Inside the Shadow

Chapter One: Riding the Line -POV: Mairi

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Looking out unto the openness of the world, outside the front doors of this train wreck of a school, I picked up my pace. Knowing Erin was to join me at our designated meet-up spot, I failed to try to even want to wait. I understood that he was stuck dealing with his overwhelming band class responsibilities. I always admired his flute playing skills; I tried using it once and all I accomplished was covering the mouthpiece with saliva. He can sound rather decent when he gets going. Sometimes I'd just sit, relax, and listen. As I pushed the glass door open, I took the first breath of fresh summer air. "Freedom." I felt a sense of liberation. Of all the things to be worried about, I was grateful school would be the last thing on my mind till August, starting now.

    As I gazed across the school grounds, I was struck by the views of the gardening that started only a few months ago. Clover Valley High recently got a donation from an alumnus who graduated with my mom. The school chose to spend the funds on landscaping and a new, state-of-the-art football field. The sight of the striking red, yellow, and purple Calla Lilies added a touch of whimsy to the schoolyard, momentarily allowing me to forget how much I truly disliked Clover Valley High. There always seemed to be shadows that just appeared to cover all the negativity in Clover Valley.

While I made my way downtown, I pulled out my flip phone to send a message to Erin. I'm aware of what you may be thinking, as I was also taken aback the first time, I saw it. Who still uses these outdated devices, let alone someone still in high school? The only other person I know who still uses one of these is my math teacher, Mr. Holden, and he uses a cane in class. I sent Erin a text letting him know I would be at the spot soon, even though I was still about a 30-minute walk away. Fortunately, the stroll to the Parks gazebo was downhill. It always felt as if gravity did some of the work, in a way.

Just as I got lost in my imagination of shrinking and playing among the flowers, I suddenly remembered that I had to let Zach know I was done with school. Zach being my boyfriend for what, the third time now? What can I say, I tend to forgive too easily. From what I could tell, it appeared that my connection with Zach had been getting better lately. We have been fighting and arguing less, and he finally quit following that blonde bimbo college girl that we met at a frat party last month. I understand that he is not perfect, but he seemed to be making an effort to improve for me.

As I snapped out of my daze, I realized I had already walked for 15 minutes and was nearing the Toll Star gas station. I liked to stop in for a few drinks just in case we spend a while at the spot. As I entered, a petite and enthusiastic lady welcomed me. With my head down, I made my way to the standing coolers. I feel anxious in public and prefer to keep a low profile. Who wants unwanted attention from strangers? I grabbed my two regular fruity beverages, paid, and headed out. I prefer to make trips like these as quickly as possible, especially when I am by myself.

Immediately, I felt a vibrating sensation coming from my back pocket. Erin, maybe? It had been a little bit since I sent that text. I peered at the screen and read, 'I brought my new fold-up scooter this time. Be there in ten.' Wow, not much of a wait then. If he went faster down that hill, he could be the first one there. I checked to see if my message to Zach was sent or not; My phone is tricky sometimes. It all seemed to be right to me. 'Back in the pocket you go.' I thought. I glanced over to see the top of the gazebo. We chose it to be our spot a few years ago. We were walking downhill one day during my freshman year, Erin's 8th grade year; We decided to designate a meeting spot as we began to explore the town more frequently.

As I drew closer to the entrance of the park, I became aware of a dampness spreading across my shirt, a telltale sign of the amount of sweat on my body. It was the first day of official summer and it was a humid one. A reminder that the season was now in full swing. I found solace in realizing that I would soon be sheltered from the harsh glare of the sun by the serene ambiance of the gazebo. The calming presence assured one could enjoy the warmth of the day without fear of potential sunburn. As I started the last five minutes of my walk to the spot, I felt my phone buzzing once again. I checked it, noticing a new message from Erin. 'Last one there is a rotten egg!' The message influenced me, like that of receiving a text from a stranger, saying, 'Nice backpack.' Was he already here? In the gazebo? I know it took me a while to get here, but I did leave before him, for sure. I put my phone back and prepared for whatever might come. Erin tends to sneak up behind me without my noticing until he startles me. Maybe he's good at sneaking because he's so short.