The Middle Ground

Chapter Two

The car softly hums as I drive. Man, I love this car. Dad got it for me when I turned sixteen and two months later it's still the best car I've ever driven. Sure it's no mustang, but it's got a smooth ride and the seats have a built in heating system. I suspect that will come in handy in the winter. It's also probably the safest car to drive. Which is why I got it. I'm known for being clumsy and not being very focused on anything, so something that alerts me when I'm getting to far over the line or to close to another car put Dad and me at ease.

"Can't I come to the school with you? I'll leave as soon as I take a tour," I plead.

"No," he says simply.

"Why not? Mom and Dad visit you all the time. I don't see why I can't. You started going there when you would've entered high school, so you can't use the excuse that I'm too young. Tell me why," I demand.

"Look I don't make the rules. It says in the rule book that only students and their parents or guardians can enter school grounds," he sighs, "How's your summer work coming?"

Like I'm gonna let him change the subject. "Fine," I say abruptly, "Are you sure that's what it says?"

"Yes. Can we move on already?" He asks.

Nope. "If I can't go, can you tell me about it?" I ask, "You used to talk about it all the time, but then you stopped."

He looks out the window, "Cause there's not much to talk about. It's the same as you're school just farther away."

"Not true. All of the people at my school are from around here. You've got people from all over the country going there," I point out. Try proving I'm wrong now.

"It seems normal now. Sure it was cool freshmen year, but now it's just the same people year after year. The only difference is that we never know who's going to be coming in as freshmen," he says matter of factly. Dang he got me. Still. Why can't he just answer me?

My grip on the steering wheel tightens, "But-"

"Shut up will you! I can't talk about! Ok!" he shouts. My body becomes stiff. His shout reaches my very soul. I don't dare to look at him. I didn't mean to make him angry. I hear him take a slow breath. "Just drop it ok?" he continues calmly. I nod in response. I try to pay attention to the road, but I get distracted by the beautiful scenery going by.

Thousands of trees buzz by. The many shades of green blending together to create the image that we're surrounded by a world of green. At certain points though, the world will disperse to show the calming blue sky and the devilish golden sun. The glowing ball shines right in your eyes demanding your attention. I look away from it and stare at the seemingly endless road. The yellow stripes and dots blend together till there's no difference. Why does the road have to be so boring, but the world around it is so beautiful? I don't see how anyone is supposed to pay attention to the road in situations like this.

I can just imagine laying out there in the woods. Feeling the sun on my face. Forgetting the rest of the world. I can hear the birds singing and the pitter patter of little animals walking around in their realm. A nice cooling breeze that would blow by every now and then. Yes that would be nice.

"Vic," my brother's voice pulls me out of my day dream, "I'm sorry for yelling."

"It's fine. You just scared me is all," I say, "Besides, now that we're over that we can stop sitting in silence." I see him smile and continue, "Well since you won't talk about school."

"Can't," he interjects.

"Since you can't talk about school. Let's talk about something else. Like your girlfriend. You excited to see her again? You didn't see each other at all this summer," I say.