It was the day before school started. My mom had insisted on me staying home for the first day, due to the incident and the beach. She had every right to not want me out of her sight. Even if that meant she would be a bit overbearing. I was able to persuade her to let me go, as she also had to go to work. Though she was extremely reluctant, she finally agreed. So today, we went back to school shopping.
I still had my old backpack and notebooks, but they were barely holding together, my notebooks were on the verge of falling apart. We went to a nearby mall that was just a 5 minute drive from the house. Throughout the short drive, my mind kept wandering back to the night of the party. I was extremely worried.
Was Fulcrum okay? Did that crazy old man get to him after my mom and I had left? They're were so many questions I had with no answers. I sat in the backseat contemplating. My mom looked through her rear view mirror.
"What are thinking about back there?" She said. I shook my head.
"Nothing." I said. I had already told my mom about what exactly happened on the beach, of course leaving everything out about Fulcrums existence. I fiddled with my fingers in the back seat as I got increasingly more worried for him.
If he was caught, without a doubt, was because of me. My heart sunk when I thought about it even more. He had every right to hate me for causing him so much trouble. My mom sighed from the driver's seat.
"What ever your beating yourself up about, I'm almost certain that it's not your fault." She said matter-a-factly. I gave her a sad smile.
"Thanks mom." I said, before turning to gaze out of the window. The car pulling up into the malls parking lot.
Because it was the weekend before school, the mall was pretty packed. We spent another 5 minutes just looking for a parking lot. After finally finding one, we got out of the car.
I was wearing my black combat boots with a long grey sweat that could've been passed of as a dress, but just incase, I wore my black shorts underneath. After my mom grabbed her wallet, we headed inside the mall.
As expected, the mall was packed full. Holding my hand, my mom pulled me closer to her.
"Stay by my side okay?" She said looking back at me. I didn't bother arguing, instead I just nodded. Walking to the nearest school supply store, we quickly entered it and headed to the notebook and backpack section.
"Which one do you like more?" My mom said, picking up a black backpack in one hand, and a dark grey one in the other. I shrugged.
"Black goes well with more things." I said. After a couple rounds of this, we were soon finished with shopping, while walking to the car, I noticed a nearby aquarium next to the mall. I tapped my mom.
"Mom, can we.." I stopped. I wasn't the best at asking for things. Thinking of a way to word my question, my mom turned around to look at me. A picture of Fulcrum stuck in a fishing net passed my mind, his face in pain.
"Yes? What is it?" She said. I quickly shook my head.
"Never mind.." I said. The quicker we could get home, the quicker I could check on Fulcrum. I just had to be certain he was fine, and after that, I would stay away from him. Entering the car, we drove off with all of the bags, I glanced back at the aquarium, the bright blue sign getting smaller as we drove away. I folded my hands in my lap, trying to stop them from shaking. For some reason, I had a very bad feeling.
***
After arriving at home, I quickly ran upstairs and dropped my bags on my bed before raiding my closet for my swimsuit. My mom walked in behind me with a look of confusion on her face.
"Where are you going in such a rush?" She asked. Quickly changing out of my clothes, I put on my swimsuit. My mom looked at me in shock.
"Your going out to the beach? Even after what happened?" She asked. Standing up, she quickly held my shoulder.
"Dear what's going on-" I shrugged her off of me. Agitated, I glared at her.
"Just leave me alone already! I have to do something." I grabbed my sandals from off of the floor and made my way to the door. My mom didn't bother trying to stop me. I sighed after I got downstairs. She quietly followed behind me. I looked at her guiltily.
"I'm sorry, I just, I need to check on someone." I said looking at her. She looked up at me with a soft and kind smile. As if saying she understood what I had to do.
"I'll be right back." I said. "Promise." She pulled away from me, still holding a smile but I could see the sadness in her eyes. I was so confused, I wasn't going to be gone for long. Yet I still felt as though this would be the last time I saw her
"And I'll be waiting right here, okay?" She said. I don't know why, but I quickly hugged her. It was weird feeling such a strong emotion like this. I quickly pushed that thought out of my head. Making my way to the back door, I opened it. The sand looking much paler than before, the ocean being a much darker, and mesmerizing color. I made my way into the water.
***
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