The Secrets Of Journey Reynolds

Chapter 6: Don't Be Afraid

Our kiss lasted a minute or so but it was nothing short of amazing. His lips had a taste of alcohol lingering on them, probably from earlier. When he pulled away my lips tingled and some of my lipstick was imprinted on his bottom lip.

We walked home around 2am. The world seemed so asleep, but I was so awake. Terrance hugged me one last time as we whispered our goodnights and I slid into the basement.

I pushed the piano bench back to its normal spot and slowly walked up the basement stairs, quietly opening the creaky door. I snuck into my room and removed my makeup. I put my pajamas on and collapsed onto the bed, suddenly very tired. "Something was bound to happen," I whispered the words as a smile crept onto my face from the memories of the night that seemed like such a long time ago. The memories raced through my mind like a movie. I could remember the taste of his lips and couldn't help wondering if he could remember the taste of mine. I fell asleep with a smile on my face and beautiful memories in my head.

Sunday was the usual, my grandparents had me drop them off at church. I watched American Horror Story while they were there and at tea with their elderly friends.

It was 2:35pm when one of their friend's daughter dropped them off back at home. Her name was Delilah, she was 33 and always looked the part of the classic mother. Shoulder length brown hair, always in a button up, "mom-jeans," and sneakers. Sometimes I wish she was my mother instead of the always-drunk stripper I had.

The day went by slowly. My grandmother cooked a big lunch, since I didn't eat breakfast, and a regular dinner. I loved her cooking.

I went to sleep at 11:00pm and awoke at 6:00am as I usually did on weekdays. I went through my routine: I shower, blow dry and trim my hair, do my makeup, get dressed in ripped, black skinny jeans, white t-shirt, leather jacket, and Doc. Martins, eat cereal, and finally go to school at 6:50.

When I got to school I went straight to my locker, putting all my books into my backpack like I always did since my locker was out of the way of all my classes. On my way to my first class I looked at Terrance's locker, he wasn't there. Probably late, like always.

I was on my way to lunch when the principal stopped me, "Miss Reynolds, I've been looking for you, would you mind coming with me? Your guardian is on the phone. I believe it's quite urgent."

"S...sure," I said, confused and nervous. I followed him through the crowed halls all the way to the office. He picked up the phone and handed it to me, "h...hello?" I asked nervously.

I heard sniffling and crying, "I'm so sorry Journey," it was my grandmother.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" I asked slightly panicked now.

"Dear I'm afraid," she hesitated, "your grandfather has...passed away..." She drifted off with a cry.

"Wh...what?" I said as I sat down on a chair in the office. Tears built up in my eyes making my vision blurry until I blinked.

"Would you come to the hospital as soon as possible please? Before they...they take care of him...?" She said sniffling.

"Yes of course, I'll be there as soon as I can," I said wiping my tears. I hung up and turned to the principal, "I need to go to the hospital, it's a family emergency."

"Yes, I'll write your excuse notes and you can go."

"Thank you," I said standing and walking out of the office. I walked out of the school and the tears returned as memories of my grandparents together drowned my thoughts. I sat in my car with my head on the steering wheel as I sobbed.

I had been there for about five minutes when I heard a tap on my window. Terrance was there with concern in his eyes. I wiped away the mixture of tears and eyeliner and rolled the window down.