Stalls ✔️

S I X T E E N

1 6:

The middle of May came as quick as it began. Whenever I'd vow to myself that I wouldn't cry on the last day of secondary school, I was oblivious to how hard that was. I sat in the hall, watching the aged photos throughout the years flick by on the modern projector. They formed a tight knot at the bay of my stomach. Reminiscing, they call it. I call it forgetfulness.

A new photo emerged against the humongous wall; Riley, Hunter and I from year nine. I wore a Pikachu onesie, whereas Riley was dressed as his favourite wizard, Harry Potter, and Hunter was clothed normally. She didn't get the memo, I presume. Back then, my depression was at bay. There wasn't a trace of sadness lining my light eyes, no part of my smile was fake. We were happy. I was happy. I needed that back, and slowly, I was going to progress.

Unexpected tears sprang to my eyes, burning the rims. I blinked, cocking my head to concerntrate on the ceiling tiles - rows of white squares, and the overhanging bulb lights that illuminated the room. They were on? Oh, okay.

"Thank you, class of 2016!" Mr. Denmark announced.

Without warning, a song blared from the speakers. Every teen in the room struggled sluggishly to their feet. That was it. Following suit, our form burst through the double doors like an angry stampede of skittles and in to the courtyard where everyone was waiting. Swarms of people came running, clutching onto their friends, the memories the school had constructed; clutching onto those they didn't want gone.

I spotted Wren in the distance, beckoning me over with a sad smile and a wave. Walking over to her, everything around me was a haze. A few metres away, I felt an arm grasp my waste tightly. Both Rain and Hunter's arms wrapped distinctly around my waste, pulling me into an uplifting group hug. We pulled away, laughing, tears spilling down our cheeks, and walked to greet Wren. Setting our bags on the table, we pulled on our cushy leavers hoodies. The material felt warm, and smooth against my skin.

"Not nice, is it?" Wren questioned, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Nope," I responded. Shaking my head, I gave her a soul-crushing hug. Protectively, I wrapped my arms around her waste, inside of her black hoodie. She returned the gesture. Suddenly, Rain and Hunter joined in, becoming a secondary group hug. A smile crept to my lips, knowing the awesome group of friends I had. I was going to be okay.

In a weird sense of unison, we pulled back. We stood in a circle, analysing each other's expression. "Ready to go?" Rain asked, black marks trailing down to her chin.

Sceptically, I nodded. "Fuck. Yeah, I'm presuming so."

I gripped my bag tightly, throwing it over my shoulder as if it were a boulder. We walked to the post, the famous post outside the top gates, leaving Wren in school. Simultaneously, we drew out our names in curly letters, something that leavers did as a tradition. In isolation, I left a small, clear spot for Riley. Riley. In a few hours, I'd be able to lock eyes with him for the first time in months. I'd be able to watch him scribble his hair with his hands until it puffed like a curly afro.

With that thought in mind, we left the premises. We divided, leaving to separately get ready. The clock on my phone struck only 1:16pm.

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Once I arrived home from my rapid detour to pick up ice cream from Scoop, there was a single note left for me on the kitchen table. My mind scanned the words, briefly taking in the mass of information: "Will be gone for a few hours. Catch a ride with the neighbour if you have to. Love you lots, Mum."

Well, darn. Continuing up the stairs, I pulled off my hoodie and set it down on my bed. That piece of material held an abundance of memories, but it lay there, spread innocently on my bed. Next to it lay my phone. Between my long fingers, I clutched it, debating who to call for a ride: Rainy, Hunter, or Wren? Eh, what does it matter?

"Hello, this is Wren. Can't make it to the phone right now. Leave your name, and number and I'll call you back."

Nope.

"Hi, this is Hunter. Can't make it-"

Nope.

"Hello." Rain greeted, her voice bouncy and bright.

"Hey, Rainy." I sighed into the dial. Struggling to pull on a pair of ripped black jeans, I wedged the device between my cheek and shoulder.

"Are you alright?" She asked, the bounce fading. My brain still struggled to process the idea that Rain had... Something for me. She did, at least.

"Yeah, I was just wondering if I could catch a ride with you later. I mean, will you pick me up?"

"Of course. Obviously, it'll be my brother driving, and thankfully there's no damage since Wren practically stole it." She giggled.

"Yeah, about that." I laughed too.

"It's fine," I heard her suck up a smile, "I'll see you later?"

"I will see you later." I confirmed, before the low buzz of the receiver greeted my ears.

Without distraction, I successfully pulled on my jeans. In addition, I wore a tight black t-shirt and a green jacket, and a lovely scarf and bracelet to accessorise. I sat down, pulling the leavers hoodie onto my knee, trailing my fingers over the length of the sleeves. I had to leave secondary school behind. I had to leave everything behind, and tonight is my formal invitation. Depression and anxiety weren't going to kill me, I was going to kill them, in the meanest of way, by kick-starting next year at counselling, and pushing myself to smile, and get help in the inevitable journey of dark times.

From now on, things would be different; no judging eyes, no laughing lips. With that thought sticking to my mind, a car horn wailed in the distance. I collected my things, and was greeted by a familiar ancient Mustang parked on my driveway.