Forgotten

Chapter 6: Bumpy Road

The sun was barely visible above the rolling hills in the horizon, and the music filled the whole valley behind Brooke's house. Everyone from the party was clearing out, and Brooke was even starting to clean some things up.

Probably one of the most embarrassing question was crawling along the edges of my mind. My mom Gad texted me that she couldn't pick me up, so I had to carpool. Of course she asked when most people had already left, and I hardly knew anyone at the party but Brooke.

I walked up to her and said, "Do you mind me helping?" She looked happy, and almost surprised, at my willing to pitch in. "Of course not! Do you want to help me fold up some of the tables?" "Sure." I replied graciously.

                                                                                    。。。

I was surprised at Oliver's willing to help. He seemed like a standoffish bad boy at first glance, but he obviously has some manners at least. I looked at him, and he was working hard to heal clean the house. I looked around, and finally noticed that he was the last guest. 

I walked over to him, standing in front of him. "Thanks for helping, it would've taken longer without you. Speaking of which..." I trailed off. "Why haven't been taken home by your parents yet?" He blushed a bright beet red, and looked up. "Oh yeah, my parents can't come pick me up because they're really busy. You were pretty much the only person I knew left, so I was hoping you could bring me back to my house."

I felt a sharp stab of embarrassment and realization shoot through my chest. "Is that why you were helping?" I questioned. "Well partially, but I would've helped either way." I looked at him with an admiration that I haven't felt for another guy before. "I'll take you home." I said, right after his head was starting to drop from all the heat between us. "Thanks Brooke." He said, still embarrassed.

                                                                                     。。。

In the car with Brooke, the air seemed thicker. Her parents were really nice about taking me back to my house, but that didn't make it comfortable. I was mostly talking to Brooke's parents, and stealing glances in Brooke's direction. The car ride was over almost as soon as it started.

Getting out of the car, Brooke's parents asked Brooke to accompany me to my door. We walked in silence for a large portion of the stroll. She turned to me and stopped walking, saying "You know, you aren't that bad of a guy. I would have expected a bad boy, but I was wrong." She looked to the side, and I realized we were already at my door.

Brooke looked at me, and gave me a loose hug. She radiated warmth and safety, feelings I never wanted to leave. She stepped back, and walked toward the car. I heard her mutter, "see you later, Oliver." A warm feeling erupted from my chest, hearing her say my name. I saw her walk to her car, and eventually drive away. 

Turning back to my now dull life, I opened the door and stepped inside to the smell of a late dinner.