Crossing Lines [Completed]

Ch. 36 Where I need to be

School ended pretty quickly, which I was glad. Since I have only one class left after lunch, I'm grateful that I get to hang out with my favorite teacher afterwards.

My relationship with Mrs. Mary has gotten so strong over the years I've been here. It's crazy how she instantly became my favorite teacher in the course of a few years.

"Graduation is coming up." She smiles at me as I was sitting on the edge of her desk. "Are you excited?"

I nodded as I smiled at her. "Beyond excited. I'm ready to take on the world and see what it has to offer."

"What are your plans? College? Work?"

Shrugging, I really didn't know. I had so many opportunities laying around once I walk off that field that night.

I can start my life journey and see where it takes me.

"You have so much ambition, Carter. I admire you for it and I know you'll do great things out in the world."

I smile. Hearing that from Mrs. Mary means so much to me. I couldn't wait to finally be free.

"Just remember that the real world is a crazy and dangerous place." She spoke. "You'll miss high school in a heart beat."

She's right. I knew that once you get into the real world, everything that you once hated starts coming back to you and you begin to miss each and every moment that passed you by.

We talked for a while longer until the last bell ring. I smiled at Mrs. Mary as I told her bye, also grabbing my backpack and walking towards the door.

Before I walked out, Mrs. Mary stops me. "Carter, do you mind helping me taking these boxes out to my car?" She motioned towards a few boxes that were laying on the floor.

I nod as I walked over and grabbed one, realizing that it was a little heavy. I had to do a weird squat and lift just to pick it up.

"Why do you have so many boxes?" I asked, which I think I asked before but couldn't remember.

We walk out of the classroom and into the hall, where everyone was already leaving the building. There were a few students standing at their lockers with others.

"A lot of this stuff is old and needs to be gone. I usually take it home with me or donate it. It's music sheets that has no purpose in the classroom anymore." She smiles at me.

We walked down the steps before I spoke. "Everything has a purpose in life." I saw Tory standing at the gate, and I also felt my heart speed up by the sight of her.

She was looking down at her phone as we were walking out of the gate, but she soon looks up and met my eyes.

"Hello, Miss Morgan. Have a great afternoon." Mrs. Mary spoke as we walked out into the parking lot. We made it to Mrs. Mary's car then placed the boxes in her trunk. "Thank you again, Carter."

I nodded as she shut the trunk of her car. "No problem. I love helping out my favorite teacher."

She pulls me into a tight hug before patting my back. "Have a great evening, sweetie."

Smiling at her, I nod. "You too, Mrs. Mary." I watch as she walks back towards the building and my eyes land on Tory as she was still standing at the gate.

Looking around, I noticed that there wasn't that many people out in the parking lot. I did see Ayden and Jamie by his truck, so I decided not to walk over to Tory even though my heart wanted to.

I walked to them instead as they were hugging and laughing.

Ayden sees me then smiles. "Hey, beautiful."