Un-broken

Chapter 2

Alex POV

Today is my first day of senior year. To say that I'm dreading it would be an understatement. By now, through the news and gossip, most likely everyone in the city of Ventura knows about the car accident that took my brother's life. I also received a minor concussion. Sadly, because the car accident was nearly 2 months ago, I have been cleared to attend school. I can't stand the daily looks of sympathy that I get from people I do and do not know. Being the quarter back of the Oceanview High football team, I can already assume that today will be full of them.

A week after my brother, Chris, died, we had a funeral for him. People who hadn't cared to get to know him in his living times, cried over his coffin. My mom gave a eulogy; I didn't. He didn't deserve to die. He was too young and full of life. Every day, I think about how different my life would be right now if I stopped him from leaving that night. I could tell he was upset and I stupidly let him go. I hate myself for it.

Two weeks after the car accident, the dreams began. I would wake up with a piercing shriek in the middle of the night as I force myself out from that terrible nightmare, only to realize that it was no nightmare at all. It was true. There was a car accident. My brother is gone. I'm an only child. It is my fault.

A month ago, I began therapy. I can't stand it. I never tell my therapist anything. Every Friday, I lie on a bed in a small circular room and spew rubbish about it getting easier. Like an idiot, my young therapist believes me and advises me to continue taking my sleep meds. She gets excited as she thinks she's helping me; I don't tell her the truth. She can't help me. No one can. I'm damaged beyond repair.

After tying up my shoelaces, I stand and take a look into the full length mirror at the corner of my bedroom. Besides a couple new scars, I look the same as I always have. It's hard to believe that this boy looking back at me now is the same boy who used to have so much joy in his life. Running my hand through my hair, I throw on my black Nike backpack before heading out. For a moment, I almost wish mom had stayed home from work today like she offered. I have no idea how I'm going to do this alone. Pulling out my phone, I quickly call the contact of my best friend's phone. After one ring, he picks up.

"Alex?" he answers questioningly. This must be a surprise for him. I don't blame him. I have been pretty non-existent since the accident.

"Hey, Brad. Where are you?"

"Out by the field. Where you at, bro?"

"Behind the school." I say simply. He quickly realizes what I'm asking.

"Be there in a few." He says before hanging up.

Around a minute later, I spot Bradley as he makes his way across the parking lot to where I am. Keeping my head downward to avoid any stares, I hop down from my truck and collect my things.

"Here. I got this for you." Brad says, handing me my schedule.

Taking it from him, I nod my head slightly in a thanks as I study my schedule for this year –English 12, Geometry, US History, Lunch, Free Period, Physics—all my least favorites. I will be skipping a lot of class periods this year. At that moment the five minute bell rings. I look up to see Brad leaning on my car, watching me curiously.

"You ready for this?" Brad asks, giving me a questioning look.

"Do I have a choice?" I respond.

With that, we head to homeroom. I can tell Brad feels uncomfortable. He probably doesn't know what to say to me. People have been tip-toeing around me for the last 2 months; Brad cannot be one of them.

"So how's football practices been?" I ask in an attempt to break the ice.

"They've been alright. It's kind of hard to run plays without your star quarterback." Brad says, glancing at me. We stay quiet for a moment, wandering down the hallways to our homeroom class that we have together this year. I attempt to ignore the blatant stares of my fellow peers as I walk. "When do you think you'll be playing again?" Brad asks as we arrive right outside the classroom.