Take a Mile (Being Revised)

Chapter One

When I got the call I had been working on an assignment in my room that was due the next day. My “sister” walked into the room holding a phone. “It’s for you it’s about some kid named Tyler.” I took the phone and ushered her out of the room I had to myself for an hour to get my work done. I was lying across one of the three beds occupying the room with a book in front of me and the phone cradled on my shoulder. “Hello,” I said flipping the page in the book, “who is this?” One of my best friends roommates voice started babbling in my ear. I told him to slow down and tell me what was wrong.

                “Tyler, Tyler is upstairs crying his eyes out but he won’t talk to anyone,” he sobbed and I got up hurriedly pulling on my shoes at his name, “Cameron thinks he has a gun.” I froze.

                “Who did he get a gun from Kent?” I questioned

                “I don’t know.” He sobbed

                “Think, who would get him a gun?” I urged not bothering to get my jacket as I ran down the stairs. Kent was quiet for a moment. “Jason.” I thanked him and ended the call after telling him I was on my way. I was furious. Of course it was Jason. If anything happens to Tyler I swear, he would pay. I threw the phone on the corn colored couch and grabbed the keys to the van and slammed the door shut behind me. The harsh wind bit at my skin but I ignored it as I climbed in the van and raced to Tyler’s.

Tyler’s muffled screams rang out throughout the second floor of the house. I dashed up the steps looking in each room for Tyler. Every room was empty so far. I cursed the house for having so many rooms. I felt like a lab rat running through a maze looking for the exit and cheese.  I cursed under my breath feeling helpless. I mentally face palmed myself. Tyler was the helpless one here not me.

                A louder scream reached my ears making me run to the room farthest down the long hallway. I put my entire track and cross country years to use. In all the time that took me to reach the room, numerous things ran through my mind. Was he hurt? Had he hurt someone? Oh god, had he hurt himself? Was he in trouble? Can I really help him? Would I help him? Of course I would, he was all I had.

                When I finally reached the room all I could hear were Tyler’s sobs. Looking through the door I could literally feel my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. There he was, sitting on the floor in a mountain of blankets clutching a pillow to his chest. He was rocking back and forth staring blankly at the wall. All of his unpacked boxes surrounded him. His bed was bare and the bear I had gotten him when we were kids was thrown on the floor. I was almost too afraid to speak. I didn’t have to.

                “Rickey, Rickey, Rickey, Rickey.” He chanted my name over and over again. His voice was eerily low and hoarse. I wanted to run over to him but I didn’t want to startle him. “I’m here Ty.” I said taking small steps towards him. He didn’t look at me; he just kept rocking back and forth chanting my name. I eased myself on my knees. “Tyler, I’m here babe.” I said slowly reaching out my hand to clutch his shoulders. He flinched away from my touch making me jump back and fall on my butt.

                “Go away Rickey!” He bellowed at me in a voice that I didn’t recognize. I shook with sadness. I just didn’t understand and I told him so. “You never understand! You never did!” He said looking at me with anger in his eyes. I was shocked. What had I done that had been so wrong? His big brown eyes suddenly softened. “I’m sorry, I just don’t want you to see me like this, I’m so broken.” He said gesturing to his body. I shook my head immediately but he stopped my protest. “I am, I have nothing and I’m so hurt.” I crawled over to him. “That’s not true, you have me.” I said knowing it wasn’t enough.