It's My Fault

Chapter 7

It was now Friday morning.  Throughout the week I would split on hanging out with Grace and the small friend group, to Rose who would always be patently waiting.  I had noticed she started giving me space.  Not avoiding but for me to start hanging out with other people more.  But no matter what, she was always waiting for me when I would go to her.  At the moment I was with Grace at her usual lunch table.  I was talking with the group when I glanced to the window and saw Rose sitting at our usual tree.  She was reading a book minding her own business.  Her hair would fly when a slight breeze would pass.  She looks like an angel.  I smiled at her and felt a hand on my arm.  Looking over and I saw Grace smiling at me with an eyebrow raised in question.  I shook my head at her and got back into the conversation.  Once the bell rung we all went to our classes to finish off the day.  At the end of the day Grace had asked if I wanted to go and get something to eat after school which I said yes.  Grace was outside my last class waiting for me, "Ready Ellie?"  I smiled at her, "Yeah let's go."  We smiled at each other and started walking to her car.  "So what do you want to eat?"  I shrugged while getting into the passenger seat, "Not sure I am kind of craving pizza though."  Grace turned on the car and said, "Pizza it is then."  We both laughed and made our way to the pizza place.  We put the radio on full blast and sung along.  By the time we got there we both had to cough to get our voices back.

"That was fun."  She nodded and we got out of the car.  When we got inside Grace did the talking.  "Right this way."  We followed the waiter to our table.  I leaned over to her and whispered in Grace's ear, "Dang Grace this place is fancy."  She laughed and we both sat down.  The waiter took our drink orders and left.  I leaned back in the seat and looked at her asking, "So what kind of pizza are we going to get?"  She shrugged while looking at the menu.  I laughed slightly and she said, "How about a combo?"  I agreed and she waved the waiter over, "Hi we will have a combo pizza."  He nodded and left again.  Grace and I locked eyes and I said to her, "Thanks for taking me out to eat."  She smiled and waved it off, "It's no problem.  I'm just glad you agreed on coming."  I smiled at her and responded with, "Of course I would come.  It's not like I have anything else to do."  She smiled and leaned back into her seat, "You know, the end of the year is coming up fast.  You ready for the outside world?"  I sighed and looked down at the table, "Honestly yes I don't like school I didn't have friends but that seemly changed when you talked to me for the first time in class.  So now I'm not so sure."  I felt her hand on mine and I looked up.  The food was then brought over and we went into eating silently.  When we finished eating Grace offered to take me home and I agreed again.  Caught up in my own thoughts we drove back in silence with the radio on.

Flashback
There were people on the lawn with red solo cups in their hands.  I heard Rose say next to me, "Woah this is going to be fun."  I swallowed nervously and Rose dragged me to the front door and inside.  It was stuffy and hot and everyone was either making out, drinking, or grinding/dancing.  The music was blasting throughout the house.  For the house being a one story house it sure seemed big.  Rose grabbed my hand and pushed our way through the crowd to get to the kitchen.  When we got there, there were bottles, cans, and cups everywhere.  A few cups had drinks in them already but everyone knew not to drink out of those.  Rose leaned over so I could hear her, "You want to start with a beer?"  I nodded and she took two from the ones sitting on the counter.  I popped open the bottle and took a sip.  It wasn't the best tasting thing in the world but I could deal with it.  I looked around and saw one of the cheerleaders walk into the kitchen.  She smirked when we locked eyes and walked over.

I was back into the world when we pulled up to my house.  She put her hand on mine making me look over at her.  "Hey are you okay?"  I looked down at our hands and nodded slowly.  She knew that it wasn't true so she reached over to hug me.  I hugged her back and said, "See you next week Grace."  I got out of the car and walked inside my house.  I looked at the couch and saw my dad passed out still in uniform.  My gosh dad you must of been tired.  I smiled at him and went to his room to get a blanket to place over him.  I moved his head so he was in a more comfortable position and wouldn't have a kink the next day.  I smiled at him once more and went to the kitchen to turn off the light.  Walking around to make sure everything was locked I finally made my way to my room and closed the door.  I changed into my pjs and crawled into bed.  Taking a deep breath I let myself fall asleep.