Learning To Fly

Chapter 3

Dance class was very exhausting. I don't think I've ever danced for two hours straight without a break. Mrs. Blackburn is very nice and all but when it comes to dance, she makes sure that nothing is out of place.

I was changing in the girls locker room when 3 girls cam to stand in front of me.

I looked up and waited for one of them to speak. When no one said anything, I cleared my throat and spoke. "Yes?"

"I saw you hanging out with Ethan." The one in the middle spoke up. She had long, straight, platinum blonde hair and pouty lips. She had changed into a tight - very short - maroon skirt, paired with a bright pink crop top sweater.

I think I just threw up in my mouth.

"Um... Okay?" Confusion.

"Well, don't. He's mine. So stay away, or else."

New school. New people. New me.

"I didn't know I had to have your permission." I rolled my eyes as a new found sense of bravery enveloped me. 

One of the two girls standing behind her stared at me in shock. "Carrie. Can you believe this girl? Thinking she's better than us. Please. No one's better than you." She scoffed.

"I know. She just doesn't know who she's messing with." Carrie said. "But don't worry. She'll find out soon enough."

With that, they sashayed away from me.

All of a sudden, my phone started ringing. I didn't know the number, but in case it was River, I picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Lola? Is that you?" Panic laced River's voice, and I immediately stood. 

"What's wrong? Where's Lee?" Tears sprung to my eyes as I thought about all of the possible things that could have happened to my baby girl. 

"Everything's fine, just-"

"Where is she, River?!"

"I'm at the hospital, she's in room-"

"Which hospital?" I asked, quickly throwing all of my things into my bag. "I need the address and room number."

"Just wait a second, okay? I-"

"Now, River! That's my baby." My voice cracked on the word baby and I stopped for a second, trying to calm my racing heart and ragged breaths.

Once he gave me the address and room number, I raced out of the dressing room and ran to the entrance. 

Once Ethan saw me, he smiled and started talking. "So, I was thinking we could go grab a bite to eat, and-" He stopped when he saw my frantic state. "What's wrong? What happened?"

I didn't say anything, but continued to run outside to my truck across the parking lot. I could faintly hear footsteps following me, but continued my trek.

When I finally reached my truck, I hastily threw my bags into the backseat and ran around to the drivers side and hopped in. I fumbled with my keys and when I finally got a grip, my passenger door opened and Ethan hopped in before closing the door.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"What happened?" He asked.

I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking about what I would do next. If I'm going to have at least one friend, start it off with honesty, right?

"I got a call." I finally said. He waved his hand as if saying 'go on.' "Someone I love is in the hospital." 

Knowing he wasn't going to let it go or leave, I put my key into the ignition and started my truck.