DARLING, chris chambers

ten

Jackie Favelle

Vern, Teddy, and myself walked up ahead jamming to one of my favorite songs. The other two are having their own conversation further back. "You think Mighty Mouse could beat up Superman?"

"What are you, cracked?" I chuckle at Teddy's response to Vern. "Why not?"

"I saw one day, he was carrying five elephants in one hand." I input shrugging my shoulders. "You guys, don't know nothing. Mighty Mouse is a cartoon. Superman is a real guy. No way a cartoon could beat up a real guy." Teddy states.

"Yeah, maybe you're right."

"Would be a good fight, though." Teddy scoffs and Vern agrees.

We look back to see how far a ways Chris and Gordie were. Their discussion was serious judging by their straight faces. "Come on, you guys, let's get moving."

"Yeah, by the time we get there the kid won't even be dead anymore!" Teddy jokes.

-

"Everyday it's a little closer. Going faster than a roller coaster.." I sang quietly, picking at a purple flower. I bump into Chris' back when he stops because I was too busy picking at this flower. "Sorry."

I look up to see what they had been looking at. A bridge - hundreds of feet above a river. I huff, my breath a little shaky. "Any of you guys know when the train is due?"

"We could go down to the Route 136 bridge."

"What? Are you crazy? That's five miles down the river. You walk five miles down the river, you gotta walk five miles back. That could take till dark." I still stand, debating if the bridge before us is too risky. "We go across here, we get to the same place in ten minutes."

"Yeah, but if a train comes there's nowhere to go." Vern makes a very obvious, but good point.

"Hell, there isn't. You just jump." I look at Teddy and just about smack him up the back of his head, "Teddy, it's a hundred feet."

"Yeah, Teddy." Vern squints. "Look, you guys can go around if you want to. I'm crossing here. And while you guys are dragging you're candy asses half-way across the state and back, I'll be here waiting for you on the other side relaxing with my thoughts."

I try to hold back my laughter. "You use your left hand or your right hand for that?"

"You wish, Jackie."

I step foot on the bridge, shakily and anxiously. I breathe heavily trying to rid my mind of all the unrealistic scenarios on repeat. "Come on, take my hand." Chris offers his hand and smiles. I hold his hand tightly and continue to control my breathing. The silence that falls amongst the group doesn't help with my thoughts and I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this way.

There are several inches of void in between each floor board and my heart stops every time the water comes into view. I clear my throat from fear and listen to the birds making noises in the far distance.

I wipe the sweat away from my palm onto my light washed jeans. Chris checks up on his following friends. 

"I lost the comb."

"Forget it, Vern."

My loose shoelaces repeatedly swing against my ankle and I slowly become irritated. "Hold on, Chris." I let go of his hand and kneel down to tie both of my shoes that have become undone. I swallow down whatever my stomach wanted to release when I see the river through a gap.

Gordie and Vern pass slowly make their way passed me as I attempt to tie my lace with my shaky hands. 

One down, another to go. I remind myself to not let my fear get the best of me.