narcotics | e.d

III.

Bella Chavez

The spam of text messages I had sent to my father asking for a ride home had evidently gone into his mental trash bucket.

It was curently 7:30, approxiametly 30 minutes since my group session had ended and I had been forced to wait for a lovely form of public transportation. (I hope you can infer my sarcasm)

I wasn't necessarily the type to know how to save money for things I actually needed, therefore I couldn't merely order an Uber.

I sat impatiently at the bus stop across the street from the Narcotics Anonymous banner..

It seemed like it would forever haunt me, quite honestly.

I stared at it, boots bouncing unnervingly and loudly against the concrete beneath me as a source of entertainment. However, the opening of the door below it deviated my attention.

Down the stairs ran the one and only, Mr. Ethan Dolan.

I must have been unconsciously staring, or smiling, or something; as he waved eagerly and j-walked through the busy street to reach me.

"Hi! You're in my class, right? Narcotics Anonymous?" He cheerfully settled himself next to me, staring beadily at me.

I immediately deleted any hopes of him being a hot bad boy. He saw me as one of students; I had no chance.

"Uh- yeah." I stuttered, my awkward voice clearly killing his happy mood.

"Um, well, what's your name? I think it's important for me to get to know the people I'm mentoring." He paused shortly, before continuing. "On a personal level."

"I'm Bella." I said dryly. "Um, Chavez. Bella Chavez."

"Oh cool, is that short for like Isabella or something?" He clearly was attempting small talk that I wasn't good at reciprocating.

"No."

I mentally facepalmed myself as an awkward silence rose between us.

I was being so fucking rude.

"Are you waiting for the bus? I can give you a ride?" He piped up eagerly.

"No, it's okay. I can wait."

"C'mon! It'll be like a teacher-student bonding experience. You can have aux." He seemed very persistent and peppy.

I shrugged and decided what the hell.

"Awesome!" He grinned wildly, standing up quickly and running into the chaotic traffic with a firm grip on my hand, pulling me after him. Cars angrily honked in response but I stayed close after him, keeping my head down and apologetically waving at the passing drivers.

Finally, we reached the parking lot behind the building of our group that I assumed contained his car. Following him at a normal pace, we come to a stop in front of lifted black jeep.

I instinctually raised my eyebrows, surprised at how nice his car was when he was only a teenager.

Daddy probably bought him it.

However, it would only be more rude to question it out loud.

Opening the door, I placed a foot on the stepper and pulled myself into the passenger seat. I fastened my seat belt promptly.

Beside me, Mr. Dolan did the same and flashed a smile at me as he noticed me watching him. I looked away abruptly as he started the car with the turn of a key.

For the first five minutes, the ride was nothing short of awkward. Except for the small mentions of direction, I was entirely timid.

"So," He dragged out the "o" in "so" childishly, in an attempt to enforce a conversation. "What made you join Narcotics Anonymously so young? I read on the roll list that you're only 17."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, hoping he would get the memo that I didn't want to tell him the full story.

"It's totally cool if you don't want to tell me." He sputtered quickly.

He thankfully understood. I stayed quiet.

"What are you doing teaching it?" My curiosity finally prompted me to inquire.

"I was 13 when I first got put into it. Let's just say I came from a rough place."

"Turn left here."

He did.

"But yeah, my life did a complete turn around and I guess I was inspirational enough to teach the course."

"Oh, that's cool. Good for you."

"You hungry?" He asked politely.

Honest to God, I was starving.

"No, I'm good." I lied sheepishly, later telling him to make a right into the neighborhood. "My house is the yellow one right before the cul de sac."

He pulled up and smiled, stating that we had arrived at our destination.

I reached into my purse to find some gas money as a thank you, but his large hand stopped me. The warmth of it transferred onto mine, I felt the light callouses lingering on the skin before his long fingers atop of my own.

I immediately felt my cheeks get hot and mentally cursed my incessant urge to blush at the slightest form of attention.

He smiled cheesily before pulling it away and apologizing. "Don't worry about it, I offered you the ride."

His kind hazel eyes watched my own carefully and I almost want to lean in and kiss his godlike features, however I contained myself and nodded gratefully.

"Thanks so much." I hopped out of the car, leaving him.

Walking up to the steps, I turned back for one last look as he watched for my safety. He smiled cheekily before rolling down the window and calling out, "See you Wednesday, Bella!"

A true smile danced upon my lips for the first time that night, and I returned his advance with a small wave.