Comfortably Numb

Chapter 8: Crushes and Obsessions

Wednesday finished off smoothly, but I didn't go to the record store with them after school. I desperately wanted too, but Ms. Eden gave us a difficult writing assignment for homework and I know it will take me time to do it. I said my goodbyes, and decide on walking home, even though I am still trying to catch my breath from my workout in athletics.

I pull out my phone, and quickly type in the passcode to unlock it. I don't have any notifications, so I decide to pass the time by listening to music. Pulling out my earbuds from my backpack, I plug them in and put them in my ears.

Going to my music, I press shuffle, and 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol comes on. I smile. I haven't heard this song in ages.

This song has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I remember I would blast it in my earbuds on the nights that my mom and dad would yell at each other. I always kept my eyes shut tight and focused on the lyrics, imagining myself in a far better place than where I was. It would be on repeat, because I hated the short seconds of silence in between each passing of the song. Silence scares me.

I always fall asleep to music, and I guess that's the reason why. I have tried multiple times not too, but I always get nervous from the lack of sound. When I have music, it gives me something to focus on.

I almost get lost on the way home, but I soon find the tall building. Before I go in, I buy some lemonade from the lemonade stand we went to on our first day here.

After ordering, I take a sip and head back to the apartment. I know Mom won't be here, since she's at work, so I decide to do my homework in the living room.

Grabbing my iPhone dock, I plug it in and sit it on the coffee table, setting my phone on top of it. 'Angels' by The xx fills up the small living room, and I turn it up a bit more.

I decide to open the window and let the cool breeze in. I sit on the couch, and get out my work, so not wanting to do this.

The topic says: "Describe a difficult time period in your life, and how it molded you in the person you are today," I read and reread this over and over again, and still nothing comes to mind. I haven't really had any difficult times in my life, so what can I write about? I could always make something up. But, then I think about how I've had to move halfway across the United States, and that could be considered difficult. How could that have molded me into another person? I don't think I have changed, really.

I let out a sigh, and go grab my lemonade which is on the kitchen counter. I take a sip, and hear my phone vibrate. Walking over, I grab it, seeing it's a call from an unknown number. Hesitantly, I press 'answer'.

"Hello?" I ask, wondering who would have my number.

"Hey, it's Alexander,"

"How did you get my number?" I ask him.

"Rush gave it to me," He says, and I can tell he's smiling.

"Oh," I say. "What did you need?"

"Well, I was doing the writing assignment for Ms. Eden, and I'm completely stuck," Alexander says, and I sigh with relief.

"Me too!" I say, and he laughs.

"I was wondering, if we could get together and work on it?" He seems nervous, and I smile. I wouldn't expect him to get nervous.

"Sure. Where would you want to meet?" I ask him, and he pauses for a second.

"Well, can we do it at yours? I'm at the record store and Marcus and Giovonni are arm wrestling. And, it's not pretty," He laughs, and I follow. I wish I was there.