Mild Expectations

Chapter 3

'I guess I got what I deserve.' His word stung me.

'I didn't mean it that way. And I never wanted you to get hurt.' I said looking at him.

'It's my fault you got hurt, twice.' He said, sounding angry with himself.

'What?' I asked and he pointed to my leg. 'This wasn't you. I got in front of that car.' I said as realisation struck me.

'Because you were stupid enough to pull me out of the way. Why did you anyway? Do you pitty me that much?' He asked as anger filled his tone.

'I don't pitty you. I saved you because it was my choice and I'm nice. You can at least be grateful.' I said, getting slightly angry at him too.

'Why are you so nice after what I did too you?' He asked after a moment of silence. The anger lifted from his tone and I looked over at him.

'Because I know what it's like losing a friend and being left alone.' I said as the bell rang. Now how to get up. Alex stood up silently and I tried using the tree again but failed miserably as I fell on my butt.

'You need help, now?' He asked extending his arm. I took his hand and he pulled me up in one swift move.

'Thanks.' I said catching my breath. I forgot how strong he was. He put on his shades and turned to face me.

'No problem. Come or we'll be late.' He said as he began walking and I followed.

***

School was finally over and Judy picked us up and was taking us to Alex's house.

'I hate Braille.' He said when we sat at his desk in his room a while after we arrived at his house

'I know but you have to learn it in order to read.' I said and gave him the book again that he pushed towards me.

'I'd rathar eat a chilli.' He said running his index finger over the dots. His mom said he already knew the alphabet and just needed to learn to read words.

'It's not that bad. Just concentrate.' I said and rubbed Rover's head. He was Alex's Australian Shepherd and he was absolutely adorable.

There was silence as he tried to figure the word out. 'Hello.' He said and I smiled.

'See, you got it right. That wasn't so hard.' I said and Rover jumped on my lap with his front legs and licked me. I laughed as I rubbed him behind his ears. 'I can't believe he still remembers me.'

Alex smiled but it faded quickly as he remembered what had happened. 'Yeah, he really missed you. He was bummed for a while after you didn't come around anymore.'

'Why did you do it?' I asked suddenly, needing to know. 'Why did you abandon me? Did I do something wrong?'

He sighed and turned his chair towards me. His shades were off and his eyes helt guilt and sorrow. 'I don't know. I guess being popular got to my head. I had to choose between them and you. Being the person that I was, I chose them. I see now that I shouldn't have. I'm sorry.' He said sounding genuine.

'I want to understand, I really do.' I sighed. 'But that just shows how little I meant to you. I think we're done for today. I have to get home.' I said and got up, taking my crutches. The emotions came back and I didn't want Alex to see me cry.

'Wait, you can't walk home.' He said shocked, as he frantically searched across the room for me.

'I'll be fine. I always am. Bye Rover.' I said scratching his head one last time. My aunt never let me have pets so Rover always felt like a friend to me too.