Two Years and Counting

Chapter Two: Testing the Waters

I slam my notebook shut and practically run out of the room. If I can't control what I draw the truth is going to get out sooner rather than later. I finally reach my locker and grab my back pack, sunglasses, and keys. I hop in my car and drive home going over the speed limit. My mom’s car is in the driveway when I pull in. Turning off the car I head into the house and a huge grin fills my face when the smell of coffee hits my face. Making my way into the kitchen I find my mom sitting at the table. “How did it go?” she asks me as I grab a huge mug out of the cabinet filling it with coffee, creamer, and sugar. “It was okay. And thanks for making me more coffee.” I tell her. “I thought you might need it.” She jokes “Also, Jamie called, he didn't leave a message but he said he will try again later.” My grin from the coffee gets even bigger at the news. Jamie is the best guy friend anyone could ever ask for.

I head to my room walking slowly so I don’t lose any precious coffee. I get to my room and place the mug on my bedside stand then take off my shoes. Grabbing my laptop I start it up and place it on my bed. I pick my coffee back up and take a sip. It’s perfect not to strong, not too sweet and not to hot and not to cold. I drink about half of it before remembering that I need to get my camera out. I put it back on the stand and head to my closet. I look past all the clothes and shoes to find what I was looking for. I pull out and wipe the dust off an old Fed-Ex box. I place it on my bed and sit down next to it. My laptop is finally on so I log in and open up my I-tunes then start my playlist. I take the top off the box throwing it to the floor then grab my coffee again. The warmth spreads to my hand. Thank God it didn't get cold! I start pulling everything out of the box spreading it around me. My hand comes in contact with my camera case. I pull it out and open it taking the camera out of it.

Pressing the review button I look at all of the pictures I saved on it. A smile makes its way on to my face as I see all the good times my camera captured. I have everything from silly photos with my friends to serious ones. Deleting all of them but the ones I really like. I try to take another drink of coffee but it is all gone. I put it back on the stand and move onto my portfolio. I flip it open and see all my hard work staring back at me. I see all of my ribbons, newspaper clipping, and A+ grades. My photos were the best thing in my life before I left. I won so many art contest and received so much praise from Mr. Collins and my parents you would never have known that there was something wrong. That class was the only reason that I held on so long. My laptop chimes and I see that Jamie is trying to Skype me. I quickly put my stuff away before answering his call. His happy face fills my screen.

I reach for my coffee just to find it is still empty I frown. “Loganberry why the long face?” he asks. “Sorry Jimmy Jam I just remember that I ran out of coffee.” I tell him and he laughs. “You and your coffee. Let me guess it was your second cup.” He says and I nod my head. He knows me sooo well. “So how did your first day back go?” he asks. “It was okay.” I tell him. He notices the slight reserve in my voice. “Come on I will tell you mine if you tell me yours.” He bribes. He is totally playing with me right now. I have tried all week to get him to dish about his first day back. So far it hasn't worked. Now he is offering it up on a silver platter all I have to do is tell him about mine. Grrrr he knows I would give in. He smirks at me and waits I try to hold out but my curiosity gets the best of my.

“Fine” I say finally giving in “It was better than I expected. No one and I mean no one remembers me so that is a good thing.” I start and he nods his head of me to go on. “I had a run in with Austin and Ceria but I’m okay.” His face fall, he knows what they put me through. “I have to say I handled it pretty well.” Laughing at the memory of Austin falling to the ground in pain. Jamie smiles at my attitude. “So what about you? You are killing me here!” I ask. He shakes his head and his face falls again.

“Well it’s not so good. I can’t go back there.” I frown Jamie went to a very strict religious school. When his parents found out that he was gay they sent him to ‘rehab’ to get ‘cured’.  Eventually his parents came around and accepted him but I guess the school didn't. “Where are you going to go?” I asks his face fills with joy and amusement. “That is for me to know and for you to find out.” He says knowing very well how much it angers me. I glare at him if looks could kill he would be close to dead. I can’t kill my best friend we've been through too much. “Come on, I’m your best friend.” I plead and he shakes his head. “Don’t worry you will find out soon enough.” I just keep glaring at him and he laughs. “Well I got to go. I will talk to you later.” He finishes. “Bye Jimmy Jam” I tell him he replies “Bye Loganberry.” We end the call and my screen goes back to my desktop.