You Saved Me

CHAPTER SIX: FRIENDS AND THE FATHER

Memories can destroy us. The memories of Jacob destroy me everyday. But when I'm with Dylan, the memories fade.

Today was the start to my first full week at Davenport High. "Honey, you're going to be late!" My mom banged on the locked door. "Fine with me!" I adjusted my hair and took a long look in the mirror. "Seriously, Ryan!" I finally dropped my gaze and stepped into the hall. My dad handed me a banana and I got in my car.

Pulling into the parking lot, I saw Dylan...but he wasn't alone. A boy was walking with him. They were laughing. I'm guessing that was his best friend. I pulled in behind where the two were walking. Dylan turned as a smile grew across his face. He rushed over to open my door. "Ryan Summers." He helped me out of the car. "Dylan O'Brien...and?" I looked over to his friend. "Oh this, this is my best friend, Mr. Tyler Posey." He patted his back. "So nice to finally make the acquaintance of the girl who Dylan hasn't stopped talking about for two weeks!" He smiled and Dylan cheeks flushed bright red, as did mine. "Aye! Crystal! Wait up! See you kids later!" Posey ran off after a stunning brunette.

"You haven't stopped talking about me?" I asked nudging Dylan. "Well, I have to at some point. Let's just say, it haven't stopped thinking about you." He smiled. "Do you want to come to my house after school?" Dylan asked. "Hmmm... you receive an invite from a completely attractive guy to come to his beach house after school. Do you accept or decline?" A smirk grew across my face. "So that's a yes?"

"No, that's a definitely."

At lunch, I ordered a salad and followed Dylan to the table where his friends sat. "Ok, these are my completely embarrassing and totally humiliating friends. Holland, Daniel, Crystal, and Tyler, my best friend. Although, Daniel is more of a nuisance." He laughed and playfully patted Daniel on the back.

"Nice to meet all of you." I sat next to a beautiful red head who I'm guessing was Holland. "You told us she was beautiful but this girl is damn stunning." A boy with and English accent spoke and reached across the table to shake my hand. "I'm Daniel. But you can call me anytime." He winked. "No wonder Crystal dumped your ass, flirt." Holland slapped his outstretched hand. "Really the only guy at this table who isn't completely perverted is Dylan. You made a good choice." She smiled showing her perfect teeth. "Is that a compliment?" Dylan questioned. "Indeed it is." For the rest of lunch, we talked and the completely embarrassing and totally humiliating friends of Dylan felt like they were my friends, too.

~~

I pulled into Dylan's driveway and the image of two cars parked out front turned into three since the last time I was there. I'm guessing his dad was home. I inhaled, fixed my hair, exhaled and went to the front door. I knocked and an older man answered; his dad. "Oh hello. Can I help you?" He asked looking over me from head to toe. "Uh..yes. Is Dylan home? He invited me." The man rolled his bloodshot eyes. "Dylan! There's someone here for you!" We waited in awkward silence, him inside, me outside. Finally Dylan came downstairs dismissing the awkwardness. "You planning on inviting her in at some point, dad?" His dad smiled, "She's not my guest." And walked away. "Well then." I was pretty shocked by the immature behavior of his father. "He's been and asshole lately. My parents are fighting. Sorry." Dylan stepped outside and shut the door behind him. "No problem. Assholes are everywhere." I nudged his shoulder and we headed for the beach.

"So, your dad...did he tell your mom about... you know?"

"Yeah. She wants to forgive but she can't. My dad has also been doing drug deals and smuggling alcohol into places of business. He's out of fucking control." Dylan looked hurt.

"I'm sorry, Dyl." He brushed off the subject. "They are leaving for Olympia in an hour...to try to get away. He's been crying, that's why his eyes are red." I jogged in front of Dylan, turned around to face him, and put my hands on his shoulders. "Everything will be okay. We can get a pizza, rent a movie, and I can stay tonight. I have clothes in my car for tomorrow."

"You wanna stay with me?" He asked, looking happier. "Of course."

~~

That night, we watched "The Matrix," Dylan's favorite movie, ate the greasiest pizza ever, and read to each other. Dylan and I were laying on his bed listening to music. "Thanks for staying." He turned on his side to face me. "If I didn't, you would be sitting alone looking through your dad's laptop, miserable. I don't want you to be miserable." I spoke with my eyes closed. "You're something else." I opened my eyes to see him, lips slightly parted, dent on the end of his nose perfectly defined, and his eyes staring back at me. "Can I kiss you?" He asked and I nodded. Dylan slowly leaned in and pressed his lips softly against mine. At that moment, the world seemed to move in slow motion. It was spectacular.