Page 72 of This is Me

“I don’t even know anymore,” I muttered, and we both fell silent.

After a few moments, I heard Brad shuffle beside the car before speaking.

“Oh, and you may need this.”

Brad lifted my school bag up and threw it over me, letting it land on top of the plastic bag. How the fuck did I not realise I didn’t have my bag?

“You’re a fucking idiot, did you know that?” Brad asked, and I rolled my eyes.

“Whatever. Thank you.”

Brad nodded and shook his head, stepping back from my car and closing the door. With one last look at him, I brought my car's engine to life. I did my best not to look at him or the house, and I quickly backed out of the driveway and began the journey back to school, where I knew Blaire would be waiting for me.

Keeping the radio off and the ride silent, I was soon pulling up in front of the school, and Blaire ran over to the car and jumped inside. Though I tried not to look at her, I caught the sympathetic look she held on her face.

“I’ve already texted my mum, so she knows you’re staying,” she stated, and I nodded in response.

“Do they know?” I asked hesitantly, already suspecting I knew the answer.

“Yes. When she messaged me back, she told me they saw it. They’re fine with it. Don’t worry,” Blaire assured me, and I nodded again.

The rest of the car trip was quiet, and as I pulled up to Blaire’s house and turned my car off, we continued to sit in silence. Neither of us making a move to get out of the car or bring up what had happened at school. Something that I was thankful for.

“Are you ready?” Blaire asked suddenly, and I looked up the small grassy slope where her house sat.

“Thank you,” I murmured, turning to look at her. “And I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I just hope you’re okay.” Blaire gave me a gentle smile, and at that moment, I had never been more thankful for anyone in my life.

“I’m not. But I hope I can be.”