One Finite Moment

Chapter 1

--- G R A C E ---

My eyes scanned the full crowd. It was filled with crying parents, bored children, and neutral teenagers. It was my graduation. The students next to me tried to slyly wave at their parents. But I didn't do that. Instead, I winked at my older brother, Tyler, and his girlfriend, Ava. He flashed me a thumbs up while she waved, wiping away another tear.

I ignored the usual stares of confusion and whispers. I know they talk about me in the hallways. How I don't have parents. How I don't have anyone. But they're wrong. They don't know anything. I have my brother and Ava. They're all I need. They're all I want.

The ceremony went faster than I thought. After hugging a few girls that bothered to remember my name, I ran straight into Ava's arms. Despite her tear-streaked face, she was still beautiful. Her thin arms wrapped around like a vice as Tyler's muscular arms engulfed both of us. My own little family.

"Congratulations, sweetie!" Ava managed to squeak out. "We're so proud of you."

Tyler's laugh shook us. "You're finally out of this hell-hole. It's been about 8 years since I've been here."

"Surprised you still graduated," I teased. He rolled his eyes before placing him in the middle, one arm around me and another one around Ava. He led us to his car and after I hopped into Tyler's old Corolla (he claims it a "classic"), I stared at the old photo of them that I had tucked into the backseat. He had his arm around her and his lips pressed onto her cheek. The photo was taken when Tyler finally worked up the nerve to finally ask Ava out during his senior year of college. They've been together ever since.

--- J U S T I N ---

I sat behind a large mahogany desk with a middle aged man across from me. His mouth moved rapidly, but no sound comes out. I learned to tune out my bosses when I needed to. You might think this is irresponsible of me, but I already know what he's scolding me on.

Me.

Like usual, he sighed dramatically. He rubbed his forehead in an aggravated motion. "Justin, I'm doing this for you."

I bit my tongue to stop the urge to yell strings of cuss words at the man in front of me. Total BS. I scoffed inwardly. But I had to keep it in, making sure my big mouth doesn't ruin it again like last time. Last time... I lost my best coach because of it. Because of me. I pushed the bitter thoughts away and focus on the in front of me. I already forgot his name. Once he dismissed me, I shot out of my chair and into my car, speeding off.

As I drove to my place, my mind started to wander. I thought of how my life would be different if I controlled my temper. If I managed to obey the right authority. I continued about the different type of luxuries but it was over too soon as I pulled into my driveway.

I hunched over the steering wheel before swiftly exiting my car and into my house. When I was behind the door, my eyes scanned the living room. Empty. It was like no one lived here, they only evidence that I did was my clothes scattered around my room. As I passed by a photo-less wall and bare tables, I collapsed onto my bed, forgetting the world around me.

---

When I woke up, the clock read 5:17 PM. I sighed at my imbalanced sleeping schedule and rose up. I stretched my define arms, letting a groan slip past my lips, and padded my way over to the kitchen. When I reached the magnet-less/photo-less fridge, I sighed again. I've been doing that a lot lately. Sighing. I've never felt complete.

I shook the thoughts away and opened the fridge. I bent down to scan the rest of the food before grabbing a tub of ice cream. I plopped onto my leather couch and turned on the large screen.

As I flipped through channels, my name was plastered to every bottom part of the screen, congratulating me on another successful hit single. I should be proud. I should be overjoyed. Instead, I'm not.