Page 55 of Collided

13

Hope

It’s downpouring heavily.

In the morning, the sky was clear, but by fifth period, a dark gray carpet had rolled over with turbulent winds sweeping the school grounds and banging on the windows.

Earlier, I checked my locker for an umbrella, even though I knew there wouldn’t be one. I used it the last time and forgot to bring it back to school.

Now, I’ve been standing near the entrance for the past thirty minutes, waiting for it to stop.

Queues of cars drive out of the school. Some catch rides while others walk through the rain with umbrellas.

Marie and Sebastian ditched school after lunch because of something. They didn’t elaborate and left as soon as they could.

Heath probably skipped, too. I didn’t see him in the two classes we had together.

I check the time on my phone. 4:30 pm. It’s getting late.

Letting out a sigh, I slip my novel into my bag and step into the torrential downpour.

In a matter of seconds, I get drenched. Water seeps through the soles of my Converse and my feet get wet. Like glue my clothes plaster against my body.

Bringing my bag to the front of my chest, I try to prevent the winds from slicing me into two halves.

I start walking in the direction of the bus stand. The bus will drop me four blocks away from home. At least, that is better than walking miles, especially when it’s raining so hard.

A cold breeze sweeps past me. I shudder due to the chills that spread all over me.

I reach the bus stop and study the schedule. Bus 106 - 4:00 PM

I missed the bus.

This is my sign.

Luck isn’t on my side.

It probably hates me.

I sneak shelter under an awning and stomp my feet at my bad luck. There’s no way I can walk home like this, wet and cold, but I also can't stay here. Soon it’ll get dark, and I don’t want to walk home alone.

I look left and right in search of a cab, but there’s not a single one in the vicinity. The roads are empty, and no one is around except me.

A black car rolls out of the school gates and stops beside me.

I know who this car belongs to. Heath Travon.

The passenger door opens, and he looks at me with his cold blue eyes. “Get in the car.”

I hesitate for a moment, but do as he says.

I put my bag on the floor and hug my shaky arms as I inch closer to the fans that emit hot air.

Heath reaches out and turns all the fans in my direction.

Tucking the long strand of my hair behind my ear, I turn and find him already watching me.

“Thank you,” I murmur, feeling embarrassed for getting a car ride from him. Again.

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