Intertwined

1 - Accidents Happen

Chapter 1 - Accidents Happen

AUSTIN'S POV

My mind wanders off as I take in the beautiful scenery around me. The whole world seems so peaceful, so perfect. Groups of teenagers walking around sharing gossip, couples going on a stroll, kids running around everywhere, everyone's just smiling and laughing. I smile to myself, thinking how dense these people are to believe that the world is a blissful, faultless place. Looks ARE deceiving. If only they knew...

Just when I felt my eyes tear up, my phone rings. Pulling back the tears threatening to spill, I answer the call.

"Hey man, sup? You busy?" My colleague, Gelo, asks.

"Naw, just sittin' over at the park," I said, once again observing the surroundings.

"Come on over to TTJ then. All the boys are here. Old Jeri has a new barista. She's so super hot," I swear I can hear his smile as he said this.

I laugh at him. "Dude, I'll be right over."

---

Tea To Jeri's is partly hidden from the busy streets of Cambridge, making it difficult to find. A passerby would mistake it for a home. This place is our official hangout, since this is where the guys and I would head out when things get rough. We never really are 'accepted' in our school because of our academic talents. I rush over to the small cafe, looking through the glass doors in search of my friends. I go over at their booth as soon as I spot them. They all greet me with bro-fists and high-fives as I beeline for the table.

After ordering a few drinks, the boys and I got to talking. We talked about the incoming finals, and somehow we ended up talking about love and relationships.

Gelo nudged me, "The new barista has her eyes on you for quite some time now, Austin," he whispered, darting his eyes discreetly to the woman over the counter behind us.

I roll my eyes at him. "So?"

"So, you have to freaking approach her! She obviously likes you! And in case you haven't noticed, girls as hot as that don't just come around every day to guys like us," he whisper-yelled, looking at me like I'm the craziest person in the world. I just snickered and went back to my milk tea.

"5 bucks says Austin is chickening out!" Duke shouted, holding 5 dollars in his hands. The others look at me.

I scoff at them. They can be so immature sometimes. Why do they think getting a girl is such a big deal? There are a million girls out there. Moreover, I'm 19 years old. I have plenty of time to worry about finding "the one." Right now, I have to keep my grades up in law school if I want to be a good lawyer. The world needs a better defender; the number of crimes that go unpunished is, well, too damn high.

"Aw he's mad now guys," Chris chuckled, slapping me on the back. "Lighten up, man."

"Yeah man, ever since the incident happened..." I shot Gelo a glare, warning him to stop. "...you know, just saying you've changed, is all," he mumbled. I really did not want to talk about that, when it's still so fresh in my mind. I don't think I'll ever get used to it.

I stand up, deciding that there's no harm in approaching the girl. "What are you going to do?" Duke asked.

I shrugged. "Not chickening out, definitely," A grin was forming in their faces. "But I'm only doing this so that you guys would get off my back about it," I sighed. Knowing them, they'll never shut up about this unless I do something.

"Never thought you had the balls, Mahone," Chris jokingly said. The others nod in mocking agreement.

I chuckled. "Whatever, guys."

As I make my way toward the counter, the breaking news catches my attention.

"...terrible car accident. The crash killed all of the passengers inside, except for a little boy. The police are investigating what might possibly cause this devastating..."

I zone out. News has always been like this lately, since there has been an increase in accidents recently. It makes me wonder if these so-called accidents are really accidents or the government is just trying to cover something up.

Everything is not what it seems son, always remember...

I cringe at the memory of my mother's words. Everyone thought she is delirious and no one believes a single word that comes out of her mouth.

However, what if she's telling the truth? I quickly dismiss the thought.

"Hey," the barista said, almost seductively. I totally forgot about her. I'm certainly not in the mood to flirt. The boys would totally kill me for what I'm about to do next.

"Uh, sorry, I have to go," I mumbled, and with that, I went outside for a much-needed walk. What I need right now is to clear my head. I can't let emotions take control over my thinking. In addition, the stress of the incoming finals is just too much. Those exams are very important, I can't let some dumb memory and a girl distract me.

Gelo is right, I have changed. Pain does that to people.

With one last look at the cafe, I walk out. Unaware that I'll never see my friends' faces again.

---

It was already dark when I reached my secret little haven. This was the only place in New York that I could hear my own thoughts; a place almost deserted, abandoned even. Nothing could possibly interrupt me here. I was alone.

However, I am wrong. Dead wrong.

I am about to leave when I heard muffled sounds from the nearby alleyway. Every part of my body was telling me to get the hell out of here, but curiosity got the best of me. Fear was evident in my eyes, but I pushed the feeling down. Somehow, I felt like something's pulling me to the noise, like there's an invisible force that's egging me on. It's as if I'm a magnet being attracted to another magnet. Before I could even think this through, my feet were already moving.

Quietly, I approach the alleyway from which the racket was originating.

I should have never done that.

***

I hope you liked it!

I know the story's too short for judgement... but feedbacks are great. (:

Love, Ally ♥

P.S. Please do bear with me if there are any errors in my grammar and/or spelling. Tell me if you find any, I'll gladly correct them. (: