*insert title here*

Chapter 5

**Editor's Note: Sorry this took such a hiatus. Major writers block 😅
PSA: This still may suck, I have no idea where this is going **

Dakota's POV:

After sitting and watching Gear and Kelsie a while laughing and giggling and showing off board tricks, I decided I would try my luck at being social. I am a pretty clumsy person, so skating wasn't really my cup of tea usually. But they seemed lighthearted enough. I shakily got up and picked up Gears extra board out of the trunk.

After some thought, I put the board down and got on, pushing forward. Hoping for the best. I kicked off and slid down into the skate park. Gear looked startled as I came down the ledge, looking like a bat out of hell. I had gained so much speed so fast. I reacted quickly hopping off the board and kicking it up into my hand. How did I know how to do that? Oh well, Beginner's luck. I thought to myself. "I've decided to join you two nutcases, you looked to be enjoying yourselves too much." I said with a stifled laugh. Kelsie smiled " I knew you'd perk up." Gear just stood in shocked silence.

Eventually the silence was broken, "Where'd you learn to skate?" asked Gear. I thought for a moment and replied "I didn't... which wasn't a lie, I really don't remember learning how .. beginner's luck I guess" He chuckled "Beginner's luck my ass, either way, nice moves" "Thanks" I replied, somewhat dryly I guess from his look.

He chuckled to clear the silence, "Shall we?"

We continued to skate for a couple hours, Gear stopping to grab hold of me when I almost fell, and Kelsie trying and failing to teach me how to volley. That shit is hard. I tried to tell them I really didn't know how to skate, but I guess my stunt coming in had them believing I was being modest.

Later, we all piled back into Gears truck, with a few extra scrapes and bruises from either bumping into each other, or accidently falling. But honestly, that was the most fun I'd had, since God knows when.

Gear started the truck and turned to me " I didn't expect you to join us, it was quite pleasant. " I met his gaze, feeling uncomfortable, but keeping it. "Yeah, it was the most fun I've had in a while, sorry I suck so bad" I replied, slightly chuckling at myself. Kels perked up from beside me, hitting my shoulder "You don't suck, you're just rusty, don't worry about it. We don't judge!" I smiled realizing these might actually be pretty damn good friends.

They drove me home, and I wasn't excited about going inside. I stuck my key in the lock and turned the knob, didn't work. So I knocked, waving Gear on , who was waiting on me to get safely inside. He obliged, hesitantly, it seemed and moved a couple houses down continuing to monitor me.

After what seemed like hours, but was in reality only a couple minutes my mother came to the door, looking utterly exhausted, and reeking of alcohol.

Irritated, I asked sharply "Mom, did you change the locks again?" She nodded, sheepishly. "Why the fuck would you do that and not tell me?" She looked hurt. " H-honey, I left you a key under the doormat. I- I.. thought I texted you." She replied, slurring her words. Taking her phone out of her back pocket to check, as I checked under the doormat for the supposed spare key "You didn't do either Mom. You really have to stop doing that, you are paranoid, and for what?! I can't even get into my own fucking house for Christ sake." She stood in complete silence, just staring. " I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gotten so worked up, let's get you back to bed, but please Mom for the love of God stop drinking, it's making you insane." She paused for a minute then nodded. I wasn't sure if it was in agreement or not but I took it.

I waved to Gear as I walked inside, so he knew I was safe and closed the door behind me, locking it.  I hate that my mother is like this, I hate not being able to be a kid. I thought to myself, but shook it.

I took my mom to bed and tucked her in. She looked exhausted. " Y-you're right, I really s-should s-stop." She said, just above a whisper, still slurring heavily. At that, she rolled over, sound asleep.

I was exhausted too, but I sat there lost in thought. Why is she like this? She never talks to me about anything, not about my father, which I assume I have, how else would she have a baby. Not about her life, not about when I was born, or where I was born. Not about why we move so much. Nothing... It's irritating.

I shook my thoughts, grabbed her keys to try them on the front door later, and went upstairs to my room, laying down after the long day I  just had and for once quickly fell asleep.