The Shattered Ride

Chapter 1

As the funeral music started to play, everyone made their way to the big hole dug in the ground. The music stopped and the pallbearers came walking in with the coffin. I watched as they started throwing sand onto the coffin in the ground. I wanted to jump in there and die with him... I couldn't take it anymore... I started running. Past the people, through the cars, through the trees in the woods. I just wanted to run, never looking back. Never stopping. As I was running I stepped in a hole and fell into a dark, black place, and I didn't stop falling... never stopped falling.

I suddenly woke up, realizing it wasn't the funeral and only the same bad dream that always ended the same. I just don't stop falling. I sat there in my bed for a few moments, and then stood up to wash my face. As the cold water went over my face, I felt refreshed after last night's tears. It has been going on ever since the funeral. The nightmares haunt me each day. I wish they would stop, but they don't...

I stared at the mirror in front of me. This wasn't me. It was someone else, and I some how ended up in her body. Because Erik couldn't possibly be dead. And I'm sure it was another Erik. Not my Erik with a K... I turned on the shower and took a long, warm shower. Washing away all my problems. I got dressed in a pink t-shirt, a short jean, and a pair of white sneakers. I tied my hair in a high bun with a little pink bow next to it. I put on a bit of eye-liner, mascara and put in my favorite pearl earrings. 'I didn't look to bad for someone who has been crying for months', I thought to myself.

I took my time walking down the stairs. I was really hungry, but started to get butterflies because I'm not sure what my parents will say. When I finally reached the kitchen, I see my dad, mom and little baby Alex. Alex is my 3 year old, adopted brother. He is one of the best things that has happened to our family and he really is a sweet heart.

I walked in slowly, waiting for my dads loud good mornings. Breakfast smelled great and I couldn't wait to sit down and dive in. I grabbed a chair next to Alex, and started tickling him. I grabbed some pancakes and syrup and started eating! This was really good! After a long while of enjoying breakfast and having coffee, I see my mom eyeing my dad. I kinda get uncomfortable, so I start the conversation.

"I was thinking...maybe I could try going to school today?" I looked down at my coffee and waited for a response. I really hope I don't start crying like I did last time I tried this.

"That's great news, Erica!" My mom shouted out and came over and gave me a hug. "By the way, you look gorgeous!" She said with a smile that always strengthens me.

"I'm so glad, sweet heart! Did you eat enough?" Dad asked with the newspaper in his hand.

I smiled at him, and said: "More than enough, thanks. It was delicious! Sorry to rush you but we have to go. I still need to tell the principle I'm back and register as a student again." They laughed and everyone started getting everything and with that, we were all in the minivan.

The laughter in the house, and a smile on my face made me feel happy again, but I was still scared to go into the school, and face everyone who knew him... He really did make a change and people listened to him. Unfortunately, there is no one to listen to anymore...

We arrived sooner than I thought we would... I was still trying to convince myself to do this... I got out of the car, grabbed my bag and said my dad farewell. I was about to say bye to my mother when she gently took me by the shoulders and whispered, "I love you," in her kind and tender voice. Those words meant more to me than ever before. Usually parents ask, "Are you okay?" or "How do you feel" and it is those questions I never wish to answer because my response would be tears and we will be back to stage one again. And heavens knows when I'll eventually get over it...

She hugged me tight, and I never wanted to let go, but the school bell rang and it was time to face my worst fear ever... Going into the world without the one person I wish were still here... But he's gone, and life goes on. I waved at them as the rode away, and started heading to the office.

***

Jordan pictured this term going way differently. He was going to take Amy, the love of his life-the only one in his life-to the dance, have an amazing, funny year with her, and celebrate the fact that they have been dating for five years now. But that is not the way things are looking right now. Amy, who always sure of her facts and never doubts herself, has been having second thoughts and has accused me of cheating on her... Why will I, Jordan Campbell, betray the love of my life by cheating on her? I mean, really Amy? She saw me dancing with this "adorable looking blondie", which were her exact words... She has really nice music and that's all I can complement her on. She has these huge, google eyes, a voice deeper than mine, a nasty habit of chewing her hair, which has split ends (by the way), and feet so big they break you toes... The only reason I was dancing with her was to make the dance I wanted to take Amy to, something special. I can't dance, but Amy can, and I didn't tell her, because I wanted it to be a surprise... Well, you spoiled it for yourself, congratulations!

Anyway, we are through now, and I'm back to my boring old life with my boring old friends and have no excuse to miss anything because I don't have a girlfriend... I walked down the hall, and made my way to the square, where we all come together... But this morning would be extra long and sad, because Erik Landon tragically died in a Motor X accident... He was an amazing person, and we were close buds. The funeral had this sad, yet wonderful atmosphere, like he was with us but yet gone...

I met up with a few of my friends, and joked around a bit. The school band started playing an awesome song that made the whole school join in. After that song, they played one of Erik's most favorite songs and it went on. With each song, the school joined in. It was truly amazing to see what he meant to our school.

The second bell rang, meaning if your not in the square in the next 30 seconds, you get detention... The school grabbed their seats and sat down quietly. A tug from behind me got my attention. A teacher forgot her class open, and wanted me to quickly run and lock it. She gave me a permission slip and I made my way past my class mates, and into the hall. I didn't want to miss one part of assembly this morning so I didn't take my time!

In the hall, I ran so fast, I didn't notice the poor kid walking like a lost sheep between wolves, and ran her over! Both of us were laying on the ground. I sat up and started helping her pick-up her books. What I didn't realize was that she was crying. After a while of staring into her beautiful blue eyes, she finally made eye-contact, and shouted, "Have you never seen someone cry before?" And without letting me answer, she ran down the hall and into the bathroom.

I was in shock and didn't know how to react. I picked up the key the teacher gave me and saw her permission slip lying on the ground. It said:

Erica Matthews Age: 17 Permission: Granted

Poor kid! She's probably new, and now I have ruined her first day... Shame.. I hope she's okay.. I really didn't mean to run into her. Oh well, I quickly locked the classroom door, and made my way to assembly. This time gently speed-walking so I don't run over anyone again.