the way. Then if you're up to it, I'd be happy to be your escort for the weekend. Free of charge."

I can't help but stare up into his green eyes that seem to see clear through to my soul. Would it be so horrible to let him execute whatever plan he seems to have about the weekend? I knew the answer was yes, but I felt my lips say the complete opposite.

"Alright, sure, you can follow me home. That way I can drop my car off and grab a few things first." I shut my locker door and begin walking in the direction of the parking lot. I count three seconds before he catches up to me.

He places his arm around my shoulders and gives a laugh. "Just don't drive like an old lady. I'd hate to still be at your house when your mom gets home. Something tells me she'd be pretty mad to learn you aren't planning on staying at Kayla's all weekend."

I chew on my lip and think about it, than I give him a nod. "I'll see you in a few minutes."

We pull into the driveway at almost the exact same time. I got out and lock my car. "You can come in, or you can wait here, either way I'll only be a couple minutes."

He gives a nod in acknowledgment so I take off inside. Noticing that it's been a while since I've cleaned up, I can't help but feel a little embarrassed.

Let him stay in the car, please let him stay in the car. She prayed her thoughts would be answered.

Running up the stairs, I burst into my bedroom. I grab my drawstring bag and shove a toothbrush and some hair stuff in. Then I freeze. What kind of clothes was I going to need? It's not like I know what his plan was. Plus, its been years since we've hung out like this. I decide on a tank top and a few t-shirts to go with my favorite jean shorts.

Thinking about how tired I am, I grab an additional pair of shorts and a t-shirt to sleep in and shove them in also. I toss my makeup bag and my journal off my bed in as well. On my way out, I shut and lock the front door.

***

I decide to wait outside; I don't think she really wants me in her house yet. I also know she doesn't completely trust me. She just doesn't want to be home, I think to myself, and she would have taken any offer that presented itself to her. I run my hands through my hair,

"Should be able to fix a decent number of things this weekend," I mumble to myself.

I watch her emerge from the house and take out her key to lock up behind her. I check the clock. It had been precisely five minutes, maybe less. I frown. If memory was correct, she used to never be able to move that fast. As she climbs into the passenger seat next to me, I can't help but wonder just how much she has changed.