It Ends In A Second

Part Eight: Just A Crush

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."

-William James

Trigger warning: Funerals, guns

Word count: 1048

PART EIGHT: JUST A CRUSH ✓

I remember our spot. Right next to the lake, behind my house. He was my first real crush. I remember the smell of his shampoo, and his beat up car. I remember it all. Because I only moved a few weeks ago. The bitter winters of New Hampshire made me miss Florida so much more. They made me miss him more.

He made me laugh, and all I could think was his jokes, able to make me laugh anytime. I wiped a tear off of my face as I turned on the news and started my homework.

"Just in: A school shooting is occurring in Florida as we speak. The small town of Auburndale-" I drop my pencil as my head snaps up to watch the TV. "-has a crisis on their hands as a local teen, who has not been named yet, brought a knife and gun to school. An alleged 'out of the blue' incident has been nothing but shock to those who have come out of the building. On the scene with Jerry Barker... Jerry?"

I pick up the pencil and try to focus on math, but the constant thought that Wesley was in danger held my attention like a child squeezing the handlebar on a rollercoaster. I gave up and let a tear fall down my cheek as I curled up on my bed. Memories flashed through my thoughts as I prayed he was okay.

One time after school, he walked me home and bought some ice cream for us to eat as the springtime sun seemed to burn us through our clothes. Our enjoyable moment had been interrupted by the ringing of his phone. I remember the look on his face as his nose crinkled and the color seemed to evaporate from his skin.

"What was it?" I asked when he hung up. He threw his phone into grass a few feet away from us. "Wesley, what's wrong?"

"She's dead." He picked up his phone and ran to his truck a few houses down from mine, and drove away.

"That's right Mabel, this small Florida town is panicking as their children transition into a hard lock down, the suspected shooter is now being-" A gunshot was heard through the microphone, and the news anchor flinched. Another. And another. Three more times a gun went off, I continued to panic. Please be okay, please Wes. I willed in my head. But I knew no matter how hard I wished, he might already be dead.

The next few days were a blur. The policed didn't release any news on who the shooter was, although the news had it's speculations. I didn't believe them. Wesley Wouldn't have done that? Would he?

I had to fly out to go to a friend's funeral. Ashley. She was in Wesley's year, just below mine. I can't believe she died. She was one of my best friends. I trusted her with everything. Everything. And now... She's dead. Now I don't have a best friend at home, or in New Hampshire. Ugh. I hated it their. No friends, no palm trees. No... Wesley.

"Passengers, this is you captain speaking. As you can see, the fashion seat belt sign has been turned on. We will be landing in punta gorda, where the weather is currently a nice breezy 78 degrees with 22 mile per hour winds coming from the south east. If you have any questions, please ask an attendant." The speaker's click, and people begin to wake up from their naps.

I waited, and waited, and waited to be let off of the plain. People were taking their sweet time, their tired children hugged close to them as they began to glisten with sweat. You could see hair poof and frizz as a gust of warm air blew into their faces while the stepped off, and I realised how much I actually missed it here. It wasn't just the people. It was the weather, and the surfing. Mmm... surfing. I practically moan at the thought of riding a decent wave. Nothing compares to florida's waves.

I wait around the luggage carousel, looking for my suitcase, when a cluster of gingers waltz into sight. Just in time.

"Chloe!" Tara yells, as we run to each other. She jumps into my arms and wraps her legs around my waist. "My gosh I've missed you." She says, tucking her head into my shoulder. I spun once or twice before setting her down.

Aha, I found you! My black suitcase with bright green polka dots twists along the conveyor belt. I rush to grab it, and before I know it, I'm sleeping in Tara's room. Tomorrow's going to be a long day.

***

"I'm sorry for your loss." I say, grasping Melissa's mom's hand. Four of my friends died, and another eight people as well. A total of 17 injured. I of course, wasn't too close to them, but I knew them enough for my mascara to be running and my nose to get all drippy. "I really am, I wish I could've been here for them sooner."

A line of people were anxiously waiting to speak to the loved ones of victims, and too look into the open caskets of my peers. The parents (and town) thought we should make a memorial, and a large, shiny, grey stone had been engraved.

With true kindness,

You may be able to save those around you

We will not crumble, but stay united in the face of tragedy

And we will stay strong

One school.

14 children.,

We love you.

Teddy bears, candles, notes, posters, crosses, you name it, and it was their. Auburndale was doing exactly as the sign said. They would not let this break them. We would stay strong. And we will not back down. 

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AN:

I feel like this wasn't well-written, so I guess a huge editing night is needed (Yikes) how do you guys get your editing done? I have four marvelous friends helping me and they do so much thanks guys :)

Please continue reading and please vote comment and share. 

P.S Sorry for the late update :(

-Lila