The Best I Can Do

Mute

Chapter Three:

Silver's P.O.V:

"Do you like this one?" Uncle Robert held up a book bag to me.

I shrugged.

He held up another one. 

"How 'bout this one?"

I shrugged again, and he set it down and gestured to all of the book bags.

"You should just pick one."

I don't care, Uncle Robert. I just don't care.

I walked behind him, and I glanced at the next one I saw. It was a plain black JanSport book bag.

I sighed and put it in the cart that was filled with unnecessary school supplies.

He bought everything. Even the items that high-school students don't even need. Like a 24 box of crayons. Nobody uses crayons unless you're five years old.

We walked outside of the store, and he turned to me. "Well, there you go, Erin. You're all ready and prepared for high school at Redwood."

I smiled slightly, appreciating his enthusiasm. 

The next day, I woke up earlier than I ever have for school. Redwood High required students to be at the school at 5:30 am. 

Absolutely ridiculous.

I stumbled over to the light switch, and I squeezed my eyes shut as the bright light blinded me.

I groaned quietly, and I went into the bathroom to get ready. 

Fifteen minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom in a short white dress with one of those infinity scarfs I've seen other girls wear. I grabbed my boots, denim jacket, and my phone from its charger. I shut my bedroom door behind me and glanced at The Door.

It was completely dark inside the room, but The Door was wide open.

Hopefully, it will be closed when I get back.

I tiptoed past my relative's bedroom, not wanting to wake them up, and I walked down the stairs. I walked into the kitchen and dropped my boots as I saw Aunt Katherine and Uncle Robert, wide awake sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee gripped in their hands.

Uncle Robert chuckled when he saw my bewildered expression.

Aunt Katherine sipped her coffee. "We wanted to make sure you got out all right."

I nodded and grabbed a granola bar from the cabinet. 

I put on my boots and started to search around for my car keys. When I couldn't find them, I panicked and glanced at the clock. It read 5:09. 

Do I have time to-- No. Dammit. Where are they?

"Right here, Erin." Uncle Robert held my keys up. 

I smiled at him as he handed them to me, and I hugged them both goodbye.

A brand new 2015 Subaru Legacy sat in the driveway. It was a gift from Uncle Robert and Aunt Katherine. I unlocked the beautiful silver car, and I sat down inside it.

The new car smell...

I turned the key in the ignition, and I listened as the engine roared to life. 

I pulled out of the driveway and drove towards Redwood High. 

The traffic was inescapable.