I'm back, but not for good

|7|

Cara's pov

It was the next morning, and even though my friends say they understand now they need to know that I did leave a note for them.

I decided to wear black jeans and a black shirt with the words "I've given up" in really small text on it.

"Honey, time to go!" My mom yells as I throw my backpack over me shoulders and grab my phone.

I run down the steps and I quickly grab a granola bar, watching my mom watch me and smile.

"It's good to know I didn't lose you. I thought that I would never be able to see you run downstairs again." She said, her smile fading when I didn't say anything.

"I'll meet you outside." I say, opening the granola bar.

"Don't forget, therapy after school. Don't skip it please." She grabs her keys and we head out.

I hate therapy.

                                __

I see my friends standing together talking probably about me. I know it's a shock to them still, but I love them all and I hate that I did that to them.

I walk up and smile. They all turned to me and opened a spot for me to stand with them.

"I know you guys are still unhappy. I left a note explaining everything. Because there's things you guys didn't know. I promise I'll tell you everything from here on out, but anyways," I take the note from my pocket. "Here." I hang the note to Maleah.

"Cara, I'm sorry we jumped to conclusions. We really are sorry," Brad spoke, trying to watch Maleah's reaction to my note.

She started tearing up, and she looked at me with sad eyes. "Cara..."

I tried hard myself not to cry, instead I just gave her a smile.

She passed the note on, and by the time the bell rung they all read it.

They brought me into a big group hug, and they all apologized.

That makes me feel better that now they know everything.

                                __

After ninth period, I started walking back to the bus area so they could drop me off home, when I remembered I have therapy.

I glance to my right to see Brad running up to me. "Cara, wait!" He yells, catching his breath as he made it to me.

I giggle, standing with my arms crossed. He smiles warmly.

"Can I come over?" He asked, still out of breath.

I sighed. "I have therapy. Yay me." I sarcastically say.

"Well, can I come? You probably want company there, right?"

I think about it, and company would be good to have in a place like that.

"Okay. You can come. But we have to walk, and it seems to me your out of breath." I laugh again, and he playfully punches my arm.

We start walking, and for a couple minutes it's calming and quiet. We just enjoy each other's company.

"The night she died, isn't the night we thought you did what you did. We heard three days after. We had no clue, Cara. I could have saved you." He said, breaking the quietness.

I look at him sympathetically. "You couldn't have at that point. I didn't see a life without Ryllie. I didn't see me ever moving on and accepting her death. But this wasn't any of your guys' fault. I love all of you."

He doesn't seem convinced, and I really don't want him to blame himself.

"Listen, Brad. With you guys and therapy, I'm sure to stay now. I'm getting better, and you guys had absolutely nothing to do with my decision," I stop walking and grab his hands. "So please don't ever blame yourself again."

He wraps me in a hug, and as we release he smiled.

"I love you Cara." He said, stepping closer to me.

"I love you more, Brad. Now let's go, if I'm late he keeps me for extra time."

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