How to Save a Life

Chapter 3

It was Social Studies class. I sat near the lockers and tried to do my classwork. I was frustrated! My mind zoned in and out into my memories I wanted to forget and my thoughts that haunt me...

It was getting cooler as fall began to creep up behind summer. We were in the woods, but in the open-on a camp ground. We were walking up the hill back to the campsite after fishing and riding in the boat someone brought out. It was late afternoon as the sun nearly met the trees that stood tall. I looked to my left. He looked back and smiled with his bright grin that made me blush a red rose. He slightly swung his hair out of his vibrant light brown eyes. We were caught in the moment-like we were caught in a dream. The world was forgotten as we stared into each other's eyes. The conversation stopped...he began to laugh somewhat. Before I could comprehend what was going on, I was swept off my feet as the boy picked me up as if I was his bride and ran up the hill. I was kind of shocked and a bit worried he would drop me...but I felt special. I loves that moment. He finally placed me back on the ground and we made out way back up to the campsite.

"Cass?" My classmate next to me asked with worry and sadness. I snapped out of my daze and looked up. The girl looked worried and shocked.

"What's wrong?" She asks looking at my face.

"N-nothing...I'm f-fine." I stutter. I feel the tears that stain my cheeks. I've been crying.

"H-how l-long have I b-been crying?" I ask as my voice cracks a bit.

"Well...I was going to ask you about a question, but you didn't hear me say your name a-and tears began to fall down a-and you just sat there sniffling and whimpering." She explains with a sad look. "If you need me-for anything...please just let me know, ok?" She tells me with a small smile. I didn't know what to say. Before she said another word, I hugged her.

"T-tank y-you." I whisper trying not to cry.

"No problem Cass...that's what friends are for." She says with a smile. I turn back to my classwork with a sigh and pickup the pencil. I looked at my paper and began to work on the questions at hand. The memory is etched into my mind as it tugs me to remember and dwell on the reminder that...he's gone.

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I struggle to catch up with my classmates on the packet. Because I zoned out for a portion of the class, I most likely wasn't going to finish this packet today like I wanted to. I write as many answers as possible before the bell signals us to our next class.

45. What was the removal of the Cherokee Indians to Oklahoma known as?

'Trail of Tears'

46. Who invented the syllabary for the Cherokee Indians?

'Sequoyah'

47. What was discovered that caused the final Indian removal?

'Gold in the Cherokee Land'

I was writing answers as fast as possible, completely focused on my work. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was very annoyed and was about to snap at the disturbance when I looked up and was hypnotized by his brown eyes.

"Uh...you know 4th period ended about three minutes ago...right?" he asked me. 'Why did nobody tell me the bell rung?!' My cheeks felt on fire, I was embarrassed.

"Brice...I Umm. I d-didn't k-know...I'll just go." I stutter, gathering my things. I dashed out of the room to my locker to gather my language arts and science binders, trying to get to class on time. As I dash bolt down the hall, my fiery hair bounces with my every move, exploding in every direction, clutching my books closely to my chest. I make it to my 5th period class on time and release a breath I didn't know I was holding. Taking my seat, I wave to Jessamine, Armin, Tre, and Emma who look at me with confusion. 'This will be fun to explain to them.' I think to myself as I pull out my materials to begin class.