How to Save a Life | Joshifer

Chapter 29: Going for Good

I wake up on my bed. I rub my nose. It's probably bruised, I feel the pain. I sit up. I locked my door last night, so Woody wouldn't come in to yell at me or come to say sorry. But I doubted that would happen.

I walk over to the door and unlock it. I peek my head outside. No sign of Woody near. I walk out and quickly hop my way into the bathroom. I lock the door.

I let the warm waters shower over me. Relaxing my tense muscles. Washing away everything including the dried blood under my fingernails. I sit on the shower floor resting my head on the white tiles that make the walls.

Now I have to tell Woody I'm leaving him for New York. Somehow I find this easy to do. If I would have had to tell this to Josh, It would break my heart.

I get out after an hour. It just felt like minutes being in there. I get dressed and pull my hair into a lazy ponytail.

I begin my way down the stairs. I hear the sound of dishes are being put away. I see Woody moving quickly throughout the kitchen, whispering to himself.

"Woody?" I say looking down at my feet.

"Huh?" He mumbles.

"I need to talk to you." I say, I walk and sit down on the kitchen counter.

"Look, kid, I'm sorry. Josh is unpredictable. It was just the first thing I gave you that made me feel like I was somewhat important in your life." Woody admits.

"Woody...you've given me more than just a car, you've given me a home and a new life. And you'll always be important." I swing my legs. He smiles at me.

"You know I didn't mean to yell," He says drying the dishes.

"I know." I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. "Listen, Julliard, they're having an Early Acceptance and... I would have to leave tomorrow which is Saturday, to settle in before Monday. And I know it's a big-"

"Okay," He says. Somehow I wanted him to say no.

"Okay?" I had taken back.

"Yeah. I'm not going to keep you here. You're not my kid to keep from your dreams. That was Gary's job. It's all up to you. Anyways I'm not leaving, I'm always going to be here. Thanksgiving, Summer, and Christmas. We will both see you." He says.

"We?" I question.

"Who else sweetheart? He won't give up on you." Woody finishes the dishes. "Anyways, If I were you I'd go and pack up. I'll drive you to the airport." He walks away.

I walk out to the porch and walk to my abused truck. I up on the door's handle. It takes a few tugs before it opens. I wipe the pieces of glass on the seat. I climb in and place my hands on the wheel.

**Flashback**

I wait at the longest light I have ever waited at before, 10 minutes sitting and not moving an inch. It's an intersection and there are no cars in sight. I should just take the slim chance. But I don't, anything can happen. When the light finally turns green. I see it a back spot jet on my right. I press the gas.

I hit it! I jump out of the car. IT"S A PERSON! My heart sinks. I run into the middle of the intersection. A puddle of blood starts to form. I begin to panic. I knee to the limp body.

"Please don't be dead! Please stay with me!" I wipe the blood off of....his forehead. I hear a faint heart beat when I rest my ear against his chest. I talk to him repeatedly.

"HELP! HELP!" Scream as tear roll and rain roll down my face. I keep yelling for help. A car in the distance comes to my aid. The stranger calls 911 and doesn't dare knee down with me.

"You're going to be okay! I'm so sorry! You're going to be fine! " I whisper into his ear over and over.

**********

I lean my elbow on the door. That day will always be with me. I could never forget it. It had started my life all over again. That day I learned that throughout the bad accident and mistakes, there is always something good the comes in return.

I grab the phone out of my pocket. I go through my six contacts. I press call. The phone rings and rings and rings.

"Leave a message for-" I hang up. I call again. Nothing. I don't want to leave a voicemail. I hate voicemails.

"Hey Josh, I was wondering if you could call me back. I just need to hear your voice once more. I took what you said into consideration and I'm leaving. So...if you could call me. You could text maybe..." I look at the hood of the car and see Josh's name dug into it. "...Nevermind, forget I even left this message for you. You made everything clear so umm I'll just stop bugging you. Bye." I hang up. I lean my head back. He's probably I'm pathetic.

I get out of the car and slam the door the hardest I can. I jump when the alarm starts going off. I cover my ears.

"Dumb car! You'll go off when I slam the stupid door but not when Josh breaks your windows and slashes your tires!" I yell at the truck.

Woody comes out and presses the car key pointer thingy. The alarm stops. He stares at me.

"What?" I say.

"You are so weird." He laughs to himself. I glare at him. I go inside and up to my room.

I grab my two biggest luggages I own. I start to fill the first on with clothes. A bunch of clothes. The second luggage is more of my clothes and shoes and towels. I fill one of my duffel bags with my laptop and carry-on items.

Then a knock comes from my door. "Come in," I say.

Woody walks in. And he has a square piece of paper. And a folder in his hands. He sits in my rolling chair. "Sit." I do as I'm told.

"What is it? I'm kind of not done-" He shuts me up.

"I went online and found the flight hours. Unfortunately, it's traffic timing so we have to leave a bit early if you want to be on time." Woody says. He hands me the flight papers. "Also, here, I'm not allowed to give you everything your parents left for you. But here's a 6,000 check. Emergencies only."

"Okay," I whisper.

"I'm going to miss you kiddo." He stands up and hugs me.

"Woody, I'm not leaving yet." I laugh but I hug him back.

"I know but I'm not doing this tomorrow," He says.

"What not saying goodbye." I let go and his eyes are red. "Oh, Woody..."

"Sorry, I should do this." He blinks his eyes.

"You're the best dad I could ever have and like you said, It's not like you're going anywhere," I say. He laughs a bit.

"Well, I'm going to leave you to pack." Woody pats my back. I've never hugged Woody. Ever. The first time he made me feel loved like I did with my parents. I miss those times.

I finish up packing and zip everything up. I plugged in my phone not caring to look at it. It would just be a disappointment to see nothing from Josh. I lay down, on my bed. If only I could have done things differently...