Code Red

Chapter 27: Just Wonderful

Chapter 27: Just Wonderful

The next few days were absolute torture… Joe kept his mind occupied by playing video game after video game. Janie busied herself with staying in her room and having many many tea parties, leaving one seat open for Elizabeth. And then there was Dylan, who would barely speak to anyone, and I would be lucky if I got more than a one word answer from him.

I went back to school Monday but Dylan stayed home, saying he didn’t feel good, but I knew it was because he didn’t want to face the kids in school. They somehow find out about everything and it wasn’t long before the death of Dylan’s mom was buzzing throughout the halls.

Today was Wednesday, the funeral was tomorrow, and as I walked down the halls of the school by myself, I missed Dylan. Hopefully, he’ll come back next week and I can find ways to make him happy again. I tried at least once every day to cheer him up, but I didn’t want to be obsessive and annoying, and after that one time, I would back off. He usually only was relaxed when we would lay in bed at night, tangled with each other’s bodies.

He usually listened to me talk about my day, saying it took his mind off of the serious things and if that was what he wanted, then so be it. I would do anything for him. Next week, when all of this dies down, I have something in mind that might cheer him up. I knew it was going to take a while to get over Elizabeth, I mean she wasn’t even my mom and I still cried over her.

Slumping down into the lunch seat, I chucked my brown paper bag on the table and sighed heavily.

“Hey Nina,” Nicole smiled sympathetically reaching across the table and patting my hand. “How’s Dylan?” They all knew the situation and they have been very supportive and helpful over the past few days.

“He’s doing alright, I guess. I don’t even know,” I mumbled, hiding my face in my hands. “He’s locked himself up in his room and he only lets me in like five times out of ten. He barely eats, barely sleeps, he always has this vacant look on his face. I think that’s due to the stress of the funeral tomorrow and him actually accepting what happened,” I explained sullenly, feeling very upset myself over this whole situation.

“He’ll get better over time, just give him the space he needs,” Emma said, rubbing my back since she sat next to me.

“I know, I know and I am. It’s just… so hard.”

Dylan’s POV

I throw the basketball up in the air and catch it before it hits my face. I sigh heavily and continue throwing the ball up and catching, trying anything to get my mind off my mom. I knew she didn’t want me acting like this, so depressed over her… death. But I couldn’t help it, I rather she was here with me than in a “better place”. I knew that sounded selfish but it was true.

I also knew that it wasn’t fair to Nina how I have been acting towards her. I knew I have been acting cold and barely even speaking to her and she doesn’t deserve that. I just don’t know how to deal with this properly.

Spending time alone though, when no one else is home, helps… I guess. When Nina gets home, I should apologize. She doesn’t deserve the cold shoulder over something that isn’t even her fault.  It always hurts to see the pain and rejection shine through her warm gorgeous eyes when I shut the door on her.

When my dad left, I didn’t have Nina with me to help me through. I never had someone who is so persistent in getting through to me, I do the only thing that feels normal. Shut them out…

Chucking the basketball to the side of my room, I stared up at the ceiling.

“I miss you mom.”