The Space Between Us

Chapter Two

The first days of school weren't that bad. All we did was go over the rules and talk about what should be expected this year. I liked all my classes so far.

Right now I was waking around the school with Taylor trying to get pictures of things that represents Fall. We were both in the yearbook committee which was our third period, and this was our first assignment. We took a couple pictures of the trees outside in the courtyard.

"It's so cold out here, can we please go back inside" complained Taylor.

"We've taken like three pictures, she told us to have at least ten" I replied while snapping some pictures of a bench that had leaves scattered around it, "and I actually like photography that's why I picked this class. Unlike you who only choose it to make sure you end up on every single page of the yearbook."

"Whatever. There's like fifteen minutes left of class so we should just go back now" she said.

Back in class Mrs. Nelson called me over to her desk.

"Oh Ellie, hi just wanted to let you know we've decided to put you in Jake's group" she pointed to a boy across the room with light brown hair, "he's in charge of student life which is everything from sports, dances and school spirit."

"Oh uhh alright that sounds great" I said with an uneasy smile. To be honest I wasn't very happy with this simply because it meant I'd have to go to the school games and dances, which wasn't my idea of fun. I'm not that big of a school spirit.

"Hey Ellie" Jake said giving me his trade mark smile. I've known him since he moved to town in third grade. Like Taylor, he was also outgoing. He was friends with pretty much everyone. So it made sense he was in charge of the student life section. What didn't make sense was why he and Mrs. Nelson thought I'd be good for it too.

"Hi Jake, thanks for ruining my life" I said.

"I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not" he replied.

I tried to give him my best serious face but I guess it didn't really work out because he smiled again and said, "look I know you're a little shy but I really needed a reliable person in my group, who I know won't flake on me when I need a photographer and you're the first person I thought of."

"Gee thanks" I said.

"It's just a couple of games and dances. Try doing something out of your comfort zone. It's senior year! Go big or go home, ya know!" he suggested.

As much as I hate to admit it he had a point. It can't hurt to try new things. And with everything I've been through the past 5 years I needed a change in my life.

"Okay fine, you can count on me" I finally said.

"Sweet!" He said giving me a punch in the shoulder, "because tomorrow you have to go get pictures of football practice."

"For what?" I asked.

"We kind of want to show what goes on off the field. Like a behind the scenes" he answered.

"Oh" was all I could say because I realized this meant I had to see Matt, "great."

-

When I got home I changed into my running clothes. I tried to run at least three times a week. I started running a couple years ago when my mom died. It was a car accident. I never once cried when I found out. At first I couldn't believe it, I was in a big state of denial. So by the time I finally accepted what had happened, I just couldn't bring my self to cry. But the main reason why I never did was because of my dad. I wanted to be strong for him. I wanted him to know he could count on me. So now he spends most of the time working. He usually gets out late. Sometimes I feel like I lost both my parents the day of the accident.

I run for a couple miles and then start to head back home. My sides begin to ache so I slow down and start to fast walk instead.

As I get closer to the house I notice two people standing on the sidewalk in front of Matt's house. I can tell right away one of them is Matt, and the other seems to be a girl.

"Did you see how bad Julia was at practice" the girl said. I knew right away who it was, "I don't even know why she's on the squad. She's such a bad cheerleader" of course Matt was dating Audrey Steelson. She was the most popular girl in school. Not only was she pretty but she was also on the cheer team and was the one who organized all the school fundraisers.

I was just about to look away when Matt's eyes caught mine. This time he didn't look away, he just kept staring. When we were younger we could read each other perfectly. Without even speaking I could tell what he was feeling. One time at recess he was playing football with some of the kids. I was sitting on the grass watching. As they each picked a position to play Matt said he wanted to be the quarterback, but the kids began to laugh and told him he couldn't because he wasn't strong enough. He brushed it off like it wasn't a big deal but I could see it in his face how much it hurt him. So when he walked over to me I looked him in the eye and said, "Matty don't listen to them. I think you're the best football player ever, and one day you will be quarterback."

But right now as I stand across the street looking at him, I see nothing. I have no idea what he's thinking or feeling. I look away and make my way up the driveway.

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I'm trying to update as fast as I can! Thanks for being patient and for reading.

- R