Van started running faster when his eyes caught Matt’s. “What happened?â€? he huffed while catching his breath.

“Her car,â€? I could feel Matt mouthing; his chin was rested on my shoulder.

“Aw, shit. I’m sorry, Gail.â€? Van said silently as Matt handed me over. I could also feel that Matt hadn’t wanted to let go but he did. I nodded sadly to Van, sobbing on his clean shirt while Matt backed away.

“This … sucks.â€? I sniffed and he nodded.

“Do you need a ride or something?â€?

“I thought you didn’t have a car.â€? I said, my voice breaking.

“I don’t.â€? he said as if just realizing it.

“Its okay, I’ll walk. My house is like three blocks away. Thanks, Van.â€? I pulled out of his hug and wiped my tears.

“She’s way too strong for a girl.â€? He murmured under his breath. I’ll just let him think I didn’t hear that I thought to myself as I walked away.

I headed behind the school and down the sidewalk toward my house but then I realized, I didn’t really want to go home.

Where to go …