How We Met

Chapter 3

Please listen to 'This is How You Fall in Love' by Jeremy Zucker.

Joel's Perspective-

I got to school the next day and looked around.

Etho was nowhere in sight.

I immediately got worried that he did something to himself.

Is he okay? Jesus, I shouldn't have been so mean to him!!!

I started to panic, and the bell rang.

I grumbled, knowing that if I skipped school my father would kill me.

I looked around, biting my lip.

I already am in trouble with my dad, not like he won't be mad at me when I get home.

I glanced at the front doors to the school before sighing and shaking my head, walking to class.

-

This day felt like it took forever.

Every class dragged on as if they knew that I was dying to go somewhere.

My mind was racing, thinking of ways I could apologize to Etho and make him believe me when I was sincerely apologizing.

And finally, after what felt like forever, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day.

I sprang up and darted for the door, racing out of school.

I knew my dad would hate me for being late when I got home, but this was too important. I had to make it up to Etho.

And pray that he didn't commit suicide.

-

I panted as I ran.

I had to get to him.

I had to apologize.

I ran faster down the street and stumbled as I turned the corner.

I saw Etho's house and ran up to it.

I took a second to catch my breath and I glanced at a rose bush near his house.

I grabbed one of the rose's, ignoring how the thorns were pricking into my hand.

I then took a deep breath before knocking.

Etho's Perspective-

"Etho, can you get the door?" My mom asked.

I groaned.

"Hey, you're not actually sick yet I still let you stay home for your mental health, so answer the door."

I sighed and got up, opening the door.

My eyes widened as I saw Joel.

"J-Joel?! What are you- "

"I- I'm sorry." He said, breathing hard, "Thank god you're alive."

"Wha- what- why- "

"Etho- I- I'm so, so sorry for doing that to you back in 3rd grade. I feel terrible and now everyone's been bullying you and- "

Joel stretched out his hand and held up a rose.

"I'm sorry." He said.

I blinked.

"Er- do you need help cleaning off your hand? It's bleeding from the rose's thorns."

Joel chuckled quietly.

"That'd be great." He said and I smiled weakly.

"Yeah, come on in."