Stay Wild

Highs and Lows

I woke up the next morning and groggily checked my phone for any messages. I went through my notifications before finding a text from another unknown number. My hear instantly dropped. Hoping it was a mere coincidence, I opened it.

"Block me all you want. I have multiple ways of reaching you. I won't give up until I hear from you, understand? You won't get rid of me so easily."

I suddenly felt cold, as a chill surged through my body. "For fuck sakes!" I cursed, slamming my phone down on my bed side table. How long would I endure this harassment? I was tempted to block the new number, but I knew it wouldn't do me any good. Nolan would surely find another way to contact me, as he said. Although, never would I have anticipated how resolute he truly was. Nonetheless I was now in a shitty mood.

Reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed. I still had school to go to.

Nolan and his bullshit would have to wait.

I got my ass ready for school and ran out the door without eating breakfast as per usual. I sped to school, trying my best to pay attention to the road that lay ahead of me. My thoughts were all over the place and I attempted to collect them. Upon entering the school lot I parked my car in an unoccupied spot away from any other cars because fuck everyone. Only seconds later would Declan appear, racing through the parking lot and, of course, he parked adjacent to me.

I rolled my eyes.

He got out with a stupid grin plastered to his face and tapped on my window. I tried to look a little less annoyed than I actually was and rolled the window down. "Morning, my dude. Haven't seen you in a while. Mind if I come sit in your whip?" I sighed and nodded, as the goofball moved around to the other side of my car before opening the door and hopping in the passenger seat. It was unusual for Declan to be at school this early, typically he arrived just before the bell rang. Either that or he was late altogether.

"Damn, you look tired. Are you ok, man?" He asked me, his voice sounding uncharacteristically serious. I sighed again and shook my head.

"I just have a lot going on right now."

"Well, dude. If there's anything I can do-"

"No. I don't need you to do anything, ok? I'm fine." I bellowed.

Declan just stared at me blankly for a few seconds before nodding his head.

I instantly felt a pang of guilt. "Look, Dec, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. I'm sorry. I-I'm just really stressed out at the moment. I hope you can understand." I apologized, resting my head in my hands.

"Dude, it's chill. I get it, you're going through shit. Come on, I'm a tough guy, you getting upset doesn't bother me, I just want to make sure you're alright. I'm your friend, that's my job, isn't it?" He said gently putting his hand on my shoulder. I smiled to myself.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. You're a good friend." I guess in the midst of my own personal turmoil, I'm witnessing just how spectacular my friends are.

"Aw shucks, I'm a fucking awesome friend, hey? I always know what to say." He teased wrapping his arm around my neck and rustling my hair.

"Oh my, don't get too full of yourself, your ego is already big enough", I joked.

Suddenly, Sawyer pulled up besides us. She stepped out of her car and opened the door to my back seat, and sat down with a coffee mug in hand. "Hey you two! I'm surprised to see you here on time for once, Dec, I'm used to seeing you in the principal's office offering explanations as to why you're always so late." Sawyer quipped before taking a sip of her drink.