One Finite Moment

Chapter 2

--- G R A C E ---

Sunlight streamed out of my window and lit up my acceptance letter to Berkeley sitting on my nightstand. I smiled proudly despite the grogginess I was feeling at the moment. I glanced over to my clock and the bright neon numbers displayed 10:24 AM. After freshening up, I realized that the house was empty. I padded over to the fridge where a note was taped on, surrounded by pictures of my small family.

Grace,

Hey, sweetie. I had to leave early because of my new job. Tyler dropped me off and went straight to work. If you're hungry, I made some pancakes.

Love, Ava xx

I smiled as I grabbed the plate of pancakes and a bottle of syrup next to me. Once I finished, I washed the dishes and even vacuumed the living room. I traveled upstairs and made my bed like the responsible teen I am.

When the entire place was clean, I changed from my pajamas and into an old pair of capris, a large shirt, and my beat up Chuck Taylor's. I grabbed my copy of my favorite novel before walking out of the house at around 12 PM.

I made my way to the nearest park and settled in my secret spot. It was located at the back of the park, next to a large field of grass, an old baseball park, and a sidewalk where the rare adult would jog. A few steps away from the baseball area, was a nice canopy of trees bent over to make a nice shade from the harsh sun. I took my seat and opened to where I left off.

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

I rolled over, my entire body swaddled in the white covers like a small child. Frustrated, I kicked them away, leaving me in just my boxers. I rose up and glanced at the clock. It was 12:29 PM. Realizing I missed breakfast, I decided to get dressed and get fresh air. I grabbed a pair of dark skinny jeans, white v-neck, and shades. I left my hair down and floppy as I put on my shoes.

Before leaving, I grabbed some toast and ate it on the way out. I paused in front of my car. Should I drive...? Not wanting to walk and end up getting lost (or worse, mobbed with no way to get out), I chose a less conspicuous car: a Camry.

I found a park that wasn't filled with screaming children. Well, at least that wasn't packed with them. I decided to park in the back and walk the rest of the way. I got out of my car and spotted an abandoned baseball field.

I sat in the bleachers, trying to think but the sun continued to beat down on me. I searched for a better place to stay before finding a bench near a tree.

--- G R A C E ---

In the story, I realized that I was growing uncomfortable as the main couple grew closer together. I dropped the book to notice my hands shaking. I clenched them into fists, pushing away the terrors and memories. Once my hands finally stilled, I let them loose slowly. Little crescents were indented into my palms.

I got up from my spot and shut the book, not bothering to mark my place as I stood up. As I walked near the front of the park, I slowed down to loosen up my legs and arms from all the sitting. I stopped in front of a bench where a boy sat quietly, his eyes hidden behind a pair of expensive Ray Bans.

I placed my book next to him as I shook my hair out and gathered it into a messy bun. As the dark memories started to creep back in, I breathed in sharply, gaining the attention of the boy. He looked up from the corner of my eye, his sparkling brown eyes peeking above the sunglasses. "Are you alright?" His voice was raspy and after, he cleared his throat.

I nodded, embarrassed at my actions. "Y-Yeah. Thank you." I grabbed my book next to him, trying to make a quick exit. But my plan backfired as the unknown boy gently took hold of my wrist. Suddenly, flashbacks came flooding in and in a panic, I snatched my arm back.

"I'm sorry," he surrendered, raising his hands up. "I didn't meant to startle you. But, uh, you seemed red. And, uh, I thought you looked sick or... uh... your hands were shaking..." he fumbled over words and I assumed he wasn't trying to startle me again.

"I-It's okay." I cursed at myself at how my voice shook. "It was my fault. I should go. I'm fine but thank you."

I turned around sharply, if I turned any faster I'm sure I would've gotten whiplash, without looking like an idiot.

"My name's Justin!" I'm not sure if it was my distressed state or if I truly did hear a touch of desperation in his tone but I continued to walk and I didn't turn back.