A Quarter Mile Away

8 - Roads Untraveled

Please listen to Roads Untraveled - Linkin Park for this chapter

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"You should all have your age and topic. Does anyone not have one?"

I didn't even bother responding, I didn't want to do this project. My breathing started to escalate a little faster than normal. I was beginning to lose control of my surroundings.

"Now make sure you discuss key points to include in your entry. For example, Jaxon what is your group topic?"

Jaxon unintentionally looks at me before responding "Girl disowned by parents."

Mr. Reid lifts his right hand to point to our group "Perfect example, decide on what "disowned" means to the group so you're all writing about the same thing. This doesn't necessarily mean they both left. It could in fact mean that both parents are there but don't pay her attention."

I felt like I was losing control of my reality as Mr. Reid's words pierced through my heart. I'm taken back to when my parents were always fighting and seemed to have forgotten about the existence of their children.

Mr. Reid's voice blurs through my mind "It could mean one parent has left."

I'm instantly reminded of the day my dad packed his bags with Andrew and walked out of our house leaving, as Alena and I watched on through the window with our mum nowhere to be seen, who paid no attention to what was happening.

'Maybe the dad cheated and the mum went on crack and disowned her kids?'

"That's another good example Avery."

My eyes widened in fear for a millisecond as my head shot up when I realised what I just said, no one seemed to have paid attention to my outburst except Jaxon who was now gaping at me.

"Mr. Reid, c-can I please be excused to go to the ladies room?" I tried to remain calm as my heart beat started to accelerate.

"Yeah just take this paper with you. Actually, you might as well take your books because class finishes in less than a minute anyway."

I grabbed my books and ignored Jaxon's plea as he whispered out to me.

Grabbing the piece of paper, I sped out the door and walked straight to the double doors and ran to my car.

I messaged Nikki to meet me at my car because I didn't want to take the chance of bumping into Jaxon again.

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"What milkshake are you getting?" Nikki asked as she studied the menu.

"I'm thinking maybe Cookies and Cream?"

She nodded in agreement as she continued to study the menu.

"What can I get you two ladies?" The waitress captured our attention, after placing our orders we both sat in silence.

Without realising I began to move my eyes along the patterns on the table until someone cleared their throat. When I looked up I saw Nikki smiling at me unexpectedly, like she's waiting for me to tell her something.

"Sooo?" She shot her eyebrows up in question.

I gave her a confused look as I slightly shook my head "So? What?"

She placed her arms on the table and leaned over "Wanna talk about it?"

My eyes widened in shock "Talk about what?"

She gave me a 'Do I look stupid' look. "I bumped into Jaxon when class finished. I was about to ask him where you were because I hadn't read your message at that time yet but instead I get bombarded by questions from him, asking if I've seen you, spoken to you, were you okay. The guy was going into a frenzy. When I asked him what happened, he paused, reluctant to tell me anything before saying and I quote "She just left unexpectedly and I was just worried about her, it's not in her character to just leave" which I might add... He's right. But I've never seen Jaxon freak out about a girl like that before."

I'm not naive. I picked up on the way Jaxon had decided against telling Nikki about the real reason why I ran. He knew, he was a smart guy. However, he chose to keep it a secret for me. I didn't even respond to her long speech, I just sat there because a part of me knew there was more to come.

"So, I'm going to ask again. What happened. Why'd you walk out of class? Whose ass do I need to kick?"

When I raised an eyebrow at her last question, she smiled sheepishly at me "Well I'M not going to kick their ass because I'm useless but I can totally get one of the guys to do it."

A giggle escaped from my lips. I couldn't help but smile at her, genuinely smile at her because I knew she truly meant those words.

Can I really trust her though?

Tell her my darkest secrets and insecurities and trust that she won't tell a soul? Or judge me for it?

My smile disappeared slowly from my face as my mind started to race.

A worried expression consumed her face as she took in my serious one "You know you can talk to me right? I'm here for you Avery, who and what we talk about stays between us. You know that right?"

"I know Nikki. Thank you, honestly, you're one of the closest friends I have. I'm just really tired, school and work are getting to me and I just wanted to leave. I don't even know why Jaxon freaked out for."

The words spill out before I got a chance to stop. Truthfully, I was going to tell her because I was on the verge of emotionally breaking down and just letting it all come out but fear stopped me.

Fear of judgement

Fear of gossip

Fear of humiliation

For the first time in my life, I was scared to lose a friendship. Scared of what Nikki would think of me with all the baggage that I carried with me. I had now become emotionally invested in Nikki and didn't want to ruin the friendship I had built with her, especially since it was still a new friendship, it was very fragile.

Thankfully Nikki didn't push any further, she just squeezed my hand and smiled at me wholeheartedly "When you're ready to talk, I'm here" she whispered.

I instantly squeezed her hand and smiled at her words "Thanks Nik."

"Two Cookies and Cream Milkshakes?"

We both looked up at the waitress with excitement in our eyes as she gave us our milkshakes.

"To one of the best friends I know" she lifted her cup midair.

I couldn't help but giggle at her words "To the only best friend I know" and I clinked our glasses together.

Nikki in return gave me a goofy smile when she heard my words.

The best part? I meant every word.

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