Since You've Been Gone

Chapter 8

I decided to go to the book store the next day. It was a warm September day, and my sundress stuck on my back. It felt crisp, like Tennessee always is. I passed my middle school crush, Adam Smith. We caught up a little bit. Apparently, he is married and has a baby on the way. I told him about Josh, and he said he felt sorry. When I got to the book store, I looked around for a book called, "The Writer's Guide". Only Karen knew that I was secretly writing a novel about an everlasting love.

As I looked around, a sales person walked up to me and said, "Are you looking for something?" I explained to her how I was looking for that book. I had only taken the first five weeks worth of classes for college. I dropped out. It was too much. With this book, I would finally be able to shut out the world and go far away into my own galaxy, free of people.

"Oh, um, yes," I said, just then realizing she was talking to me, "a writers guide."

She brought me toward the back and there was a whole section devoted to writing books, specifically, love novels. I myself devoted most of my time to reading and writing romance stories. It feels good. It's not that I've actually had love before. Well, not true. I loved and still love Josh. I grabbed the book, "A Guide To A Good Novel". I also grabbed two love novels which would just painfully remind me of how tragically my first love ended. As soon as I got home, I cried. I needed Josh more than ever. I actually shut out to everyone, including Karen. It just wasn't okay.

That night I went up to the hill where we met. The sunset was now a mix of violet, pink, and orange. I snapped a picture and went back. Josh's funeral was tomorrow. Karen texted me the time. She also told me the suit was ready. I was so exhausted, I didn't reply. I just sat and let the television speak to me until I fell asleep.

The next morning Josh and I were supposed to head to Tampa Bay. But instead things got cancelled after his death. I picked out my cutest dark black dress and didn't even do makeup. It would just smear all over my face today. I was going to be a crying mess today, I just knew it. If you were looking for the most tragic heartbreak story, this would be it.