Falling...into the Dark.

24

Alice

I stopped my car near Mel's house. It was pouring heavily. I grabbed my umbrella and got out. I need to fix it today. I know she doesn't believe me but at least I can apologise for the mistake. I cannot stay in this guilt my entire life. Even if she doesn't believe me I can at least assure her that I will talk to Mrs. Cooper about it. I won't let my carelessness spoil her dreams or our friendship.

I walked through the mud and as I reached for the door a strong pair of arms grabbed me. It was Jake. He pulled me out of the street into the woods.
"What are you doing?" I shouted.
"What are you doing Alice?" He shouted back.
"I need to see her..tal..talk to he..her.." I sank down.
He pulled me up and hugged me.
"It's very painful Jake"
"I know baby. I know it all but now is not the right time"
"Then when will it be? I cannot live like this"
"Soon. Trust me Alice I will make it alright" he cupped my cheeks.
I didn't say anything. I knew he would but I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
"Now come I'll drop you home" he said pulling me up with him.
"I came in my car"
"I know but I'm not letting you drive like this. I'll drop off your car later"
I walked all towards his car and he opened the door. I got in and saw myself in rear view mirror. My eyes were all red. I looked terrible. I felt terrible and my final exams were starting tomorrow.
"This is not the time for you to stress baby doll" Jake said as he drove. His one hand never left mine.
"It's difficult to concentrate like this" I mumbled.
"I know but you need to do it for yourself. For Mrs. Mayor."
He was right. Mom had high hopes from me. I could not let her down. Not one more person that I love.
"Promise me you will not think about it until the time comes"
I just nodded as I wasn't sure if I could do it.

I reached home and sat to study. Although it was done I still kept revising it as it kept my mind off of my current bestfriends crisis. I looked out of my window and saw my car at its usual place. Jake must have drop it. God! He does so much for me and all I do is stay gloomy around him and make him worry.

I ate dinner with mom as staying alone with my thoughts was the last thing I wanted to do. My phone buzzed a few times but I decided to check it after eating.
"So all set?" Mom asked taking the dishes to the sink.
"Yes. I hope so" I whispered the last part to myself.
"You are a strong girl Alice and an ambitious one too. You will get through this sooner than you realise" she said kissing my forehead.
I didn't know whether she meant the exams or this misery. Maybe the later as she knew exams didn't scare me. Losing bestfriends? Yes a lot.
I just smiled back at her and headed towards my room.

I climbed my bed and checked my messages. As expected they were from Jake and Max. Obviously Alice why would you expect your bestfriends sorry ex bestfriends to text you?
I replied to Max first.
Max- all the best for your exam tomorrow.

Me- thank you. All the best to you too Max.

Max- so you good now?

Me- better than I expected.

Max- great. Get a good sleep.

Me- yes sir.

Amidst all this I forgot how a good friend Max had been to me all this while. I mean he has known me for only three years, yet he believes me. His support was quite surprising but yet quite fruitful. It somehow made me feel less of guilty. Apart from Jake it was only Max you still thought of me in a good light.

I texted Jake before he gets worried.
Jake Brian- you all right?

Me- yes I am. Thanks to you.

Jake Brian- just a thanks won't do.

Me- then?

Jake Brian- you need to ace your exams okay?