Sunlight had worked its way through the curtains and onto her closed eyes, waking her slowly. It took her a few minutes to fully wake, trying to comprehend what had happened the previous night; let alone how she had returned home and to the dingy little tan couch. The crash was fresh on her mind, as well as the fact that her dad was now more than likely dead, but her recollection stopped just after she fell to the ground. No memory of what had become of her father, or what had happened with the ambulance. Pacing was no help, and there was no sense in beating herself up about it. Obviously someone had brought her back, but who? If it was the police she'd be at the hospital, wouldn't she?
Sighing, she gave up her internal struggle, deciding to deal with the issue on hand. Like a slug, she made her way down to her basement room and began changing her clothes. The ones she had on were still damp from laying on the wet soil. That realisation only solidified that the prior events had actually occurred and weren't some horrendous nightmare. Practically having to peel the tattered material off, she dug through her small dresser and pulled out a fresh outfit, slowly pulling it onto her sore, whiplashed body. Emily forced herself back up the stairs, glancing into the kitchen at the old black microwave. The glowing green numbers read 8 am, nearly time for her school to start. Muttering under her breath, she rushed to grab her bag, pushing her problems to the back of her mind while she could..
Usually the car was her transport to school but, with it totaled, she had to walk. She could have taken the bus, had she payed attention to the time. Jogging up the gravel drive, she was hoping she would make it in time, running straight into something. More precisely, someone.
"I am so sorry!" Scrambling to help him pick up his books, she caught a glimpse of his schedule. His name was Jared Smith, how terribly original. It seemed he was new, and had most of her classes, too. A red tint snuck up her cheeks as she realized how rude she was being, apologizing again.
"It's totally okay," He smiled at Emily, dusting himself off "I'm Jared"
His semi-cocky smirk cause a lump to form in her throat, no words allowing themselves through. All she could do was nod, and hope he got the message. Her mind was abuzz, shocked and surprised from the butterflies erupting within. She could only handle so much of embarrassing herself, however, and tried to clear the knot blocking her words. After another moment of silence, and losing an internal battle with herself, she locked her eyes on a pebble next to her shoe. Whatever she tried to tell herself, she just could not force herself to raise her chin and meet his gaze.
"Uh I - I'm Emily." Her fingers caught the bottom of her shirt, running the seam between her index and thumb, an impromptu worry stone of sorts. He glanced down the empty gravel drive, taking note of the lack of a vehicle. Not a moment later, he looked back to Em, his smile still in place.
"Do you need a ride?" He offered without hesitation, twanging adorably, and the butterflies did backflips. She couldn't help but berate herself for her somewhat foolish behavior. As unfazed as he was, she still fought to take the metaphorical foot from her mouth. Which only resulted in an almost completely unintelligible babble. Cutting herself off was her best option, and she coughed, cheeks flaring pink.
"Uh - Sure, Thanks."
Per his direction, she waited patiently as Jared pulled his car up near her. Apparently he had parked his old ford truck just a little ways away, as he had lost his papers out the window. That only made her embarrassment worse. He must have just gotten all his papers picked up when she had bumped into him, knocking them out again. Hopping in, she practically sank into the old, almost leathery, gray seat. It was the kind of old leather that just hugs your bottom and you never want to get out of. Before long, they started out and were well on their way to school. The scenery as he drove was everything she imagined it would be the night before. She shoved that thought away, not wishing to be reminded of her father and all that entails. It almost looked as if the sky was bleeding, with the recently risen sun casting reds, oranges, and pinks through the thin clouds.
