Sometimes...

~ Chapter 7 ~

The autumn days were over, as so was the first part of school. My grades started slowly dropping as Matthew tried to come into my life. Since he left they have been staying at a good B or B-, which isn't totally bad, but I used to be a straight A student. Getting over our small little friendship was hard, especially since that was the closest I had ever been to someone since Bethany. 

Look what people do to you.

The pitiful voice inside of my head was right. 

You need to stay away. You won't be alone. You'll have me.

True, I did have myself, plus a loving family, even if they don't always get me.

T-ball practice ended as soon as the snow had decided to stay. I was watching my brother after school almost daily until our parents got home. Since Mom was an athletic trainer, her work also varied on her patient's schedule. Since she had several patients at a time, I got to spend quite a bit of alone time with Xavier. I am so glad we barely ever fight and that we have such a close relationship. I don't know what I would do if that little munchkin didn't distract me from the pain.

The pain would come as we walked home together. That house that sat right next to ours just reminded me of Matthew every time I saw it. It happened to Xavier, too, but his brain let the subject drop quickly. 

"I am picking up Xavier after school today to go to his friend's birthday party. It starts at noon since the boy is home schooled, and the elementary kids get half days on Fridays. I may not be able to be back in time to pick you up, so if I'm not, would you mind walking home?"

"Of course not," I replied to Mom as she gave Xavier a poptart. 

"Okay. I'll call you to confirm."

Little did I know that was going to be the last time I heard from both my mom and brother.

*****

I watched from my classroom's window as the snow started piling up, creating a dark sky and a blur that allowed you to see only a short distance away from where you were. The wind was loud, knocking some tree branches off in rage. 

My teacher was telling us that we were supposed to get a huge storm tonight, but it seems to me it came early. 

I started to worry.

The bell rang and I was ready to go home. I looked out into the parking lot to see if my mom had made it back in time. I didn't see her red van. 

I pulled out my phone to see if she called. Nothing. So, I called her. It led me straight to voicemail. I really started to worry now.

Hoping she was just late and didn't want to answer the phone in such bad weather, I braced the outdoors and headed home.

 I pulled my furry hood tighter, trying to cover my ears. I saw my breath fly away each timed I breathed, and my teeth were chattering. It was freezing.

I could see my house from across the road, and I was thankful to see a red van parked in the garage. My brother waved to me through the window, still bundled in his own winter gear. He must have called for Mom because she soon came in front of the window, hand on her heart. She smiled and at me and mouthed, "You're okay."

I waved back and started heading across the street. 

Then I heard a squealing from tires.

I looked to my right and saw a white car swerve towards me.

They didn't have their headlights on, so I couldn't have noticed any sooner.

The driver must have lost control of the car due to the icy roads.

It was quick, and so was the pain.

The last thing I remember is...