Behind The Mask

Chapter 3

I was released from the hospital a few days later and sent to live with my friend's family until other arrangements could be made. My life felt like it was going downhill and there was no way to stop it. I got in a taxi and told him the address through sobs and heavy breaths. The car was a bright yellow color and the interior had a brown tint to it. It was surprisingly comforting for a taxi and I tried to make myself sink into the cushions and away from all my problems.

My mind was racing with images of my mom and how helpless and innocent she had looked when those bullets made their way inside of her. I couldn't stop myself from letting tears stream out of my darkened eyes and when I took a moment to glance up I could see I was getting odd looks from the taxi driver. The taxi driver tried to start some friendly conversations but my sorrow shot them all down. The taxi came to an abrupt stop and my bags along with my wheel chair flew forward into the driver seat. I could see that we were parked right in front of my friend's house. I quickly unloaded my things and paid the taxi driver before walking into my temporary home. 

My friend, John, was there to greet me and leaned down to give me a long hug. My wheel chair squeaked at the extra weight so John got off. His parents followed shortly after and gave their tearful greetings. They explained how sad they were that one of their best friends had been wrongly murdered and that eventually they would catch these murderers. I could only hope they did before they did any other unforsaken crime.

I was showed around the two story house and it was actually quite spacious. The living room had a good sized T.V. and a comfy couch. There was plenty of room for all of us and John's sister who was out at a party for the rest of the night. I tried to act as happy as I could but on the inside all I wanted was to lay on a bed and cry until I couldn't cry anymore. I was led into my new bedroom. It was painted a nice beige color and had light blue curtains like my hospital room. I was glad that even though I was in someone else's house I was still able to have my own room.

This house was everything I could have asked for and more. I was so lucky. But lucky is not really the word for right now. You don't get robbed and shot then have you mom killed and say you're lucky. I guess I am just glad to not be in some foster home being spoon fed all the time and in decent living conditions. I slept that night and only woke up a few times from terrible nightmares only to fall back asleep shortly after. I woke up the next morning and got dressed because, as I was informed last night, today I had to go to school. 

I already knew some people at the school, but I knew I would be really awkward since school ended in three weeks. The huge school was one of the best in the state and I could tell at the massive size it would take me awhile to learn all of the hallways. I pulled the sleeves of my hoodie down so no one could see the marks running across my wrist. I was shown to my first class by a student named Tony, who I had like four classes with. 

Eventually, it was lunch time, so I went and sat with my friends, John, Danny, and Allison. When I sat down, I was immediately bombarded with questions. I tried to answer as many as I could, but  I started getting a headache, so I put my head down on the table and tried to block out the outside world by covering my ears. I was on the brink of crying when the bell for the end of lunch rang, making my head burst with pain. I raised my head up and saw my full tray of food sitting exactly where I left, untouched. my stomach growled in anticipation of the hunger that was to come. I quickly grabbed a bite from my hamburger before dumping it in the trash

My friends said bye and I slowly made my way down the cramped hallways on my wheel chair. Next period was math, and I knew I would have no clue what was going on, so I sat all the way in the back and tried to rest. That didn't last very long because the strict teacher came over and told me I could either get up and listen or get out of her class. The day ended shortly after and I rolled myself in my wheel chair the short distance home. 

When I got home John and his family were all  sitting on the couch with their faces on their hands. "What's wrong?" I asked quietly so I did not startle them.

 "You haven't heard," John's dad said with sorrow written across his face "Danny has gone missing. They say he was taken on his way home and no one can find him." My life was still going downhill, and at some point you have to hit the bottom, but for me, I was scared of what that bottom was for me.