Scarlett Adams was your typical high school girl. With a stunning record inside the classroom and out, it wasn't hard for her to become the talk of the town. She kept her friends close and didn't have many enemies to keep closer. She was happy an...
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I felt like I was drowning. My mind was numb; my body still with fear as the world whirled around me. Voices drilled into my head, begging me to move. Begging for me to speak; but I couldn't. I couldn't breathe, I couldn't speak, I couldn't do anything but stare. A gentle hand rested upon my frail shoulder "Scarlett, it's time to go" it beckoned. I shriveled away, the stench of alcohol still propionate in the air. "She loved you very much Scarlett, we both know she would hate to see you like this" another voice called.
I wanted to move; my mind begged me to move, but my feet felt rooted to the ground. I couldn't leave her, I couldn't leave without a final goodbye. I fell to my knees, my jet black dress now covered with wood chipping crumbled around me. I stifled a sob, letting my finger trace over the stone lettering "I love you mom, forever and always" I whispered. I took one last look at the grave as I rose, "This is all your fault" I seethed, keeping my back to my father "Just get in the car, Scar" he replied. I obeyed, keeping my head pressed against the glass as we drove off.
It's been nine months since my mother's death. Nine months since I've slept through the night, and nine months since my fathers first drink. The world seemed cold without her, a light that once shone so very bright now dim in a dark room. Today is the beginning of summer, and I couldn't be less excited. I sat in the airport terminal, my AirPods in and turned up as high as they could go. My flight was suppose to be here any minute. I was on my way to my old home, a small town in the middle of Colorado with a population of about 1,400 people. Everyone knew everyone there, including my mother.
I felt a weight fall off my shoulders as I stepped into the Mancos airport, the sweet air filling my lungs before it was knocked back out of me. I laughed, wrapping my arms around my sobbing best friend. Katie and I have been best friends since first grade, she squished a spider for me in the sand box and we've been inseparable ever since. "I missed you so much Squish" she cried. I release her "I missed you more Katie cat" she smiles "Let's go get your bags."
Katie Wilson has to be one of the most beautiful people I know. Her long blonde hair swung gracefully in the breeze as she put my suitcases in the trunk of her car, her green eyes shinning like emeralds when she looks at me. "What are you looking at?" She giggles, closing the trunk. I shake my head "I just really missed you" I sigh. We get into the car, mindless chatter filling the air as we drove down the highway.
"Everyone is talking about you, they're all excited to see you!"
"Oh Katie you didn't plan a party, did you?" I drag
"No silly, but there is one tonight at the Holloway's place, are you in?"
I shrug, letting my eyes drift to the houses flying past us "You don't have to Squish, we can always stay home and relax" I smile at the nickname, around age ten I was the only one who was yet to grow out of their 'baby face' as everyone put it, I had the squishiest cheeks out of all of my friends; hence why she now calls me 'Squish'. I shrug "I guess, I mean it would be nice to see everyone and catch up" Katie yips "That's my Squish! We're gonna have so much fun!"
Music blared loudly as we walked up to the open front door, hot sweaty bodies are pushed against each other; some trying to find a way out and some hoping to find a new love interest for the night. I scowl "This doesn't seem like a small party, Katie" I whine. She takes my hand "Come on, Scar. It'll be fun! Let me get you a drink" she lets go of my shaking hand and disappears into the crowd, leaving me.
My anxiety crawls up my back like spiders; my pulse quickening as I pushed through the crowd. All I need is a small, quiet place to collect myself. I was never good around big crowds, something Katie must have forgotten. I frown at the thought; Katie hasn't seen me since we were both eleven. Now at the ripe age of seventeen, I guess things have changed, myself included.
I find myself outside and alone, the darkness creeping up on me as I kicked a stone down the sidewalk. I let my mind wander; my body almost floating down the street until it comes to rest in front of a small home. I freeze, taking in the building in front of me. It was a pale pastel pink; white doors and window frames adored the front of it, freshly mowed green grass sprinkled with water sat behind a white picket fence. It was nothing like how it used to be.
I felt a pang in my heart, turning away "Scarlett?" I turned to see an all to familiar face "Jacob" I breathed. He looks even more handsome than the last time I saw him. His brown curly hair is slightly swept to the side, his tan skin flawless and his green eyes sparkling; absolutely breath taking. "Hey, I heard you were back in town but I didn't actually know it was true" he chuckles. I huff "Yeah it's me, I'm back just for the summer, I'm staying with Katie and then flying back home for senior year."
He nods "I heard about your mom, I'm so sorry Scarlett. She was a wonderful woman and I'm so thankful I got to know her" his voice wavers for a moment "Yeah, she truly was something else. Look I should probably be getting back to the party" I rub the back of my neck as he looks down at me "Oh you mean the one at my house?" I mentally slap myself "Oh uh, yeah I guess so" come on Scarlett why does this have to be so awkward.
"Well I guess we can walk together then" he suggests. I nod and fall into stride beside him "So how's school? Have you figured out what you want to do after it's over?" His tone is soft "It's fine I guess, I have a good group of friends and I'm still riding horses. I want to go to medical school and become a doctor" I smile to myself "Scarlett! That's amazing! You definitely are made for that kind of job. I graduated and still don't know what I want to do with my life."
I laugh "It'll come to you, I finally realized what I wanted to be after I broke up with my ex, actually" he pauses and shakes his head "The only thing I got from my ex was depression. What happen? Is this the same guy you were with for like 3 years?" I forgot Jacob and I were friends on Facebook. I nod my head "He just, stopped caring I guess" I shrug "The spark was gone. He got with my now ex best friend, I fell into a pit of depression after that. I really struggled for a while but I found new, positive people to be around and got my life together. Then my mom died and I guess that all went to hell."
We stop in front of the still lively house "So why a Doctor? Have you always been interested in the medical field?" My heart flutters "I guess so, I've always loved medicine and helping people; I don't exactly know" He nods and smiles "Well I know you'll do great" he pushes open the door and disappears before I can respond "There you are! I've been looking all over for you" Katie slurs.
She stumbles over to me, the drinks in her hands spilling onto the floor "Ooops" she giggles. I sigh and shake my head, I must have been gone long enough for her to get drunk; then again, Katie was always a light weight. I reach out to take the cup from her hand when shouting starts. "It's the police! Run run run!" Everyone begins to pour out of the front and back door.
I grab Katie's wrist and drag her upstairs, attempting to shove her into a hall closet when I hear footsteps approaching. Shit shit shit "Police! Come out with your hands up" hm that voice sounds kinda familiar. I continue to shove Katie into the closet, successfully shutting the door as someone rounds the corner "Scarlett?" A light shines on me "Ethan?."
First chapter! I hope you guys liked it. Please vote and comment! Happy reading - anon
