Below The Surface

Tending Wounds

"Come on" said Ethan "my car's around here." Ethan got in the drivers seat, Taylor got in the passengers side, and Caroline got in the back. Many thoughts ran through Caroline's head. But most of all, the thought that Alex, the boy she loved with all her heart, was gone forever.

"Everyone get down," Ethan said "I don't know if they called back up. So stay down until we're far enough from the house. I'll let you know. For now, stay down and stay quiet." With that, they quietly made their way out of the area. Ethan waited 45 minutes before he approved that they could get up.

"Okay I think we're far enough" he said "there's an abandoned warehouse about 2 miles West. Alex and I always went there when we had to hide. We'll have to hide out there for a while." "Sounds like a plan," said Taylor "what do you think Caroline?" Caroline was completely silent. With that, Ethan turned on the car radio. "In other news," the reporter on the radio said "a teen was gunned down by police after the teen opened fire on the officers with a handgun in each hand. Shortly after, most of the officers were killed by a high speeding truck. The driver, who was killed on impact, has been identified as 42 year old repeat offender, Marshall Thomas." "I'll be damned," Ethan said "Alex's father saved us. Can you believe that Caroline?"

Caroline remained silent. Not so much as the smallest sound came from her. Not so much as the smallest movement was made. The same could be said about Ethan and Taylor as well. Nobody said a single word for the rest of ride.

Finally, after 45 minutes of driving, Ethan pulled up to the warehouse. "We're here" he said. They all got out the car and Ethan gave both Caroline and Taylor heavy jackets from his trunk. "It can get pretty cold inside here at night," he said "you might need these." They took the jackets from Ethan and the three of them entered the warehouse.

"First Alex's house and now an abandoned warehouse," Caroline said she looked around "how long is it going to be before I can stop hiding and just go home?!" "It'll be fine," Ethan said "just relax." As he said that, Caroline's eyes became overflown with tears. "Shut the fuck up Ethan" she screamed "this is all your damn fault! Alex is dead because of you! He was your best fucking friend! How the hell could you just let him kick out the door and get shot down like a fucking dog?!" As she said that, a small tear formed in Ethan's eyes. "Stop it Caroline," Taylor said as tears down her face "if anything, it's my fault. If I never gave you that advice, you would've never been with Alex, Naomi would've never died, the funeral would've never happened, and Alex would still be alive right now. It's my fault and only my fault." "No Caroline's right" said Ethan "I should've went instead of Alex. You and him would still be together right now." When Ethan said that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded up piece of paper. "Here," he said "Alex made me promise him that I would give this to you in case something ever happened to him." Caroline took the paper from Ethan's hand, unfolded it, and read it to herself.

Caroline,
I asked Ethan to give this only if something happened to me. I always talked to him about you even before you moved in. I remember when you first came to Joseph Anderson High School. I remember this shy 9th grader who bumped me in the hall and was in such a rush that she never even looked at me. I remember driving that same beautiful girl home later on. She was wearing a purple dress and purple shoes. And I fell in love with her instantly. I want you to know that through all the good times and the bad times, being with you was the happiest I've been in my whole life. You are by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me. No matter what happens, I want you to remember two things. First, I will always be with you even if you can't see me. Second and most importantly, everything will be okay.
Love forever and always,
Alex

  TO BE CONTINUED......