A Change

Part Two:

As the day went on, I found that I had two more classes with William- fourth period English and sixth period history. He didn't sit next to me in those classes. He must really have some deep stuff going on. I knew what I had to do, and that was apologize.

As the final bell rang, I scurried out of 7th period, hoping to catch William in the halls. I gave up hope when I reached the massive double-doors that let me outside. I gave a giant push and walked out. Just as the breeze hit my face, a figure pushed passed me, causing me to slightly stumble. I stood straight as William stared into my eyes and he continued walking.

I saddened my face, hoping he could read in my eyes just how sorry I was. His pace slowed, and he began walking back towards me. I froze, searching through my mind to align my thoughts into exactly what I would say to him.

He came closer until his eyes met mine.

I blurted out, "I..I'm sorry. "I didn't know you had any pro.."

"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault. I shouldn't have taken it out on you," he interrupted.

He stepped back and looked at me, and then at the student parking lot.

"Are you walking home? Yano, I could give you a ride! Come on," he insisted. He grabbed me by the loop on the top of my backpack and pulled me along.

I was so nervous about riding with him. I almost backed out. The old William would have pulled me in the car just to hit a bridge on my side while driving down the road, but something deep inside told me that he really had changed-that I could trust him.

I crouched into his Prius (a Prius, go figure), and he cranked the car. Just as the engine started, the radio began to blare, "I'LL BE DRUUUNK AGAIN TO FEEL A LITTLE LOVEEE." Although my eardrums were nearly busted, I was super happy. William had been listening to Ed Sheeran, my favorite artist, on full volume on the way to school. He liked writing, he liked Ed Sheeran-maybe we had more in common than I thought!

I giggled, "Ed Sheeran, huh? What a softie."

"You got me," he replied, "His music calms me- something I learned in therapy."

I wanted to ask him more about his therapy. What made him decide to go? What was it like for him? I didn't want to impose, though. Things were going well so far, and I didn't want to ruin it- to restart the cycle of the last three years. I sat quietly with my hands folded in my lap as we drove away from the school.