Again I recalled it. That final day I ever saw him. We were sitting on the river bank as the sun went down on June 25th 2009. It was what we did every chance we got because well, it was our favorite spot to go, to just be alone and talk. Then, when we were going home after the sun set, walking on the trail out of the woods and then following the road it happened. CRASH! He was fooling around in the middle of the road and the truck came out of no where. That was the last day we ever watched the sun set together. And now in 2011 on June 1st I recalled every bloody detail that happened. I was screaming the truck not stopping just going on and he lying in the middle of the road.
Looking out over the clear river water and watching the sunset I couldn’t help but to feel helpless. “You shouldn’t have died James.” I muttered. Summer school started tomorrow and sadly I, Nevada Livingston, had to go because ever since the accident I slacked off and failed science. But whatever, it gave me time to think. So when I got home I headed off to bed in preparation for a long summer.
I went to the school and sat through two long hours of science beside the biggest jerk ever, Nick King. And at the end of the day he followed me out and said, “Hey! I’m sorry I was messing with you today Nevada, could I make it up to you by taking you to out to coffee?” Shrugging I replied, “Yea sure.” Smiling he guided me to his car, a Dodge Charger. Sliding in the seat he drove to the Black Monkey Coffee shop and we went inside and sat down silently.
“I really am sorry Nevada. I’m also sorry about James and what happened.” My heart ached as he said his name. Apparently Nick noticed and reached across taking my hand in his. “Sorry.” Nick whispered. Nodding I squeezed his hand. “I really like you.” Nick looked in my eyes,” And I would really like to hang out. That is if you ever wanted to or if you are ready to see other people again.” Looking back at Nick I smiled vaguely. Nick smiled back and from then on we went out sometimes more and more every month till we were together almost all the time.
Then I decided to take Nick to the river to watch the sunset. I hadn’t been there since I started seeing Nick and I was ready to share this place with him to. We walked down to the river and sat on the bank. “This is nice.” Nick said holding me against him. “It is.” And it really was nice. For once James wasn’t haunting my heart when I was here. I could even say or hear his name now. To say the least, Nick mended my heart. “I love you Nevada.” Nick said quietly. Turning against him I said stunned, “I think I love you too Nick.” Nick kissed my cheek as the sun finally set.
When we started to leave I looked one last time at the river and its bank. Thank you James. I thought silently, and I will always love you too. Walking away from that river I was finally at peace with everything. It was an accident that happened to James, and it didn’t mean I couldn’t live my life anymore. I was with Nick, James was the past and I was happy now and hopefully always would be.
