Life Beyond a Swing Set

Chapter 5

Chapter 5 (Katie's POV)

I am on the phone in tears to my mum for the next 3 hours discussing what was happening. She explained that when she and dad were telling me about Meg, James and Elliot's car accident I stayed mute. They told me that day in the headmaster's office that Elliot survived but Meg, James and the other driver had passed away.

It's hard but I tell her the truth that I blocked them out and didn't hear anything but buzzing. This happened for about a year when they would mention any of their names and until now I thought it was unintentional. I continue to explain this was because I blamed them for making James, Meg and Elliot leave at that certain time, on that certain day.

Mum begins to cry and apologies' because she thought I understood but couldn't cope. I feel sickened by the sound of her voice as she tries to stay strong and keep her tears at bay.

I was a child and I blamed them for something that wasn't there fault that they weren't even a part of. I made up a story in my head that resulted in my best friend's death, all because I wouldn't listen.

She asks if I want to go out for coffee and I say no but thank her and hang up. I curl up in bed and begin to think, as I do I notice something... something shines with reflection from my closet. I walk over and see a photo frame, it is dusty but it is still one of my favorites.

On his back smiling down and laughing, our mothers kept saying "look at the camera" but we were laughing so hard we couldn't. Fresh tears re-appear and I end up back on my bed hugging the frame.

A wake to a knock at the door, Dani walks in and hands me a cup of coffee. She turns to walk out but I grab her hand and tap the side of my bed, she sits.

"He was my best friend, ever since I can remember but he was in a car accident and as an innocent child I made up in my head that he had died. I blocked everyone out, even my parents because I truly thought he was dead. I didn't speak to anyone really, unless absolutely nessercery... until you." I explain quietly.

"So that is why when I came to your school in year five you were so closed off to others?" Dani asked.

"Yeah I guess, I thought it was impossible for him to be alive, because of how much I believed my own story.... that he was dead. That's why I was so unsure and worried about Elliot saying who he was, when he was telling the truth."

"Hey you thought your best friend, a boy that you have known since birth had died, and it's not your fault that you broke down like that."

I start crying again and Dani comforts me, we look at the primary school photo (that has a permanent spot on my bedside table) and we talk some more before going to make dinner.

I wake with a start and stretch out... thinking "today will be the day I face my past".

I get up and walk to the kitchen to get my morning coffee, Dani is already up and she greets me with a smiling face. Before going back to her room with two cups, showing that Cole was still here.

I pick up my cup and walk back to my bedroom, picking up my phone and dialing the number on a certain piece of paper.

"Hello?" Elliot answers

"Hey...um sorry about yesterday... I talked to my mum and have decided you aren't a stalker." I laugh, sitting down on my bed.

"Thanks" He laughs along with me.

"Well I was wondering if you wanted to have coffee."

He thinks for a moment but ends up saying,

"I have a better idea... I will come and pick you up in say one hour?"

"Ok, yeah sounds good." I say feeling unsure.