It was early Autumn. School was sucking the lives out of teenagers, leaves were dancing in the wind, children were laughing, and I was having major allergies while I waited for my ride.

Typical.

I sat on the stairs that led into the school in despair. I'd wipe my face on my jacket sleeve occasionally and I tried not to look interested while watching Jackson Darby talk to his new best friends. Rafael and Miko.

No one knew how the three became so close, but it was instantaneous. It made me curiouser and curiouser the more they spent time together. I chuckled under my hands that were chilled due to the breeze weaving through trees. He hadn't even introduced me.

Soon enough, they stopped conversing and Raf and Miko hopped into the same vehicles they did everyday. A yellow and black camaro behind Mikos green Jeep. The engines started and they were off.

Jack was last to leave, seemingly talking to himself as he placed his helmet firmly on his head. I furrowed my eyebrows as I tried to listen to his inaudible words. But alas, I was too far once again and he sped off, leaving me confused this time.

I snorted, shaking my head with an amused smile behind my hands, my  my palms warm underneath since it blocked out the cool weather. I counted down mentally and my smile turned into a smirk as a small buzz came from my phone by my side.

I removed my hands from my face and scooped my phone up. I turned the screen on.

Birth Giver, 3:18pm.
I won't be home until 7:40 tonifht. Dinner is in the microwave. Help yourself, and I hope you had a wonderful day. Finish your homework and when I get home we can go somewhere. Love you, Mom.

I sighed and grabbed my bags strap, placing it onto my shoulder. My sneakers scuffed against the concrete as I made my way down the stairs and onto the sidewalk. I reached into my back pocket to take out my earbuds but felt another buzz from my phone.

Birth Giver, 3:19pm.
Tonight* not tonifht. Lol, love you sweet girl!

I sent a quick response, pausing in my walking as I did so. I untangled my earbuds, plugging them in and into my ears before continuing my way home. I placed the other strap on my shoulder and placed my hands into my jacket pockets as I walked in sync with the music's rhythm. My eyes grew distant and my lips grew cold as I went farther and farther away from the school. I sniffed, my allergies giving a gentle reminder they were still there.

I turned my attention to the road Jack turned down to everyday. My interest increasing each time I walked by. I wanted to laugh, wondering if he ever saw my walking home most of the time. He saw me on the steps waiting, but he never offered a ride or anything. I found it amusing at the carelessness he consumed.

Did he know I saw he didn't head to his house, but instead to the middle of nowhere?

What are you up to Darby?

A/N:
Another Rewrite, I know. I really need to stop but I can't help myself. Enjoy, anyway. 😂