dead-poet (dead_poet) wrote, @ 2004-02-16 19:42:00

Current mood:	jazzy
Current music:	antigravity and megalomaniac - incubus

Here goes another story
Here's the next story in line.



Hi-Way 74
By Rychus Guanzon Cortina

He might have known what happened in the previous class by the way I slammed shut the door.
       He smirked with an "Oooh," honked and smiled at me, saying, "Nice day for failing an exam, aye?"
       He should have read between the lines carved on my forehead.
       "Thank you very much, Josh..."
       "C'mon, it's just a joke--"
       "It's not funny."
       "Okay... Take it easy... I'm just lightening up things a bit for you- "
       "Well, just for your information," looking him in the eyes, "it's so not helping."
       He sat back, quiet.
       Why did I even have to open my trap? It could have been better than this if only I made the right move in the first place. Well...
       Amazing this kind of guy Josh is. He never became so down in his entire life; he just laughs the troubles away like running down his problems in a highway.
       He smiled bluntly at me, as if to hide the pain from a low blow, then grinned, "Haha, gotcha!"
       Almost did but not really.
       Just like that, down seconds past, now bouncing with laughter, if that's what he calls it.
       When he finally got tired of making a fool of himself, Josh straightened up and reached out for a paper bag right behind his seat.
       He explained, "Now this is why I wanted you to come over..." while pulling out a fluffy cuddle bear.
       For a moment, I stared blankly at him, captivated by his mushiness.
       "Happy Monthsary, Mitch" and a kiss.
       I was robbed off my senses.
       "What do you mean?"
       "So, you've forgotten? Anyway, it's been a month since our first date..."
       "Uhuh..."
       "You've forgotten alright."
       Silence.
       For a few seconds, it seemed the Pacific Ocean was between us. I didn't know what to say to break the wall of ice.



-oOo-

"Nice teddy bear. It's cute..."
       I smiled.
       "I thought you'd like one," said he while handing it over to me.
       I was drawn back for a moment.
       "You know what, you must have never really bothered to- if you get what I mean."
       "No, it's fine, Mitch. You know I'd do anything for you. I'd give you only the best."
       That part had hit me.
       I shoved the bear back in his hands, mouthing, "You can have it back."
       A bewildered "What?!..." answered me.
       For a second, I thought I'd just shut up. But then again...
       "I said you can have it back. Maybe give it to your younger sister or something..."
       I know I sounded ridiculous, I read it in his eyes. And his eyes, they seemed to want to bombard me with a million why's. I couldn't help it; I couldn't look him in the eyes.
       "Or maybe you can just give it to another girl, someone you'd really love."
       A shiver went up my spine. I wondered.
       "But if that's it, I'd give it to you--"
       "Josh, look. I am not your girlfriend and I refuse to be your girl--"
       "But I thought--"
       "That's what you thought."
       I knew he felt terrible, the way he held the wheel with trembling, sweaty hands, the way he swam in a pool of thoughts.
       Me and my stupid mouth.
       "Let's just go home, can we?"

-oOo-

Josh never spat a word while he drove. He sat back, deep in thought, looking straightforward, bluer than the cerulean corduroy coat he had on.
       Maybe it was just cold in the car but it looked like a mist was forming in his eyes. I couldn't look any longer at him, after what I've done.
       The car finally jerked dead at the foot of my apartment.
       Realizing he wouldn't kiss me goodbye, I stepped off the car.
       "Josh..."
       He didn't move an inch.
       "I just wanted to-- I'm sorry about a while ago. I was just not in a good mood."
       He flexed an awkward smile and drove away from sight.

-oOo-

As I was sipping hot coffee the following morning, I browsed through the paper.
       Just below the headline read:

CAR CRASH AT HI-WAY 74
              Last night at about 9:20 pm, a car crashed into a streetlight after swerving a speeding 18-wheeler truck.
              The car driver, possibly of age 23, was unrecognizable due to the violent accident. Greg Miller, the truck driver, claims the other was drunk driving. The yet unidentified man passed away an hour after being rushed into St. Bernard's Hospital.
              Nothing was retrieved from the car with plate number PWJ-286 but some shards of broken glass and a torn teddy bear--

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