Remembered

Chapter Three

Elaine (High School, 15 years old)

I woke up feeling empty. That dream was different. It was sad and full of sorrow. I wondered how she knew that the horse belonged to her husband. What if it had belonged to another gentleman. Curiosity killed the cat Ellie, I told myself. I slipped on my rose printed robe. I sulked my way down the stairs to see both of my parents drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. I poured myself a glass of orange juice and responded to the texts I got while I was sleeping. Diana said she wanted one idea from each of us by practice. Ugh I sighed. What was a decent spirit week theme that most of the school would actually participate in? Pajama day sounded like fun. I texted Diana my idea and went to Instagram.

After scrolling for a bit, my dad tapped on my shoulder. He pointed to his watch. Crap! I had to leave right now if I didn't want to miss the bus. I rushed out of the house making it just in time. Sara was staring in the distance. I stood next to her. I placed my earbuds in my ears and turned on my music. When we got on the bus, we found a seat towards the back. I saw longish brown hair in front of me. Was it him? No it couldn't be, he always got driven to school. I heard a deeper male voice. It was him! Butterflies filled my stomach. Act calm Ellie. I wiped my sweaty palms against my skirt.

"Yes. I understand. No one knows. I swear. Who would I even tell? No. She has no idea. I promise to keep it take way. He had a doctor's appointment this morning so I had to ride the bus. Nothing has changed. Whatever I am almost at school. I'll see you tonight." The male said into his phone.

Jeez Ellie way to involve yourself into someone else's life by eavesdropping I thought. Part of me really wanted to know who he was talking to. What was he even talking about? Who was this girl he was speaking of? It wasn't any of my business. I shouldn't of muted my music to listen to his conversation. I was about to turn my music back on when I heard one voice that sent chills down my spine.

"Oh look the goth guy has to the ride bus today. Did Douglas decide you were worthless like the rest of us?" He said.

"Kurt mind your own business." Anthony grunted.

"Not going to happen. You are my business freak." Kurt hissed.

"How about you leave me alone? I'm not bothering you at all." Anthony huffed.

"Your presence is bothering me Kron." Kurt shouted.

I wanted to say something but my mouth felt frozen. The rest of the bus ride was quiet. Sara texted me the new rumor. My stomach sank. Kurt said Anthony was only adopted because Keith Kron felt bad for him. Tears formed in my eyes. I had no idea what happened to him. We all knew he had been in foster care since he was nine.

I remembered that day so clearly. My mom was driving me to cheerleading practice. I was about six years old. We heard sirens. They got louder as she kept going down the road towards my school. The police said a drunk driver hit the victims. It was Anthony and a family friend in the car. Reports stated that the friend had taken him in after a fire killed his older siblings and parents when he was four years old. Anthony was severely injured and the friend died upon impact. My mom's friend who was Colin's mother was shaken by the news. Her son's best friend was being hospitalized and not sure if he would make it. Colin missed almost a week of school due to breaking down during class. They were closer than ever now.

Again my classes dragged on. I felt like a ghost. I couldn't pay attention. Lunch came and I sat down at my usual table. I had a perfect view of Anthony. He seemed stressed. There wasn't any way I could talk to him while I was at school. My squad would be furious with me. I didn't want to ruin any shot I had of being cheer captain next year. My parents approval meant more to me than anything else even Anthony.

Soon enough cheer practice came. We discussed our spirit week themes and voted on the five we liked the most. Lucky me, pajama day had a place. Courtney loved it. We also went over our Homecoming routine. Afterwards we discussed our plans for the dance. I still didn't have a date and this thing was next week! After practice was over I waited for my mom to pick me up. It was pouring. I dug out my umbrella. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him. Shivering, he texted someone. I walked towards him. Maybe I could finally talk to him.

"Hey." I smiled.

"Hi. What do you want cheerleader?" He never looked at me.

"You seemed stressed earlier in the cafeteria. I wanted to see if you were okay." I told him.

"I'm fine." He grumbled.

"Do you want to stand under my umbrella? There is plenty of room." I asked him.

"No. Thanks though." He glanced at me. I saw so much pain in his ocean blue eyes.

He walked away heading towards his house just as my mom pulled into the school parking lot. I let out a sigh of relief. What if she had caught me talking to him? I would of been grounded for sure. I had to know why they hated him so much. He was the smartest guy in the school. Yet I couldn't date him because he chose not to play a sport.

Dinner was silent tonight. I quickly ate and washed my dishes. After I finished my homework, I took a shower. I kept thinking about his eyes. Had Keith inflicted that pain that they reflected? How much suffering had he endured? I started crying. I wanted to help him. I wanted to ease his pain. I couldn't though. That night I had another nightmare that felt way too real.

The Colonies 1777
I heard his pleas as they drug him away. He gazed at me. He knew he was going to die today. I twisted my wedding band around my finger. Our little life we built together was over. I wasn't sure why he was being put to death. I needed to know who was responsible for this decision. That person had just taken away the last thing I loved in this world. I reached out for his hand and grasped it tightly. Tears streamed down my face as the men pulling him stopped. I kissed his forehead. He whispered he loved me and how sorry he was that this was happening. He apologized for the other event that had made me heartbroken. I told him none of this was his fault. They tore him away from me and pointed a gun at his head. No! They pulled the trigger. I saw him collapse to the cold earth. His breathing became labored. I laid his head on my lap. I brushed the hair out of his eyes and traced his face delicately with my fingertips. He took his last breath. I screamed.