Nobody Said Life Was Going to be Easy. And I, Should Have Known Better

9: New Adventures

The cool air radiating off the fast river nipped at my nose as I sit on a big rock at the edge of the river that is behind our school. I have gotten several texts from Vince and McKenna asking where I was but I ignored them. Sticks break behind me, startling me, in the process of turning around, I lose my balance. It was in slow motion, I see the cold, unforgiving water get closer until I am yanked in the other direction. I look up at my rescuer who I am now leaning against to find Todd looking down at me. He brused some stray hair out of my face.

I gulped. "Th-Thanks for saving me."

"Sorry for scaring you, what are you doing out here?"

"I just needed to get away. How'd you find me?"

"I followed you until the stairs, the rest I just guessed."

"Oh." I sighed until I realized I was still in his arms. Blushing like crazy I pulled away, looking at the river again.

"What's up Anna?"

I look up, point and smile at him.

"Ha, ha....funny. I'm serious what's going on with you? I know we're not that good of friends and I've been a jerk. But, there's just something about you...I can't put my finger on it."

I felt his warm fingers around my hand.

"You can tell me, I promise."

I look at him to see his dark eyes full of concern.

"Well, I just found out why I was taken away from my parents when I was a toddler."

He squeezes my hand.

"I live in a foster home with five siblings. My foster parents couldn't have children of their own so they decided to take in foster children. My parents were abusive, drug addicts, I got taken away from them and they lost custody over me. I just found out a few nights ago."

I didn't realize I had started to cry, but before I could wipe the tears away I was being pulled into a hug.

"I'm sorry." I heard a muffled voice above my head.

"It's okay. I don't even know why I'm crying, I don't remember them."

"Come on, we need to cheer you up." He stood up, dragging me along with him.

"Where are we going?" I asked as we walked through the forest back towards the school.

"Surprise."

We sneaked to the student parking lot. Todd leading the way to a massive truck, unlocking it when we got close enough.

"Uh, Todd? I'm too short."

He chuckled, walking around to the passenger side.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?!"

"Shit!" Todd swore as Mr. Duff, the truancy officer stormed over. He quickly lifted me up and put me in the truck, shutting the door and booking it to his side. He started the engine and peeled out just as Mr. Duff got to his spot, obviously out of breath. I looked out the back window and waved before looking over at Todd and grinned. I have a feeling this is going to be a start of some new adventures.

He noticed me grinning and glanced over.

"What?! Do I have something on my face?"

I laughed, "No." Looking forward again; I noticed the time, it was sixth period but somehow I didn't feel guilty for skipping. While thinking about what my friends have to suffer through I see the familiar neon sign and groaned.

"What? Don't like bowling?"

"I suck at it."

"I can bowl for free, just a perk of working here. Plus it won't be that bad."