Running From Hell

Chapter 11

Max's POV

      The trip had sucked in the sense that I wasn't able to get close to Zoey, even though I'd been by her side almost every second. It was nice to see her relax, though. The sparkle in her eyes when something caught her attention, or the small smile that played on her lips when she was happy. The smile was almost on her face when she was taking pictures.

      When we returned, it was like the trip hadn't happened. Zoey still avoided me, and I never approached her.

     A couple of days later, I walked back to my locker needing to grab my Spanish book. I turned the corner just as Zoey slipped an envelope into my locker, I looked down before she saw me. The sound of quick footsteps darting away let me know she had spotted me and ran.

      Picking up my pace, I hurried to my locker and opened it. The white envelope tumbled to the floor. I grabbed it, and closed my locker, not even bothering with my Spanish book.

      I raced out and got behind the wheel of my car. I sped out and drove to a little shaded place on the hill that Zoey and I used to come to often. I jumped out and sat on the rock, the same one was Zoey was on when I'd done the picture of her.

      I pulled open the envelope and unfolded the letter.

Dear Max,

      I'm not sure what to say, I guess I should start out with why I'm writing this. I'm leaving town, I don't think it will be for forever, but I definitely won't be coming back as soon as I did last time. I'm sorry all I could give you was this letter. But I couldn't bear the thought of telling you and having you reject me again. Plus, it would be bad for your reputation if you were seen talking to me. It was best if I just left a letter for you. I'll always cherish the positive memories between us, but we'll still have the bad things that won't ever go away. Goodbye, Max.

      Sincerely,

           Zoey Springdale

      She was actually gone, maybe not for forever, but with the way I was feeling she might as well been. She had gone to find a place where she was treated right and I'd been one of the reasons for her leaving. I was one of the reasons she didn't want to stay. I had the trust of a girl who barely trusted anyone, and I crushed her when I turned my back on her.

      I started shouting and cursing at my stupidity. How the fuck could I have done that to her? I spent a while on the hill, getting out some of the anger. After a while, I got into my car and drove home and went straight to my room. There was nothing I could do now but let the guilt eat me alive.

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Two years later

Ross' POV

      I was pumped for today, and it must have shown as my father shot me a weird look as I quickly ate my lunch.

      Part of me had hated letting Zoey leave two years ago, but it made me feel better that we had stayed in touch. Plus, she had needed to leave more than what she realized, even I could could see that.

      In just about an hour, I'd be getting my high school diploma, and Zoey had promised she'd be there. I mean I'd seen pictures of her over the past two years, but today I would actually get to see her in person.

      After I finished eating, I decided to head upstairs and start getting ready. I had to be at the school in forty minutes so the teachers could have all of us seated and ready. I took a shower and dried off, putting on my boxers, dress pants, t-shirt, and dress shirt. I dried my hair, then used some gel to spike it up. I added a little bit of cologne to my neck.