Taking Chances

Chapter 9

I wake up to someone knocking on my bed room door. I feel so disoriented.I look around to see I'm laying on my bed curled up still in my jeans with my shoes on my feet. I slowly get up and go over to the door.

"Who is it?" I ask quietly making sure it isn't Chloe.

"Hey, Alice.It's Nina and Mia." I hear Mia say softly. I open the door and walk back over to my bed curling up on it.

"How are you?" Mia asks sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Fine." I lie.

"No your not." Nina says sitting on the bed as well.

"I just don't understand." I say feeling the tears come rushing back. The now familiar lump forming in my throat.

"What don't you understand?" Nina asks.

"Why he never came back to get me. Why i had to stay here. Just why my life suddenly sucks." I list off.

"Al, I'm so sorry." Mia says. She obviously doesn't know how to handle this situation. Mia and i aren't as close as Nina and i. Bryce and Mia just moved here during 9th grade so i've only known them for three years but, I've known Keegan and Nina for almost seven years.

"What do you mean?" Nina asks.

"When i was younger, at my old house when i was about ten years old my dad left. I guess my real mother died and my dad was planning on leaving Sylvia for her. Sylvia found out they fought and he tried to take me with him. Sylvia wouldn't let him she threatened to call the cops. And i never saw him again." I start sobbing as i finish my sentence.

"I never knew that. Why didn't you tell us?" Nina asks. I don't reply because i wouldn't be able to. Nina and Mia sit there for a while as i cry.

Once i gain enough composure to talk again i ask, "Wheres Keegan and Bryce?"

"Their at football practice." Mia answers.

"There's a game tomorrow night for the last day of school. Are you going?" Nina asks.

"I don't know." I say.

"You should come. We can come get you." Mia offers.

"Maybe. I don't think I'm going for the last day tomorrow. I just need some time to think." I explain.

"Everything will get easier don't worry." Nina reassures me. Mia's phone starts ringing and she answers and walks out of my room closing the door behind her.

"Did you check your phone?" Nina asks.

"No, why?"

"Keegan and Bryce have been trying to get a hold of you. They really wanted to come see you but, they couldn't since the big game is tomorrow practice is mandatory."

"It's fine. They don't have to come see me. Could you do me a favor?" I ask.

"Anything." Nina says.

"Would you mind getting my stuff from my locker tomorrow? I-" She cuts me off.

"I don't mind." She says getting up. She checks the time on her phone and says she has to get going.

"I'll bring your stuff tomorrow when I'm heading to the game. If you want to come make sure your ready." She says.

"What time?"

"Seven." Nina replies and walks out. So now i just need to find a way to stay home tomorrow.

*****

I roll out of bed around nine the next morning. I guess that means school isn't an option. I slowly retreat from my room and walk down the hall towards Chloe's room. I peek inside and see her graduation gown isn't there. Good, she's gone so the house is safe for now. I walk downstairs and head for the kitchen before my stomach eats itself. I grab a bowl and pour some cereal into it.