Waiting For Superman

Colors

       I really liked the idea of picking a song that I'm recently obsessed with to help me inspire a new chapter, so I'm going to stick with that theme for a while. I'm playing this song on repeat as I'm writing! Not all of these lyrics fit the situation, but they certainly inspired parts of this chapter!

      Trevor's name flashed across my screen, and I moved my finger to select the new text from him. I had noticed over the last week of us hanging out as often as possible that he was really struggling with Ryan's death. And while sure, we all were, he was taking it especially bad. 

      Can you come over? His text questioned. I hesitated, glancing toward my door. I knew my parents wouldn't want me going over there at this time of night, but I also knew what it felt to be so incredibly broken and terrified and alone that you need a friend to drop everything to be there at that time of night. He had done it for me only just over a week before; I shouldn't have been hesitating at all. 

      I slid my fingers across the screen, selecting each of the three letters. I stood up, sliding on my shoes and throwing a nearby sweatshirt on before heading out the door. I grabbed my keys as I tried to move quietly through the kitchen and toward the front door. I pulled it close so slowly that I felt as though I was barely moving at all, but as soon as I heard the quiet sound of the lock click into place, I was in motion. I dashed down the front walk, slipping into my car and starting the engine as quickly as possible. There was nothing I could do to hush the engine of a car. This sort of thing was like ripping a band-aid off. 

      I pulled out of the driveway as quick as possible, pressing my foot against the accelerator before I even had time to put my seat belt on. The thought of pulling that life-saving belt over my body completely slipped my mind, and I sped down the street all full speed. I turned onto the main road, and as the car shifted to follow the wheels, the metal section of the seat belt slapped against the door. I immediately pulled over, tears blurring my vision as I realized that I hadn't put on the only thing that could have saved my best friend's life as he lost control of his car. 

       I took a minute to catch my breath, and I pulled the seatbelt over my body, securing it into place. It was then that I pulled back onto the road. As I approached the green light in front of me, I noticed the car on the road perpendicular to me was not slowing down as he approached the red light before him. I slammed on my breaks, thankfully stopping the car fully before entering the intersection, as I watched him fly through the red light. I reached into the cupholder to grab my phone, dialing 911. 

      If I hadn't stopped in time or if I hadn't pulled over to put my seatbelt on, I could have died. I could have been just like Ryan. It was now my responsibility to make sure that idiot didn't hurt anyone else. I sat at the light for a minute longer, despite the fact that it had been green the entire time, as I explained the car's description and the direction they were heading to the 911 operator. She informed me that they would send an officer down that route to see if they noticed anyone driving recklessly. I thanked her, before tucking my phone back into the cup holder and continuing down the road to Trevor's. He was waiting in the driveway when I pulled up. 

      "I'm sorry it took so long," I whispered as I opened the door. I studied his face; he'd been crying. What had happened to me on the drive over didn't matter. It would only upset him more.

       "My parents are out of town," he mumbled, "and the house just seems so empty."

       I nodded, following him inside. We moved to the living room, settling on the couch under a blanket. I leaned my head on his shoulder. As I felt my eyes grow heavy, I instantly regretted coming here without telling my parents. I knew it'd be weird to call and wake them up now, telling them I was at a boy's house. I was already tired, though, and I was worried I'd fall asleep and have them wake up to find me gone. I knew I'd have to leave within an hour.