Falling (Bits and Pieces, Book 1)

  19. BACK TO REALITY

  I drove to school early the next morning to make up my physics quiz. The parking lot was virtually empty when I pulled in. Maybe in my rush to avoid my parents this morning, I got to school too early. Patrick’s car wasn’t there yet.

  I didn’t like the idea of walking through an empty campus by myself and just sitting outside of Mr. D’s room in the cold. I decided to just wait in my car until I knew that Mr. D was there or Patrick showed up.

  It was weird. Yesterday already seemed so long ago, but seemed like it just happened, raw. I couldn’t believe I was on this side of it. The trial, at least for me, was over. I tried to put it out of my mind, so I could review for the quiz. I pulled out my book and stared at the pages. I was so tired that this stuff seemed a lifetime ago. I had to concentrate, focus. But, my mind kept drifting to yesterday. It started with anxiety, fear, and shame. Somehow, it turned to cathartic and fun. I had fun yesterday, after all my gut-wrenching testimony and soul-bearing lunch.

  As emotionally difficult as it was, I wasn’t alone. Alone was originally what it was going to be, especially if my parents had any say. Thankfully, they didn’t. Patrick was there. Not only did he keep me company, but he didn’t judge me. I couldn’t believe that he accepted me for me. My parents, who were supposed to love me, no matter what, couldn’t do that. I was lucky to have him as a friend.

  I wanted to do something to show him my heartfelt appreciation for not abandoning me like my family had, especially since he knew the truth. But what? A gift card or CD would never be a proper thank you for someone who saved your life—twice! I had to keep thinking about it. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a car park next to me—Patrick’s.

  We walked to Mr. D’s room. When we got there, the door was locked. I guess he wasn’t there yet.

  Patrick looked at his watch, “He’s usually here by now. Mr. D should be here soon.”

  Sure enough, as soon as Patrick spoke, we saw Mr. D walking toward us. He unlocked the door and let us in. “Good morning, guys. How was yesterday?”

  We put our stuff down at our table. I wasn’t prepared for that question. Mr. D was a good teacher who cared. He had given me so much slack and understanding with things. He deserved the truth, at the very least he didn’t deserve a lie. “Over. The morning was…rough. I would have rather been in your class than there.”

  Patrick took the copies of the quiz that Mr. D handed him. “Liz did great. I’m proud of her. You would have been too.”

  “That’s good to hear. I’m sure I would have. Well, I’ll let you guys work on the quiz. You can use your calculators.” Mr. D smiled and turned to update the whiteboard with today’s homework assignment.

  It took a while to focus, but once I got past the first problem, I was able to. I finished the quiz just a few minutes before the bell would ring. I walked up to Mr. D’s desk to turn it in. As I walked back to my chair, I was hit with a wad of paper.

  “You don’t look sick. Where were you yesterday?” Joey threw another wad of paper at me. That was something that I didn’t miss.

  “Not here.” I simply said and tried to go to my seat, but Joey stood in my way.

  He looked at me sourly. “Did you know Patrick was gone yesterday too?”

  “Really? Are you asking him if he was sick too?” I knew he wouldn’t.

  “Just weird that the two of you were gone on the same day.” I didn’t know what he was insinuating and I didn’t care.

  “Why? ‘Cause no one else would answer Mr. D’s questions?” I stared at him and waited for an answer. Joey rolled his eyes at me.

  Patrick came up to us. “What’s up, Joey?”

  “Nothing. Liz and I were just talking.” Joey raised his eyebrows and grinned.

  “Hey, Liz, I heard you weren’t at school either yesterday. Where were you?” Patrick curiously looked at me.

  Joey looked surprised. I went along with Patrick’s setup. “Yeah, I wasn’t feeling good.”

  “That’s too bad. I was hoping I could borrow your notes.” Patrick smiled.

  “Sorry. Wish I could help.” I laughed. “I guess we’ll both be playing catch-up today.”

  “Please…like either one of you is ever lost in class.” Joey huffed and walked away.

  The bell rang and the school day officially began. Joey may think that I’m never lost in class, but I knew that wasn’t always true. Today, was going to be a challenge. But, I guess, not nearly as hard as coming back after missing several weeks recovering from my injuries. If I was able to catch up after that, one day shouldn’t be all that bad.