Stuck In Time

Chapter 5

*Present*

Since today was Saturday, Ally and I were going to the mall to, quote on quote ‘Scope out my boyfriend’ whatever that means. I was never good with the guy situations, before and after the accident. I still remember that one time where this kid Blake was about it ask me out, him being my first boyfriend. I was so excited I was practically jumping in the halls of our Science Wing, where we were supposed to meet. Long story short, he had to go to the nurse to get a new shirt. Well, I don’t exactly remember that, but that’s what Ally told me on the phone before she arrived at my house. As the doorbell rang, I ran down the stairs, jumping over the last two steps to get to Ally. I opened it up to see a shining face grinning widely. “Hi”! Ally chirped. “Ready to go”? she asked excitedly. I laughed “Ok ok don’t look so bored. I’ll be out in a sec’ k?” 

“OK!”

I walked into the kitchen and called to Aunt Grace. “Grace! I’m leaving”! Grace appeared from the living room and hurriedly walked over to give me a quick hug goodbye. “Carson. You know where you’re going right?” 

“Of course! It’s the-”

I blanked. How could I not remember? I just knew five seconds ago! 

Grace chuckled and her eyes pierced in mine “You’re going to-

“The mall. I got it Grace.” I laughed. “I’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not a baby”. With that I walked to the front door where Ally was impatiently waiting. I giggled to her giddiness. As soon as she saw me her face lightened. “Finally! Let’s go Carson, I don’t want to be late”.

“Late? For what?” 

Ally smiled evilly. “You’ll see.”

With that, she turned to walk to her mom’s car parked in front of my house, waiting for me. I sighed, and quickly turned around to call out one last goodbye to Grace. As I did, I saw my aunt staring at me with wide eyes. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion and my mouth opened to protest, but I was cut off by the sound of the car horn beeping. I gave one last smile before heading out the door. Closing the door, I looked into the car. Ally was leaning on the steering wheel, honking on the horn, her mother blocked by her body. She grinned sheepishly and fell back into her seat, her mother having an annoyed look plastered on her face. I laughed quietly to myself and jogged to side door, opening it slower than usual and practically crawling in slow motion. Al's turned around with a irked expression and I laughed. “Hi Mrs. Benson” I greeted my best friend’s mom. “Hello Carson” she replied with a smile. “How’s Grace?” 

“Mom!” Ally whined “Start the car!”  Chuckling, she stomped her foot on the gas petal, making the car speed violently down the street.

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“Ally?” I whispered as we entered the foot court and sat down at a four seated table. “Shouldn’t we go sit at place with two chairs?” She smiled warmly and shook her head. “No, hun', we’re meeting some people here.” My eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. “You mean you set us up?” She smiled mischievously and nodded. “If I would have told you we were going on a double date, you never would have came. Although you would have probably forgotten about it anyway, but I didn’t want to take the chance.” I stared at her like she was crazy. What was the sudden change in her attitude? Yeah she likes guys, but would have never went far enough as to do something like this! She knows I’ll probably forget my name!

“How could you do this?!” I blurted out. Ally looked up from the menu she was reading and gave me a shocked expression. “I thought you wanted a guy! It’ll be fine. I told him all about you and he said you sound cute!”