The Shattered Ride

Chapter 4

    I climbed onto my  black and pink KTM 350 SX-F motorcross bike. I fastened my helmet and rode over to where the guys were. All of them were sitting and chatting on their bikes. We were going to practice for the opening of the rally night. They are going to celebrate their 20th birthday. 

    Erik gave me his brilliant smile, and my heart skipped a beat like it always did. Everyone greeted me, and we all stationed ourselves at a ramp. Then one by one we went off the ramp and split into tricks. I loved days like these. We said we were practicing, but practices are supposed to be fun. And that's what we were doing. Having fun. 

    After running through the route about five times, we decided to call it a day and head down to Pizza Town for shakes and pizzas. There was a mixture that afternoon. A mixture of sweaty guys-and one girl- and chatter. Erik put his arm around my shoulders, and we just smiled at each other. He has this great vibe he gives off where ever he goes.

    After we all ate pizza, most of them rode home on their bikes. My dad dropped me off at Erik's house, while he drove home. Erik only lived two kilometers away, and we liked to jog together. When my dad was out of sight, Erik put my hair behind my ear, and planted a kiss on my cheek. Then, after slowly pulling away, he kissed me on the forehead, and then came the kiss on my lips.. I loved the way Erik did that. It was something I treasured, and in those moments, I knew, just knew, that he was the one and that no one could ever replace him... 

    "Erica Matthews, you must be the most amazing person in the world," He smiled, and grabbed me into a hug. I didn't want to let go. His hugs were cuddly, and warm. The sun was setting and the warmth of the sun was felt on my back.  I locked this memory in my heart. Erik planted another kiss on my lips, and we parted ways. I jogged home, and just simply couldn't stop smiling at the thought of the wonderful person called Eric. 

    I didn't want the week to end. Every day was a new adventure with Jordan Daniels. We walked home every day after school, but would only arrive home after an hour. We had so much fun! Unfortunately,  Jordan started going to extra chemistry classes because he was failing. I would've wanted to help him, but frankly I'm just making the passing rate and the method I use works. I don't know how to help someone. So  concluded, he should rather go for other help... 

    One Friday, I waited with C.J for our parents to come fetch us. C.J's brother had come and I stood there alone. I was starting to think of walking home, but then my parents would get worried, so I stood there waiting. After about fifteen minutes, a blue pick-up truck drove up in front of me. And to my surprise, Caleb climbed out and opened the door for me.  Caleb was one of my closest friends. He was my older brother from another mother. He is Erik's twenty year old brother. They were in-separable until a few months ago. Caleb has been there is my most worst moments. He came to visit everyday after the funeral, but for some reason I just couldn't get the guts to look into those lively, captivating, deep blue eyes. I always seemed to swim in his ocean blue eyes. His eyes could definitely see through, and I didn't mind at all. All that bothered me is that I could never lie to him... Which was kind of a good thing. 

     My jaw literally hung open. I mean, this guy has been there every single day, even if he just dropped off some groceries for my mom. And now, the famous Caleb is standing in front of me. I didn't think twice. I ran and leaped into his arms. He spun me around and hugged me tight. Then he gave me a peck kiss on my forehead, and smiled at me. "You don't know how long I had to wait so I could do that!" He said and we laughed... I started crying with joy! This was the best moment of my whole life!

    I couldn't say anything. My words were stolen and all I could do to reply were crying. Caleb understood and told me to hop in. The old pick-up truck. Oh, how I missed this truck. How I missed Caleb. I didn't want this to ever go away. Caleb just laughed at me because I couldn't stop smiling. To my surprise, he took me to my favorite diner. The only thing is, I have a lot of memories here with Erik. My smile turned into a neutral face. I didn't know whether to be happy or whether I should jump out and run away. Caleb looked at me and asked, "Everything okay?"

    I forced a grin and just nodded. Why wouldn't everything be okay? I'm with Caleb. Everything is perfect. He climbed out and he opened the door for me. Then he remarked, "I know this is hard, but this is part of getting over it." He read me like a book. He knew this was hard, and I think this was hard for him too. He opened the door to the diner and I walked in. The classic diner music played and what surprised me the most, was the fact that the place was still open, and that there are more customers here than ever before. Every Saturday night we would come and flood this place with laughter, chatter and smiles. Erik would make this the best night of your life. The best part of the night, was the dancing. He would grab me, and we would start dancing. Caleb would come from time to time. Only if he wasn't studying an hour away. But everyone always had a good time. 

    A waiter came up to us. She was clearly knew, because when we entered everyone there knew us. She wanted to seat us at this one table, but I objected and asked for our famous table at the window near the stage and dance floor. After a long struggle, Martin Jackson's grandfather came out of the kitchen, and said to the short brunette waiter, "Candice, let the couple sit where they want to." Then he looked at us and smiled. "Caleb, brother, it's been too long!" And hugged him. Then he turned to me and said with a big smile, "Erica," and gave me an even bigger hug. He didn't let go and I was thankful. His hug said enough. "Please go sit, and I'll bring you the menu." And he left. He would never bring us a menu, because everyone had their usual's. We assumed that the menu had changed. 

    When both of us decided on strawberry milkshakes, we were left alone for a while. For some reason no one was sitting on our spot. I just realized that... My thoughts were interrupted by Caleb. "You're doing great for your first time here." And smiled. He was sitting on the other side, across me. 

    "Your not doing bad yourself. Thanks for bringing me here. This is really a treat. Best Friday ever!" I gave a small giggle and he just kept smiling. After the milkshake, one my favorite songs playing. I started swaying, and mouthed the words. And that's when Caleb got the idea. H stood up and asked for this dance. It was a slow song with a bit of a beat. A lot of the kids from my school were there and other people too, but no one danced. Poor Caleb stood there for a while. I first rejected, but then his gentle smile and amazing eyes convinced me. So we danced the song away... When the song ended, and whispered in my ear, "I admire your strength through this process. And thank you for dancing with me." And we payed and left. In the car, we just sang along to some of the songs and laughed at the radio presenter. The radio station has these funny hour drives. So they get comedians to come and make you laugh during traffic. Only we never got stuck in traffic, so we just went on long drives to listen to it. It was 5 pm when he dropped me off at home. I gave him a huge bear hug, and he gave me a last peck kiss on my forehead. I went inside. My parents were out for the night, and Alex was at my grandmothers. The boys and all our other strange people we were friends with were going out for a movie, and to go and play tenpin bowling, so I went and got a shower, and got dressed. Then I locked everything, and waited for Sam to come and pick me up. 

    As I waited for her, I thought of today. How amazing it was to see Caleb again, and the fun we had. The dance was fantastic, although I can't admit it. I had a great day. And tonight was going to be just as great.