Good Friend

I couldn't breathe, my heart felt like it had stopped beating.

I gasped for air, I felt my chest let it in and out but my brain said it needed more.

I ran so fast, I needed to get out of there, it was my first priority. I didn't know where I was going, but I needed to get out.

"You piece of shit!"
"Get the hell back here!"
"You are just pushing him away!"

I shook the memories away. I threw up.

I look around and see a pay phone, I don't know who to call. I stand there like the lost boy I am for what feels like forever. Then I decide to call my best friend.

I put a few quarters in and punch in his number.

I hear a few rings before he picks up, "hello?"

"It's me, I need help," I say.

"Raven?! Where are you? Your parents called me and asked if I knew where you were," he said in a hushed voice.

"I needed to get away from the house, my dad- can you come pick me up please? I'm at the gas station near the old play ground,"

"Yeah, of course. I will be there in a few, do you have money? Are you hungry?"

"I'm fine, just get here when you can please."

"Yeah, I'll be right there. It's cold outside, wait for me inside of the station."

"Ok," I say before hanging up. I hesitate before going inside. The cold air feels nice, it makes me think of something else other than...

I take a deep breath and go inside. My stomach grumbles but I don't feel like eating. I walk up and down the isles until I hear the bell at the door ring, I look up and see my friend worryingly look around the store. I walk up to him and he gives me a hug and leads me out to his car.

"Are you ok? Are you sure you don't want something to eat or anything?"

"No. I'm fine." I say looking straight ahead, "thanks for picking me up."

"You don't have to thank me, I'm just glad you called me and didn't try to- you know, again,"

"Try to kill myself." He got more nervous, "it's ok, you can say it. It happened over a year ago."

"I know, I just- I get worried. I'm just glad you called me." There is silence for a while. "Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere, as long as it's not my house." I feel bad for being distant and acting like an asshole, but it's all I can manage right now. I just feel numb.

He starts the car and starts driving. "There is a first aid kit in the glove box if you want to clean up that cut." He says, trying to calm himself down.

"Thanks." I say, not even pretending to consider it.

He sighs, "You know I'm here for you no matter what right?"

"I know."