Lost Cause (Tyler Carter)

Chapter 11

Today is my birthday and dad comes back from Vegas. I'm not at all looking forward to my family being at my house later. I made the mistake of telling Rachel she could come to my house, so whatever happens, she'll have to witness.

Not only is today my birthday, but it's also St. Patrick's day. My family will be drinking and alcohol only makes everything worse.

Anyways, I walked to lunch with Rachel, Michael, Sara, A.J., Sky, and Ty; Sky's twin brother. Ty is really cool. He's really talented behind the turntables and keyboard.

I sat by Rachel and Michael at the table.

I guess I was in my own world because I didn't notice Rachel nudging my arm with her elbow.

"Tyler, you there?" She giggled.

"Oh," I said. "yeah, sorry."

I wasn't really in the mood to eat, so I just picked up my fork and smashed green beans with it. I was really just trying to keep Rachel from asking if there's anything wrong, but it didn't work.

"Hey," She whispered. "you okay?"

I hesitantly nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."

She frowned. "Tyler, what's wrong?"

"I don't want you to see my family fight."

She sighed. "It's going to be okay."

"No, it's not." I said. "You haven't seen the way they get."

She sighed. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

I smiled because I know she's only trying to make me feel better.

The screeching bell rang and I threw my tray away.

Sky and I walked to the gym that just happens to be way across campus.

"So, are you glad I made you talk to Rachel?" He asked.

"Whatever, man."

"I hear she's going over to your house later." He said. "What kind of present do you think she's going to give you for your birthday?"

I looked over at him and he winked.

"Shut the fuck up, you're gross!" I pushed him off the sidewalk.

He laughed like hyena. "I'm just playing."

We got to the gym and went into the locker room. It wreaked of sweat, calogne, and deoterent just like everyday.

I changed into my gym shorts and an old t-shirt.

"Yo, Tyler, you ready for our track meet tomorrow?" Josiah said. He's a guy in my class and on my track team. He's pretty nice.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot that was tomorrow." I said. "Coach giving us our jerseys and shorts today?"

"No, tomorrow morning before we leave." He said.

"Okay, cool." I said.