Bring It Back

Free Write #7:

“Are you going to give it to me, or not, Noah?”

“Why do you need it?” he asked again. The way she danced around the question was beginning to frighten him.

“I told you,” she said, “It’s a surprise.” Noah leaned back against the door of the gun case and stared at Hayden, wondering when and how she’d changed so much. Her once copper hair had been dyed a deadly black, and tired, sagging eyes were framed by thick eyeliner and purple mascara.

“Noah,” she said again, “You didn’t answer me.”

“When will you bring it back?” he asked, grabbing the key off of the rack.

“I’ll make sure someone does.” Hayden replied, the words stabbing Noah so hard that he had to work to stay upright. He turned around and unlocked the case of deadly weaponry, knowing he shouldn’t but loving her too much to deny her even this. Noah reached in and grabbed the small handgun Hayden had been begging for.

“Bring. It. Back,” he said forcefully, making sure to pronounce every word clearly, willing her to obey.

“I’ll make sure someone does, Noah.” She replied, taking the gun eagerly into his hands before he could change his mind.

“No. You. You bring it back, Hayden. You.” Hayden did not reply, but moved in for a final embrace. Her tears soaked Noah’s shirt and her hair grew damp from his.

“I love you.” She said, clutching the fabric on the back of his shoulders.

“I love you, too,” he said, holding his best friend closer and tighter with every syllable. Hayden backed away before she lost her resolve. Through her sobs she whispered a goodbye and headed for the door. She stopped when she heard Noah say her name.

“Bring. It. Back,” he said. It was a final faithless attempt, barely audible. Even if she had heard, Noah had no illusions that it would make her comply. When she didn’t, he did not mourn with surprise. The tears he cried did not harness any shock, only pain.