Just A Girl

Chapter 3

The next morning I woke up mentally preparing myself for the facade my mother put on. I get that she's optimistic, but seriously.... If optimism was a person, they would give my mom a major side eye.

Taking a deep breath, I get out of bed and make my way to the bathroom.

Brush my teeth, wash my face, comb my hair, put on my clothes, annnndddd I'm done.

Taking a few seconds to fix a few loose strands of hair, I can't help but see my father's eyes in my own. How could the eyes that were once loving now make me question where the love had gone?

Snapping myself out of my own thoughts, I walked downstairs, grabbed an apple and granola bar and headed out the door.

Rictor Crusade High was a decent school. You had your cliche clicks and typical high school drama.

I'm currently in the 11th grade. You could say that I'm popular. At one point that meant everything to me, but after Titan's health got worse, none of that mattered.

Titan was the school's golden boy. He was handsome, smart, self-aware, and most importantly, he was kind.

He would always say to me, "Addie, be memorable for having awesome character." He'd then jokingly whisper in my ear, "Because your looks are making headlines on National Geographic."

I missed my brother. It's been 2 years..... Ugh, here I go again drifting off into these thoughts of mine. Let me get to class before the bell rings.

The day went by so slow. I felt like it took 12 hours just for the lunch bell to ring.

Exiting the school's front door, I bump into Skyler and Justin. We'd been friends since 3rd grade, but things have been a bit strained.

You see, Skyler and Justin weren't bad friends, but their belief in God's ability to heal and restore my family made me become more distant.

I know that sounds weird, but it's how I feel. I didn't want to only pray about it. I didn't want to go see the school counselor. I just wanted my family back.

Tucking a strand of hair behind my head, I greeted both of them and tried to scurry away. Before I could get far, Justin zoomed in front of me and blocked my path.

Taking a step back, I crossed my arms and huffed out, "What do you want Justin? I have things to do."

Justin replied, "Addie, come on. Do you seriously think we are going to let you toss us to the curb? We did nothing wrong and here you are making us feel guilty for trying to help."

Skyler stood on the side of him, with her arms folded in a like manner that mine were. We were like twins, only she was 5'2 with straight blonde hair, fair skin, and hazel eyes, while I was 5'2 with black coily hair, deep brown eyes, and even browner skin.

Skyler took a step towards me and said, "Addie, stop trying to block us out. If you don't I have free reign to tell your little crush EVERYTHING!"

My eyes bucked. She was definitely lying.... Wait. It's Skyler. She's definitely NOT lying.

Feeling defeated. I grabbed both their hands and walked to the bench.

"Okay you guys. What do you want?"

Justin turned his body to me and said, "Look Addie. I get that things have gotten worse. I get that you don't want to hear us asking if you want prayer, but this is what we know how to do."

He continued with, "When my dad died, I was devastated and angry at God, the doctor's, my mother... I was mad at everyone that could've helped but didn't and that's including myself."

"I don't know if you remember how I pulled away from you and Skyler and how hurt you both were, but I needed that time. So as your friend, I'm asking you. Do you need your own time and space to deal with this, or would you like for us to be there for you?"

Taking a moment to gather the proposition that was placed before me, I thought back to how hurt I felt when Justin withdrew himself.

Ugh. I wish I could just get away from my problems. There has to be something out there that'll just help me take my mind off of this.

After gathering my answer, I stood up and looked at my friends. Forcing back tears, I whispered out, "I need my time alone."

Skyler's eyes began to water and she pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Addie, please. Please don't push us away." Skyler pleaded.

"I'm not pushing you away Skye. I just need this time to figure some things out about myself."

I hoped she believed me. I hope they both believed me.