Free An Ordinary Me by Brooklyn Taylor Page A

grounded. I decided to take the walk and think everything over. Anything to get out of there.
     
    Garrison
    Tonight was a total drag, for a Friday night that is. The band had a gig, and then I came straight home. It was a long week. I can’t seem to get Reese out of my mind. Friends. Great. I’m thrilled . The one girl I have met that I want to be more than friends and I label it as friends. Slick, Rick .
     
    Mom was working tonight so she wasn’t home. She seems to be really working hard this time to stay clean but for me it doesn’t change anything. I can’t wait to finish my senior year and go to college. I already have everything planned. That’s one thing I can say about living the life I have lived. It forces you to grow up faster than most, faster than you should.
     
    My mind is really racing tonight and every time I close my eyes, I see one person. Reese Owens.
     
    I convince myself I can text her, what will that hurt?
     
    Garrison: Hey Reese.
     
    I wait for a response but don’t get one immediately. Maybe she is asleep, it’s kind of late.
     
    Reese: Hi.
     
    Garrison: You busy?
     
    Reese: Walking home…
     
    Garrison: At almost midnight?
     
    Reese: Yeah, don’t ask. I’m pissed about it.
     
    Garrison: You want me to come get you?
     
    Reese: No, I’m good. I’m almost there.
     
    Garrison: Where are you?
     
    Reese: Little Elm St. I’m about 4 blocks from my house.
     
    Garrison: I’m off Broadmede. I’ll walk out and see if I can find you.
     
    Reese: It’s cool. I’m fine really.
     
    Reese: Are you there?
     
    Reese: Are you ignoring me?
     
    I see her walking around the corner and walk up to meet her.
     
    “I didn’t know you lived so close. Why are you walking so late? That’s not exactly safe for a girl.”
     
    “It’s not safe for anyone.”
     
    “Yeah I guess.”
     
    “Are you okay?” I knew she wasn’t okay. I could tell she had been crying, and it looked like she was shaken up.
     
    “Other than being groped and having to walk home because my best friend is too busy making out with a guy yeah I guess.”
     
    “Who groped you?”
     
    “Doesn’t matter.”
     
    “Reese, it does matter.”
     
    “I’m fine that is all that matters.”
     
    I already knew who did this. I just wanted to hear it. I could tell she was going to start crying again. Her nose was wrinkling up, and I wanted to lean in and kiss it. Instead, I hugged her and she broke down.
     
    “I just don’t get it… I cannot read a sign from a guy if he was holding one up in bold letters. I keep getting it wrong.”
     
    I didn’t say anything because really I had no answers. I just hugged her and lightly rubbed my hand on her shoulder. She smelled so good and she fit perfectly in my arms.
     
    “I can walk you home.”
     
    “No, you don’t need to do that. I am fine. “
     
    “I'll walk you.”
     
    “Only to the end of the street otherwise I’ll get grounded. My parents will flip. I was supposed to be staying the night at Autumn’s.”
     
    “Okay.”
     
    I walked her to where she asked and I left her but stood on the curb for a few minutes making sure she was okay. There were so many things I wanted to say to her but things I didn’t understand. Why would I be feeling these feelings for her when I barely know her? We are from two different worlds. How could I ever bring her home to my house to meet my mother in the condition she is in? Sure she might be good today but I don’t know how she will be tomorrow. It was a like playing Russian roulette. Most importantly why would she want to stick around once she knew what I was? She was innocent and I could tell she was going to be the real thing. She was going to be the girl to hold back and wait until she was in love. A girl who was way out of my league, I just wish my heart got the message. Maybe if I can just be a part of her life as a friend it will be enough... it would have to be at least that was what I kept telling