Pretty Broken

Chapter 2

I couldn't sleep last night. I was making up scenarios in my head all night. Some were amazing and some were quite the opposite. I don't understand why I am so hung up on him. He seemed like a pretty basic individual who lived a basic ass life, but I couldn't seem to analyze him properly. I decide it would be best to do some research. I find Ryland's Instagram, go to his followers and type in "Dan" to see whether or not he had an Instagram. I couldn't help the smile that overtook my face when I saw that he had an account. I clicked on his profile, but deflated when I saw that he didn't have any pictures posted to his profile. But I mean it is what it is.

As I'm walking to my kitchen my phone vibrates, and it's Ryland. He asked to hang out, and I quickly agree, and ask him to pick me up. I have a solid 6 minutes to get ready because he lives a solid 3 minutes away. I throw on some jeans and a hoodie and wait outside. It's quiet. There aren't many cars and the only thing you can hear is the wind howling. It was quite soothing. I hear his car approaching before I could actually see it.

As he pulls up I notice that there's someone in the passenger seat. As the car comes closer my heart falls to the bottom of my stomach because its him. I slowly walk to the car and get inside. I'm a little shocked, and too nervous for my own good. I don't even know this kid that well and it is unsettling how much he is affecting me.

"So, where are we going?" I ask

"Are you cool with hanging out in a park nearby and then go get some food later?"

I nod, and we are on our way. We go to a small park. It's called Blessings. I've been here numerous times before. My friends and I would always go here to smoke weed. I never partake, but I don't have any problem just hanging out with them when they spark up. It's fun to hang out with them and tune in on their conversations. It's always entertaining and made me feel included. Like I was a part of my own little exclusive club. The park didn't have much to offer, there was a small bench and a small jungle gym, but it felt safe. The trees around made it feel closed off from the world, and allowed for a quick getaway. It was refreshing to be back here.

We got out of the car and made our way to the bench. And it was too silent. Ryland was oblivious to it and just tapping away on his phone. I got the feeling that Dan didn't really know I was going to be here, and the silence was suffocating. I just looked at my feet, not wanting to make it any more awkward than it already was. I don't know what I was expecting. For him to just start naturally talking to me and telling me all of his deepest darkest secrets?

Ryland breaks the silence, "So, are we going to spark up?" as he pulls out a baggie from his pocket.

They roll the blunt like it was second nature and spark up. Just as Ryland takes a hit, he gets a call. He excuses himself from the bench and walks towards the car, handing Dan the blunt. He inhales and exhales. He doesn't cough or anything. It was odd how natural it was for him. Smoking is very illegal in Texas. It honestly isn't a big deal, but it was odd how naturally he did it. Ryland smoked often but the first inhalation always caused him to cough. I was more intrigued. I just looked at him inhaling and exhaling again and again. Taking hit after hit. It was odd, but also interesting. I wanted to know why he smoked, how often he smoked, and when he started for him to be so good at it. Can you be good at smoking? I don't know, but if you can, he was a fucking professional. As I was about to ask if he smoked a lot, Ryland jogged back up to us.

"okay, so my mom called and I have to take her to target. Is it cool if I go do that with her and then pick yall up? It shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes, all she needs to do is pick up a prescription." He asked.

"I mean do we have any other option other than to wait," said Dan.

I looked at him surprised. He sounded kind of bitchy. Ryland promised to be quick and ran off. It was back to being awkward. Ryland was a great buffer. Dan continued to inhale and exhale the blunt. I looked at him for a quick second, and caught him looking at me.