Dream On

Chapter 18

I stir in my sleep at the sound of the bus wheels, knowing Rylan would be waiting at our spot and climbing on without me. He'll be fine though, this isn't his first day a this school. However, Eric is going to be lost. How I wish I could be there. How I wish I could help but, I just can't do it.

Just as I start to drift off into sleep again I think back to every little thing I can remember about school. The crazy football games, the terrible school food, spirit week, Drive You Tractor To School Day, the homecoming dance I never attend, the girls sitting and watching for which boys are their new crush. The girls... new crush... oh no. I just think back to when a new boy comes to school. He gets a label. Usually hot, cute, gorgeous, or weird, nerd, ugly. I know Eric won't be getting a bad one that's for sure. That's also the problem.

All if the girls are going to fall head over heels for the new boy and his beautiful green eyes. His sandy blonde hair, his prefect features. Though I know we aren't "technically" datinr, I want those girls to know that this boy is mine. Eric Collins is mine. I roll out of bed and into my chair. I wheel over to my dresser and pull on a pair of denim capries along with a cute top. I brush my hair out and I'll have Mom put it up later. For now I'm going to brush my teeth. Mom hears the water running and walks groggyly into the bathroom.

"What are you doing Sun?" She asks through a yawn.

"I'm going." I say as valiantly as I can without crying in nervousness. Her eyes grown wide.

"I thought you said you couldn't do it." She accuses me.

"Yes, I meant what I said and I said what meant but Sunny Hallark is faithful one hundred percent." She smiles at my choice of words but I know she wants an elaboration. "I can't leave Eric, Mom. I'd want him with me so it's only fair of me and every value of friendship I know, to be there for him." Before she objects I shove my toothbrush into my mouth so I can't answer. After some thought and a sigh she gives in.

"Okay, I'll take you in and you can call home when you get too drained to keep going. Deal?" She proposes. I spit into the sink and look at her.

"Deal. Now let's go. I don't want to be that late on the first day." Though I come off confident, I'm actually terrified. I can't let Mom or Dad see that though. They'd worry all day. I can't do that to them.

The ride seems quicker than I'd wished and I'm not as late as I thought I'd be. With one quick glance around I know this is going to be super awkward. I ton of kids are just standing around talking, leaning on car hoods, giving hugs, and mostly just trying to stay awake.
I take a deep breath and nod at Mom to open the car door. Dad walks around and grabs my wheelchair from the trunk. I turn in my seat to reveal all of my casts. They're staring now. Dad picks me up and places me gently in my chair. I smile in the general direction of all the kids and blow both Mom and Dad a kiss as they pull away. Mom mouths the words "Have a good day, Philippians 4:13 and I love you." Philippians 4:13, averse I know well. "For I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength."

I can do this. I breath out. I turn my chair to the faces of everyone and I hear sounds didn't expect to hear. Applause, cheers, and looks that apply that they're proud of me. "Yeah Sunny!" I hear one voice say "Good to have you back!" Says another followed by "Tough girl" and "woo"s. I smile a proud grin and they to figure out how to get up over the curb to the door. Luckily I feel a slight jolt and then a tip backwards. Rylan stands behind me with a hand on each handle.

"Thanks." I say touching on of his hands. No sign of Eric but insure he's somewhere getting his schedule or locker or combo or something. Rylan wheels me to my own locker and helps me put my books onto my lap. Still no sign of Eric. Rylan and I part ways and I roll into how room. Obviously no Eric because C and H are not in the same homeroom. Time flies by until lunch where I see Eric sitting at one table alone and Rylan at our normal table waiting for me.

I wheel Eric's way because come on, it's his first day of school and I haven't seen him at all. The last thing I see before I turn completely around is Rylan's glare. Directed at me or Eric, I'll never know.