You Saved Me Once Book 1 novel Chapter 6

There is some heavy, and dangerous history with Ms. Kristen’s, and her family. She’s more than just a neighbor. She’s a Bartley, was a Bartley, a long time ago.

Ever since what happened, she’s never been the same, none of us have been. Everyone was affected by what happened between the Bart-ley’s and Richard’s, years ago. Since then, Ms. Kristen’s been addicted to alcohol, and “legal” boys. Of course, the neighborhood hates her, and mindlessly judges her for something she did in the past.

She has no one to look out for her anymore, no one. I take it upon myself to make sure she’s not letting someone hurt her, again.

I owe her that. I owe her more than that.

When I pulled into my driveway, I noticed the car was still parked outside her house. It's mid-day. It must be serious.

I should go over there. I want to see Ms. Kristen, hear her voice again, but I’m too scared to walk through the front door. I haven’t been over there in years, her house has lots of memories, and secrets. Bad ones.

I go up to my room to look at Ms. Kristen. I do this often, be-cause I’m too scared to do anything else. I do this often, when I miss him. From my window I can see her youngest son’s room, and the gar-age. It is open.

The garage at Ms. Kristen’s is never open. That garage is from her past, her beautiful yet destructive past.

It’s filled with children’s toys, and her husband’s 1963 baby blue classic he left behind. Everything that made Ms. Kristen’s into what she is today, is what’s in that garage. She’d never open it.

Rochelle calls me. I pick up.

Music screams through the other end of the phone. She started the party without me? I smile at my own accusations. It makes me feel bet-ter.

“Hey Alex, don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry about that stuff earli-er, with Jeff. He’s a good guy, you know?” She says.

I pick at my shirt. Hearing her happy, makes me happy. Then it makes me sad.

“I know Rochelle.” I mumble. My throat is sore. I’m going to cry.

“You still coming over, right?” She asks me.

She sounds sad now, I don’t want her to be sad.

“Of course, I am.” I say.

She’s quiet now, and the music increases. She doesn’t say any-more. I hang up.

I look next-door and see Ms. Kristen in the garage. She’s drunk and sad, but Ms. Kristen still looks beautiful. She’s unbalanced and grabbing the memories in the garage. It’s bad.

I watch for a while, because I’m afraid to call. I’m afraid to hear the rings, the anticipation pains. I call after a while and sit against the win-dow to watch. I’m waiting, each ring I grow closer to her voice.

I can see her phone lying on the garage floor, ringing. She picks her phone up and throws it at the fence. The sounds scare me, makes me jump. It hurts me more than you’d think.

Jake enters my room.

“Oh my god Jake! What the hell are you doing home?!” I yell.

“Getting my gear.” He says. I wipe my face.

“You okay?” He asked.

There it is, those trigger words that I hate.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” I lie.

“This is how you’re taking it?” He asks.

“Hey, don’t do anything stupid.” He says.

“I’m fine, I promise, Jake.” I lie again.

“I need a ride to Rochelle’s party; can you take me after my game?” He asks.

“Don’t worry about Ms. Kristen, she’s fine Alex. What is she, 43? Yeah, she’s too hot for you.” He laughs. I smile at his comment.

“She is 43.” I laugh.

“She’s done a lot for us Jake.” I say.

“She’s fine Alex.” He says.

He’s trying to convince me. I want to fight his words, but I give in after a while.

“I don’t ever remember Rochelle inviting you.” I exhale.

I say this, because I want to hear Jake talk more. I felt warmer with his terrible humor.

“Ha, ha! So, is that a yes? I have to go, Dylan is here.” He says.

“I’m supposed to be heading over to Rochelle’s in a few. I could head over to Rochelle’s once I pick you up.” I say.

I want to tell him about Jeff, but he seems rushed.

“That’ll work. Do you think you could give Emma a ride too?” Jake asks.

Emma is his on, and off “totally not my girlfriend”, girlfriend.

“If I say no?” I ask. He leaves the room.

“Sure. Emma too.” I shout. He comes back into the room.

“She’s totally not my girlfriend.” He laughs.

“Totally.” I whisper.

He leaves the room again. I hear his heavy cleats make it down the stairs. He shouts all the way from the living room.

“She’s totally not Alex!”

“Totally!” I shout back.

~~~~~

I fell asleep at the window. It was now gloom, and dark outside. I’m definitely late to that damn party.

I check my phone, there are texts and missed calls.

Hey Alex, its Jeff. am I picking you up?

– Jiff

Alex where are you!

- Roc

Okay, I said I was sorry about the whole Jeff thing. But he really likes u. Like really. Give him a shot ☺

- Roc