Adventure

"Hey Holden, what's up?" Alex said as he leaned against the lockers. Holden crouched and started putting in the combination for the lock, staying quiet. A sigh left Alex's lips as he folded his arms. "Holden come on, it's been weeks and you're still being a depressed f**k. What's bothering you? I'm here to help you you know. I'm your best friend." Holden opened his mouth, ready to say something but stopped himself. His locker opened and squeaked a bit. "Holden-" "I'm fine Alex. Don't worry. It's nothing, really." That wasn't enough for Alex. He reached down and pulled off Holden's red beanie and began to play with the ball. "You're an idiot, you know that?" Holden shoved in his books and shut the locker, locking it again before standing up. "Thanks, now give me my beanie back. My hairs a mess." He held out the beanie but yanked it back when Holden reached for it. "Tell me," he glared. Holden glanced to the side and let out a sigh. Alex stared him down then lowered the beanie. "It's your father again, isn't it?"

"Hey dad! Will you make it for Christmas this year?" A young man asked as he held the phone with both hands. A smile hugged his face while he asked the question but quickly faded. "No? Okay... I understand. Next year then?" He forced a laugh and said goodbye before his hand went limp and he stared at the ceiling.

"Yeah... It is." Holden looked at the other lockers then back at Alex. Alex looked sad. He leaned forward and put the beanie back on Holden's head, making it just how it was before. "I'm sorry." 

The hallway was quiet and empty. It was 11:34, the middle of fourth period. Holden tugged on his backpack and stepped back. "I'm going to head home." Alex blinked and folded his arms, "Are you going to ditch class again? It's boring without you man." Holden rolled his eyes, "yeah, whatever. Go to class. I'll text you when schools over." 

Holden is a 17 year old. His father lives in Wisconsin while he lives on his own in New York. His mother went on a two month business trip and left Holden home alone for the time being. She didn't have a choice really, Holden refused to let anyone watch him, He's old enough according to him. He listens to music a lot and stays indoors a lot of the time which results in him not hanging out with his friends. He's not depressed all the time; he tends to show his "fun side" around his friends but he keeps it cool around other people. 

Alex is the complete opposite. He loves to leave an impression on people. He gets a thrill out of making people laugh. His parents are rich so he gets a lot of what he wants which is nice but he's not a selfish prick, rich kid like everyone else. Alex met Holden when they were in middle school. Alex was in a fight with a kid named Joel who got his a*s beat. Holden ran in and yanked Alex off of him and told him to relax. Joel was bleeding and crying like an idiot. Alex claimed he deserved it but Holden didn't listen. He socked Alex in the jaw and sent him to the ground. For some reason Alex never left his side ever since that day.

The sky was grey and snow laid like a blanket over the street. It was untouched and shimmering. Holden's boots made a crunching noise after every step as he made his way home. It was lightly snowing, slowly covering Holden in it's cold embrace. The freezing air stung his ears under the beanie. He grabbed both ends of the beanie and pulled it down more, letting out a cold sigh. His arms hugged his sides as he walked across the street. A bright, flashing light caught Holden's eye, stopping him in his tracks. 

"Mommy, where are they taking grandma?" Holden asked as he tugged on his mothers sleeve. His mother had tears streaming down her face which she tried to wipe away quickly. "S-She's going to a happier place, Holden." She crouched and pressed bother hands on each side of face. "Just stay strong, okay baby?" Holden stared at his mothers face and he could feel a tingling feeling in his noise as his eyes began to water. "Did grandma..." His mother leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "It's okay Holden." His eyes focused on the flashing, red and blue lights of the ambulance as they began to become blurry from the tears.

The lights flashed back and forth. It got louder and louder as Holden approached the ambulance. There were a couple people standing beside the truck and behind the caution tape. He stopped beside a older looking man and placed his hands in his jacket pockets. "What happened?" He asked, looking towards the house. The door was wide open and there were multiple cops out front, writing down things in their small notepads. "Apparently this guys wife shot him. Talk about a s****y marriage." he answered, glancing at Holden. The person beside the man smacked his arm and he winced. "Knock it off you a*****e." The man apologized as the victim was wheeled out on a bed. 

It turned out the man abused his wife a lot and she couldn't stand it anymore so she shot him straight in the heart. It traumatized her, sending her a downward cycle of depression and nervousness. You can't blame her really. It would really suck to murder someone.

Holden got home around 12:30 and instantly turned on his computer. He flicked on his stereo and began taking off his jackets and gloves. The music began to play on the mix CD he made as he tossed the jacket onto his director chair and slipped into bed. His bed was warm and comfortable, sending him into a daytime daze. He hugged his pillow underneath him and closed his eyes. The thoughts about school, about Alex, about the murder faded from his head. His bed was his haven. The music soothed him and he began to slip into a deep sleep. The beat kissed his eardrums and the music flowed from the stereo to his heart. He was happy.

-----------------------------

Beep. One missed call. 

Hey Holden, it's Jane. You know, the one from Math class? Anyways, Alex gave me your number and I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime? Call me back anytime.

Beep. End of voicemail. 

"Did you give Jane my number?" Holden leaned against his wall, still in bed. His phone pressed against his cheek as he spoke to Alex. "Yeah, she wanted it. She's cute man." Alex was at his house, getting ready to go out for a run. "She likes you man, you should definitely go on a date with her." Holden groaned and rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me you're going for guys now Holden." He could feel Alex's smartass grin through his phone. "That's not it you f**k. I didn't plan on going out anytime soon." Alex laughed and rolled his eyes; pressing his phone beside his cheek and shoulder as he tied his shoe. "Yeah, okay man. But you better go out with her or I'll beat the s**t out of you, got it?" Holden grunted and hung up, leaning his head against the wall. "Why me?"

"Awesome! I'll meet you at the park on Wednesday, right?" Jane said happily over the phone. Holden exhaled and nodded, pressing his finger on the today's date, Monday March 24th, "Yeah, I'll see you then." Jane hung up and Holden stepped back, folding his arms. "Why do I listen to Alex?" 

Tuesday March 25th

Alex met Holden at the front gate of the school, buried under warm clothes. Holden wore the same warm clothes as yesterday, Blue jacket and red beanie. The two exchanged good mornings and made their way up to the school. Jane was standing up front with a few friends and smiled at Holden, waving a bit too. Alex nudged his shoulder and he smiled back at her while sending small death glares at him. 

School started and the same things happened all over again. Go to class, take notes, and leave. 

Author's Note

I'm not a writer but I tend to write whenever I'm in the mood. I don't think I'm very good at writing but I try my best. I would like feedback though.

Reviews

[Mike]

Yes you are a writer. A pretty damn good one actually. I really enjoyed the story. It was pleasant and easy to read and i would definitely read more. also being in high school i can definitely relate to your characters, especially Holden. Often i fall into bed when i get home and put on some music.

[FunkPunk]

SWEATS
Thank you! That means a lot to me actually.