I’m eighteen. I’ve accomplished fifteen appalling years in school—some with predicaments, some without. I’ve eagerly graduated, and officially departed from the valueless school’s limitations. I’ve managed to live a self-regulating lifestyle, and have my own liberty from now on. After all the hard slog, why the wait? I’m ready to do anything without any limits—mingling with boys, partying, and handling life issues on my own.
“One Peppermint Mocha, please.”
“That would be $3.60.”
I struggle my way to an empty table at Starbucks. I stare at the frosty but scenic view outside. It’s undeniably a ruthless winter this year. I brush off the flakes of snow that set upon my shoulder on my way here. I sigh in anxiety. Ever since Noel Owen McClure embarrassed me in front of an entire focused audience at our graduation ceremony, I didn’t want to be noticed anymore. I wanted to be invisible. I wished I never even existed. I shake my head, hoping to also be shaking off my distressing feelings, and tunnel deep into my duffle coat’s pockets. I draw out two tickets to a Justin Bieber concert. That was the weird thing about Noel and I--we both adored Justin Bieber. I remembered how two days before our graduation ceremony, I bought these tickets to go togther. As a couple.
"Here is your Peppermint Mo--"
"Noel?!" I howl.
"Leigh?"
The waiter takes a seat beside me.
"Leigh, is that really you?"
It was without doubt him. Noel Owen McClure. My eyes widen and the water works build up, spilling out of my eye. Act unenthusiastic...don't act like you're surprised. I bat my eyes and drag the mug full of Peppermint Mocha in front of me.
"Look, Leigh, I've been really worried about you. Ever since you ran off at the graduation--"
"Don't even bother. If you really cared, you wouldn't seize the lousy mic away from me and holler out that we are done. That we're not a couple anymore. You chose the worst way to perform a break-up. Do I really look that clueless to you?" My voice gets shaky, and I sniff a few times.
"Baby, we are still--"
"Save it for your ass...jerk." I toss the mug into his flawless face. As I'm walking towards the door to exit Starbucks, I hear the mug shatter into pieces. I just envision his pain, and smirk maliciuosly. Not one bit of guilt creeping into my body.
"Leigh? Wake up...Leigh..."
I hear a faint, high-pitched and squeaky voice constantly calling my name.
"Leigh...are you with me?"
My eyes flutter open. I see a blondie with wavy hair halfway through her back, wearing a blue sports bra and black tights--Adelynne Wilsons. My best friend since the third grade.
"What...am I doing here? Where am I?" I stutter. Adelynne chuckles.
"In my house of course! And to be specific, in my gym." She replies, punching my arm as I sit up. I rub my arm in pain.
"Go easy on me next time! But...how'd I get here? I thought I was at Starbucks." Adelynne jumps onto the active treadmill and begins to run with it.
"Well...you fainted in front of Starbucks."
"What?! I--"
"Let me finish. Noel brought you to my house, told me what happened and I rushed him to the hospital. I was there for an hour or so, and then I came back to check on you. You've been out cold for about five hours." Adelynne explains. I cross my arms above my chest.
