Lost Cause (Tyler Carter)

Chapter 31

I would have stayed home from school Monday morning, but I've already missed too many days. I can't miss anymore or else I'll get held back.

"If you need to, call me." Mom said before I got out of the car. She offered to drive me to school because she knew I didn't want to walk.

"I will." I said.

She smiled as I stepped out of the car.

"Bye." I said, shutting the car door.

She drove away and I made my way into the building. I stared at the ground, hoping nobody saw the pain I was in.

"Everyone's in the gym." A teacher said as I walked passed her classroom.

"Why?" I asked.

"They're having a moment of silence for Rachel." She said.

"Oh," I said. "okay. Thanks."

I dropped my stuff in my locker before making my way to the gym.

Out of sheer habit, I scanned the gym, looking for Rachel. I hated myself when I realized she wasn't there.

I sat alone on the stands and dropped my head in my hands. She's gone. She's actually gone. I'll never again be able to hold her, kiss her, tell her I love her. I'll never be able to hear her beautiful, soft, calming voice again.

Then, it hit me. I do have a way to hear her voice.

I got my phone out and dialed her number. I held the phone to my ear as it rang.

"Hey, this is Rachel." Her voice mail spoke. My tears fell as I listened to her soft voice. "Sorry I missed your call. Leave your name and number and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Bye."

"Excuse me, no phones in the building. You know the rules." Someone spoke.

I looked up to see, of course, Mr. Jansen.

I ignored him and dialed Rachel's phone again.

"Tyler," Mr. Jansen said.

I took my phone away from my ear and glared at Mr. Jansen.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"Get off your phone." He said.

"Fuck off." I said.

"Hey, don't talk to a teacher like that. What is your name?" Another teacher said.

"My name is Tyler Carter. Go ahead, write me up. I don't care." I snapped.

She just gave me a look before getting out her phone and typing my name into it.

"Hand me your phone." Mr. Jansen said, reaching his hand out.

"No," I said, putting it back to my ear.

". . . I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Bye." Was all I heard of Rachel's voicemail.

I hung up the phone and stuck it back in my pocket.

"There, it's up." I said.

"No, give it to me." He said. "Who were you trying to call, anyways?"

"Why does it matter?" I asked.

"Because, you can go call them in the office." He said.

"Just leave me alone." I said. "Today is not the day to piss me off."

"Go to the office." He said.

"No, I'll go in a minute."

"You'll go when I say you'll go." He said.