Two Years and Counting

Chapter Two: Testing the Waters

I open my locker surprise that I actually managed to remember the combo. I switch out my note book then grab my lunch and sun glasses. I make my way to my car and pass the lunch room. I look in and see that there are not that many people there. They must want to enjoy the nice weather outside too. I just never want to go in there again. I vowed to myself that I will never eat in there again. I step outside and notice all of the students milling around.

I am so happy that the school lets us eat anywhere on the school ground. It would be perfect if we could leave but that is not allowed. I finally reach my car and hop on the hood. The metal is hot but it doesn't burn me. I open my lunch bag and pull out a peanut butter sandwich then my phone. I dial my mom and she picks up on the 3rd ring. “Hello” she says her voice coming through clearly. “Hi mom. I just wanted to call and check in.” I tell her. “Dad said that he told you to call me.” She responds. “Yeah, if you see him before me can you tell him that he still doesn't have to kill anyone for me.” I say to her rising my voice letting it carry. “No problem he doesn't need to spend more time in that place then he already does. I will see you when you get home.” She responds.

We hang up and I finish my sandwich sliding my glasses on leaning against my wind shield. I drink half of my water and start on the apple my mom snuck in then look around. I notice Austin and Ceria first, she has seated herself on his lap. Well those two are perfectly made for each other. I scan their group in hope to find a weak spot and I find it. There is a girl that is sitting at the edge of their table and she doesn't look that included. I can work with this.

I keep looking and I find Claire and her group they are surrounded by a group of guys. I check them all our and recognize all but one. We seem to have gotten a new guy since I left. He has dark brown hair almost black and a body one only gets from playing sports. I search his face and he has a sly grin that seems to say ‘you are all the punch line of my joke’ and it sets me on edge. I don’t know how he could tell I was staring at him but he does and he winks at me. He is bad news.

My eyes find my old group of friends next. I am somewhat shocked that they are still together. They seem to have changed a little, Cassie is dressing more ‘slut-ish’ and has a boy haircut, Liz dyed her hair bright purple and Natalie has lost a lot of weight. She is like a twig now. My eyes rest on Ashley and just like earlier she looks exactly the same. I wonder if they ever think of me. I wonder if they wonder what happened to me. I wonder if they miss me. I finish my apple and the rest of my water. I throw everything out and make my way back into the school as the bell rings. I make a quick stop at my locker to drop of my sun glasses and to grab a note book with a pencil. I make my way to the art wing for my last class. As soon as I get out of the main building here is an obvious change. The walls go from tile to painting, drawings, and pictures. My heart stops for a second at the sight of one I know so well. It’s still here! I can’t believe they kept it up. I look over my handy work that I spend over 3 hours on to get the right look.

“It’s amazing isn't it?” a familiar voice says making me jump. I turn and see Ashley standing there looking at the photo. “Sorry I didn't mean to scare you.” She says. “It’s okay and yes it’s amazing do you know who made it?” I ask trying to stay calm. “Serena did it, she was amazing at doing things like this.” She says my face falls at her sad tone. “Was? What happened?” I question. “I don’t know, one day she was here and the next she was gone. I asked the teachers but they wouldn't tell me anything. I even went to her house to find it completely empty.” She says sad and confused. I nod my head. After my ‘accident’ my parents worked hard to make sure nothing go out about it. We moved out of that house that very day too. My parents couldn't look at it after what happened.

“I’m sorry.” I try but she shakes her head. “It’s okay, by the way I am Ashley.” She says introducing herself. ”Logan” I state. “I know, can I ask you something?” she says worried. “Sure.” I tell her. “How do you know your way around so well?” she asks. Shoot I hoped that no one would notice that. Lie, lie, lie, “I had a tour over the weekend” I try she nods her head believing me. We make our way to the art class room. She breaks away from me and I find the teacher. “Hello” I tell him.