Moments Before

Noah

Waking up is stressful. I have to go work at the cafe at McDonalds before school. Shower and pull together some semblance of a normal routine for Rico. Please note that getting any fourteen year old kid ready for school is difficult, getting  paraplegic kid with no motivation ready is next to impossible. Lena cleans him in the evenings because despite all he's been through Rico is a proud kid who doesn't want his brother giving him a sponge bath. Fair enough. 

Lena gives her usual knock on the door and I let her in before pouring cereal into Rico's bowl. He mutters a good morning. Lena is sweet, but strict, she won't let him slack off which is why I picked her to take care of him. He needs mental challenges. She tells me to head off, that she's got it from here so grabbing my leather jacket and swinging into the truck I peel away into the urban street. 

I'm not normally a nervous person but today I'll have to see Ashton again. Yesterday she fled my truck in tears. Also her friends are known for beating up anyone who screws with her. See my problem? Walking down the bleak school hallways my eyes flicker darting around and taking in all of the people. I came early today because I know she typically does. Kelly and her posse are no where to be seen which is a relief. 

I can't find her and I'm tired of dealing with all of the people staring at me in the hallway. A number of bolder people came to ask me why I fought Blake, one girl thanks me profusely and I reassure her that everything will be fine. I didn't come here for this shit. I came to see the dirty blond haired girl who barely comes up to my shoulder. Since she's no where to be found I go off to my own hiding spot. Past the stoners under the bleachers, across the field where some jocks are already starting practice into the tree line. I know the pathway but to anyone else they'd never be able to find their way back out. Through thick trees, and prickly thorn bushes that stretched over the used to be worn path I try to disturb the foliage as little as possible enjoying my place of solitude. 

A bench sits between two tall trees with smooth copper coloured bark. The bench is weathered and worn but at least I don't have to deal with people all the way out here. I put in earbuds and press shuffle on my music listening to the notes and melodies transport me to another world. I could sit there for hours without moving but unfortunately my busy life won't allow that. An alarm set on my phone gives warning of the fifteen minute bell to class. The first bell is a warning, the second means you're late. Grabbing my stuff I travel back slightly disappointed I didn't see Ashton but glad to have gotten a few stolen moments to myself. 

Doherty stands near the coach on the field and gesturing at the hoard of boys going into the locker room. Soccer boys. The football team is supposed to have the field this time of year in the mornings for our practices but coach had emailed everyone yesterday to let them know that we wouldn't be able to get the field. I notice Blake's bleached hair amongst the sea of scrawny soccer boys. Giving Doherty a wave I walk back into the building and head for class. Entering I notice that Ashton is missing from her normal desk but Logan and Cole seem none too happy about my arrival.