Let Me Be Your Gravity (COMPLETE)

Ten

Waterfall

I sit in my car contemplating on whether or not to get out. I look at the radio the digital numbers blinking seconds as I watch the time change to 9:30. It didn't feel like that much time had passed since school started but my mind was boggled down by memories constantly streaming through my mind. I wanted to forget it once and for all. I wanted to believe not everyone was as evil as I thought they were, but any hope I had died that night.

I made sure to keep myself guarded especially in social situations mainly parties which I went to often with Cecilia. She loved the excitement. She loved getting lost in drunken moments. I drank sometimes but never enough to lose sight of reality. It was the perfect partnership I was able to enjoy teen life and she needed me there to look after her.

I never told anyone about the instance at the party. I slipped out quickly and quietly so I didn't have to face anyone. It went unnoticed all these years. I even tried a few times to tell Cecilia but after that we went to party after party I doubted she would believe me.

I keep looking forward before resting my head on the steering wheel feeling a panic attack starting to take hold of me. A soft knock on the window causes me to jump up as I see Carter standing outside my window with a blank expression on his face. I wipe my face before rolling down the window. "What's up?" I ask trying to sound as put together as I possibly could.

"Well I was wondering why you left school so quick?" He squints down at me as the sun shines in his eyes.

"I didn't wanna go." I shrug thinking of all the times Cecilia and I would ditch. Normally we'd go to Red Rock and hike. Natural was her only true escape from the constant trouble she would cause for herself. I never judged her though I envied her.

"Wanna go hike then? No sense in us going back now." He smiles at me opening my door for me.

"Yeah that's fine." I nod speaking quietly. I wanted to believe I could trust him like I trusted Cecilia but the fear wouldn't let me.

We start walking up the trail passing the boulder we sat at yesterday. I kept my distance as we walked. We both stayed quiet until we come upon the ending of the trail. There's a small almost unnoticeable waterfall trailing down the mountain. "So how'd you find me?" I finally say staring right at the waterfall.

He shifts his weight a bit. "I followed you... that sounds creepy I know." He mumbles out. "Cecilia made me promise to look after you. So here I am."

"I know..." I say softly nodding as I take in the sights around me. "Sometimes I wonder why we have the shit that we do. You know like cars and technology. Most of this stuff is pointless when you think about life and nature and where we really fit into the whole thing."

"Yeah I get it especially when you come to places like this." He gives me a small smile. "You know I wasn't lying this morning when I told you you're beautiful  and not just on the outside but in here to." He points to my heart. "Which really is all that should count."

I feel my cheeks heat up as I clear my throat. "Not in high school. It's all about what you look like, who your friends with what kind of phone you have or car you drive. I just can't wait to get this year over with you know? Go somewhere different."

I turn towards him watching as his eyes slowly meet mine. "Maybe that's why Cecilia left. I don't think it was for Garrett. I think she was done with all the shit everyone put her through."

"She definitely was." I nod agreeing with him not daring to look away from him. We stay like that for a moment staring at each other before he finally looks away scratching the back of his neck.