Just Hang In There

Chapter 17

(Mark)
My mom's birthday was in a few days and I had no idea what to get her. I parked my mom's car downtown and walked around. I scanned the buildings windows to see if there was anything interesting. So far, nothing. I sighed and shoved my hands in my pockets.
"Want to a sample of our homemade hand scrub?" One lady asked me as I passed a local soap shop.
"No thank you," I said politely and I kept moving.
"Okay, have a great day!" she said behind me. I kept walking.
After a while of walking, I found a simple jewelry shop that was having a sale. Perfect. Jewelry that's on sale, I thought. I casually walked in.
"Good afternoon sir. How may I help you?" a young girl asked behind the counter.
"Just looking for a good present for my mother," I said looking at some nearby bracelets. The girl moved from around the counter and walked up next to me. She had long blonde hair that was braided up and dark brown eyes.
"Looking for anything particular?" she asked coming up next to me. I shifted over.
"No, not really," I said.
"Okay then. I have a few items that may work," she said, "Follow me." Reluctantly, I followed. She brought me to the necklace section. They were in glass cases.
"These are some our best necklaces. All were designed and created here in the shop," she said proudly. I inspected the necklaces. They did look nice in my opinion but then again I was no jewelry expert.
"They look real nice," I said being polite. She smiled.
"Why thank you. I actually designed some of them," she said. She brought out a key and opened up one of the cases. She reached in and pulled out a necklace with a silver chair and a heart pendant with was encrusted with diamonds. The center of the pendant said love.
"This is one of my creations," she said handing me the necklace. I felt her gaze on me as I inspected it. It made me uncomfortable.
"Its beautiful, but it is not what i'm looking for," I said handing it back to her. She did her best to to frown.
"No problem. Can I help you find what you're looking for?"
"I think I got it," I said.
"Okay. My name is Katie if you need anything," Katie said.
"Thank you," I said. She nodded and walked off. I let out a sigh of relief. Honestly, she creeped me out.
I felt her watching me as I walked around. I did my best not to look up. Luckily, my phone started to ring. I quickly grabbed it and answered it not bothering to see who it was.
"Hello?" I said.
"Mark, where are you?" I heard my mom asked.
"Out in town," I said. I walked out of the store.
"You can't just go out with notifying  me first!" she said angrily, "And what are you doing out in town?"
"Just walking around," I lied.
"Well, I need you to come home now! I need my car," my mother said.
"I'll be home shortly," I sighed. I hung up the phone and headed back to the car. On the way, I thought of something else that I would get my mother. I went into a local candle shop and jewelry bought her favorite scented candle. That is a good gift right?
"Mountain breeze," the cashier said, "That's a good choice."
"It does smell good," I said. He rung up the candle.
"Is that it for you?" he asked. I was about to say yes but a sign on the wall caught my eye. It was advertising custom pendants.
"What are those?" I asked pointing to the sign. The cashier looked back.
"Oh, that is our seasonal item," he said, "You pick out that shape of a pendant you want and we will put a custom message on it for you." I stared at it.
"Wow," I said.
"It is very popular. It makes great gifts and it is fairly cheap," he said.
"I can tell," I said.
"Here, take this," he said handing me a card with all the information.
"Thank you," I said.
"Anytime. So is the candle it?"
"Yep."
"Okay then," he said. I finished paying the headed out. He wished a good day as I walked out.
Afterwards, I hopped in my mom's car and drove home. I dropped the car keys on the kitchen counter as I walked into the house. I soon heard my mom's footsteps coming. I panicked and hid the candle in the microwave. I hoped she wasn't going to turn it on.
"Sorry mom," I apologized as she entered.
"It's fine," she said taking the keys, " Just ask before you go."
"Will do," I said. I waited as until I heard the garage door close before I moved. I grabbed the candle and rushed it to my room. The guy at the store already wrapped it up for me which saved me some time. Afterwards, I pulled out my headphones and listen to some rock. I also pulled out the card with the candle shop's seasonal item. I read it over and over.  It expired in a week. I thought about it and decided it would make a good gift. I would have to make a quick stop back out there tomorrow but I had to think of a message first.

(Jacob)
Second period ended and it was lunch time. I grabbed a chicken sandwich and an apple, paid for it, then went to go find a seat. I passed by the window which had the view of the whole accident on Friday. I shuddered as the images flashed through my mind. I decided to stay inside today.
I found a table in the back. I quickly made my way back there. I took and seat and avoided all eye contact. Even though I couldn't see or hear anyone, I felt people looking at me and whispering different things. I ignored it as usual.
A few minutes in eating, I heard a lot of commotion.  I looked up at the clock. The football team came in on que. They always came in a few minutes late. I watched as they came running in with their girlfriends, playfully punching each other and laughing about who knows what. It felt weird not seeing Mark in that group and Kylie and her friends without their boyfriends.
Once they settled down, I quickly finished up eating. I placed my tray by the trashcan and started for the door. I was a few steps to the door when I heard Kylie yell out.
"There he is!" she exclaimed. It would of been smart to keep moving, but I didn't. Instead I stopped and turned around. I saw Kylie pointing at me and they two huge guys came in my direction. I froze.
"This is the punk?" one of them said. Kylie nodded.
"I've seen this kid before," the other said. I recognized him. It was Ryan Lance, the school's linebacker I think it was. He used to shove me against lockers.
"Well, what are you waiting for!" exclaimed Kylie impatiently. Everyone in the cafeteria was gathered around to watch what was about to happen. I put my hands up to guard my face.
I then felt Ryan's  strong hands grab the cloth on my shoulder's and shove me against the wall. I grunted as I was used to this. Suddenly out of no where, I felt myself slap this guy across the face. Everyone went silent. I stood there mystified. I looked at my hand horrified but excited for what I had just done.
"He just slapped him," someone whispered in shock. I wanted to say I know but the words were stuck in my throat.
"You are going to pay," I heard Ryan whisper in my ear. The other guy cracked his knuckles.
Then, he took my wrist and dragged me into the bathroom. More memories flooded into my head. Once Ryan opened the bathroom door, I tried to break free from his grasp, but he was too strong. the other guy opened up a stall and Ryan dragged me in there. I felt all my confidence drain from me as Ryan opened up the toilet seat. I closed my eyes and held my breath.
But then, Ryan stopped. I slowly exhaled and peaked my eyes open. I was still facing the toilet. I was to scared to turn around.
"Mr. Lance, what is going on here?" asked the voice of Mr. Brighton. He let go of me and dropped to the ground.
"This kid looked sick so I took him to the bathroom," Ryan said. I faked being sick on the spot. Playing along with Ryan's story may get me out of school even if it meant helping him get away with what he was about to do.
"Okay then," Mr. Brighton said. I heard him walk over and pat me on the back.
"You okay there?" he asked. I nodded then faked a cough. "Lets get you to the nurse." He helped me up to my feet and we walked to the nurse.
Surprisingly, no one was gathered outside the bathroom door. They all must of left when the principal walked in.
When we walked into the nurse's office, I pretended another cough and clutched my stomach.
"What's wrong with him?" asked the nurse examining me.
"Sick apparently," Mr. Brighton said. Then he left. I coughed again, trying my best to act sick. After a few minutes, the nurse agreed I was sick. She called my mother and said to pick me up. They were on the phone for a while.
"Your mom will be here shortly," the nurse said. I nodded and laid down on a bench in her office.
"Thanks," I said. I knew my mom wouldn't be here anytime soon. Instead, I closed my eyes and I eventually fell asleep.