RYLIE 

THE PIERCING SPUTTER of Nora's car made me jump as I fastened my seatbelt, placing my backpack on the floor in front of my feet.

Her Toyota Corolla from maybe ten years ago sometimes made an ear-splitting sound while starting. It sort of sounded like a constipated goat trying to run a race . . . whatever that would sound like.

"You should try to get your car fixed. The engine sounds strange," I stated, grimacing at the screech the car made while Nora pulled away from the parking lot, steering past students who were in the way.

"I know, but it will cost me a fortune to get this fixed. I don't have the money for that, believe me," Nora chuckled, not taking her eyes off of the road ahead of her. "And since the car drives fine itself, that's all that matters, right?"

"Right," I said, clutching my fingers together.

"So anyway, what are you going to wear to school tomorrow?" Nora asked curiously, her face lighting up.

I clutched my fingers together while raising my eyebrows. I have no idea what I'm going to wear. I never do. When it comes to choosing something to wear for school, I always choose something random (just as long as it somehow matches, of course).

"I don't know . . . I haven't decided yet," I answered, glimpsing out of the car window. There were only trees, grass, and roads that led to the one we're driving on.

Nothing special.

"I can help you decide. If you don't have anything you want to wear in your closet, we can take a trip to the mall and buy you some clothes and everything one day!" She exclaimed, doing jazz hands with only one hand, the other on the wheel. "It will be awesome."

"That sounds great. But for tomorrow, I'll just wear a plain T-shirt and jeans." I stated with a shrug.

"Alright. That sounds simple, yet cute," Nora said before making a sharp turn towards my neighborhood.

She drove through a couple of streets in the neighborhood, steering around cars that stood in the way of the road. The car came to a gradual stop as it approached my house.

I unbuckled my seatbelt and picked up my backpack, gently swinging it on my shoulder. I opened the door and reached my feet towards the ground.

"Bye, Nora. I'll see you tomorrow," I smiled.

"Bye bye, Ry. See you tomorrow," she proclaimed.

I shut the door as she waved at me before pulling off. I trudged through the driveway to the front porch. I pulled my house key from the side pocket of my backpack and stuck it inside the keyhole, twisting it after.

The door opened a few seconds later. I gently pushed it open and went inside. I closed the door shut behind me. Before I could go anywhere, I was stopped by something fuzzy.

It was Cookie.

She snuggled herself against me as she meowed. I bent down on the floor and petted her head with caution. I rose back up as Cookie laid down on her cat bed near the door.

"Mom, I'm home!" I called out, marching through the foyer to the living room.

Mom laid on the couch, scrolling through something on her phone while watching a Real Housewives spin-off on TV. As soon as she saw me, she placed her phone on the accent table in front of the couch and plastered a smile across her face with a gleam in her eyes.

"Rylie, you're here. How was your day at school?" She asked as her face lit up.

"It was fine," I replied bluntly.

"That's nice," she turned to the TV, engaged in the discussion that the ladies in Real Housewives were having.

"Mhm," I hummed to myself.

I wandered to the kitchen and headed towards the pantry. I gazed inside of it for a few moments, debating on whether I should eat classic potato chips or barbeque flavored chips.

Without a doubt, I snatched both of the small-sized bags off of the shelf, hugging them lightly against my chest as I shut the door of the pantry. I made a beeline to the stairs, climbing each step leisurely.

Why don't I have enough energy to do something as simple as climbing a stairway?

After a few moments of climbing the stairs, after what seemed like forever, I strutted down the hallway to my bedroom. As soon as I got in there, I set my backpack on the floor and collapsed onto the bed face first.

My room was dim, like usual. The blinds weren't open, even if there is way too much daylight out there. The room was so dark to the point where I couldn't see the black, heart-shaped stickers that were plastered on my wall. 

Before I managed to open my two bags of chips, I pulled out my phone from the back pocket of my high-rise jeans. I pressed the home button to power it on, revealing a selfie of Nora and I on my home screen. We had our tongues stuck out as we did silly faces. The picture was from a few years ago, when we were thirteen or fourteen-years-old.

The picture brought back memories. It wasn't the picture itself that brought the memories. It was the time when the picture was taken. It wasn't the best time in my life, that's for sure.

It was filled with grief. Way too much, if you ask me.

I slouched up, setting my phone on my nightstand next to my lamp. I placed my hands over my cheeks, my elbows resting on my lap.

Sometimes, I wish I could completely forget about the past, like a hard drive being wiped out entirely. It's easier than said, for sure. There's always one thing, that's either big or small that will trigger memories . . . unpleasant ones.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of footsteps coming close, along with a melodious hum of a song. It was Mom . . . and she's either coming here or to her room. Since I somehow left the door of my bedroom open, there's a large chance she'll stop by to check on me.

"Rylie, are you alright?" Mom questioned with concern, cradling Cookie in her arms. "You look pale."

I knew it.

"I'm fine, Mom," I plastered a fake smile across my face, setting my hands on my lap.

"Are you sure? I can tell that something is . . . off," she raised an eyebrow, setting Cookie on the floor.

Cookie strutted to me and jumped on my bed. I hugged her against my chest, stroking the warm tan fur on her head.

"Yes, I'm sure," I lied, keeping my focus on Cookie who squirmed in my arms.

"If you say so. But if you're not, you should probably get some fresh air or something," Mom suggested with a hopeful smile before traveling down the hall to her bedroom.

She is right. I do need some fresh air. But believe me, not from outside. I need to get out and try to avoid overthinking. There's one place that will provide a perfect distraction.

The public library. Crews City Public Library to be exact.

I snatched my phone off my nightstand and grabbed my almost overdue books I borrowed from the library. I strutted to the foot of my bed and picked up a mini-backpack, one I often carry when I go out somewhere.

I placed my phone and the books in the mini-backpack with caution, then closed it with the zipper. I placed the straps on my shoulder. I put the two bags of chips I never got to eat in my bag, as well. Before I abandoned my bedroom, I gave Cookie a brief hug and filed out the door. I rushed down the flight of stairs and approached the front door.

"Mom, I'm going to the library," I hollered loud enough for her to hear.

"Okay. Be back here in an hour or so!" She stated.

"Bye," I said before closing the door behind me as I left.

Ten minutes after I arrived at the library, I made my journey towards the back of the library, where it was most silent and idle. I sat at a table in the corner, perfect enough for my liking. I set my bag on a chair, while I sat in the one next to it.

A copy of The Fault in Our Stars laid in my hands. I've read the novel five times, believe me. I can never get enough of reading the story. It's . . . spectacular. I'm not gonna spoil the story, but it's amazing, despite the countless amount of times I cried while reading the book.

I grabbed my earbuds and phone from the front pocket of my bag. I turned on my phone and went straight to Spotify. Without any doubt, I tapped on a playlist I made filled with pop songs. It will hopefully help my mind drift off as I read.

I shoved my earbuds in my ears, pressing the play button of my playlist. Blank Space by Taylor Swift blasted. I can somehow find myself relating to the song in some type of way.

Next, No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande blared through the speakers of my earbuds. Yet another song I could find myself somehow relating to in a way. Especially the title. I always feel that I want to be happy after a long time of feeling under the weather. But in my case, I don't know how. 

I sighed as I turned to the first page in The Fault in Our Stars, recognizing each word I read immediately. Without taking my attention off the book, I reached towards my bag, opened it, and took one of the two bags of chips I brought.

I chose the classic potato chips. Perfect.

Believe it or not, I have strong passion for the two flavors. They're both something I'd eat anytime, anywhere. But right now, I'm sort of more in the mood for something salty . . . and potato chips are ideal for that.

I opened the bag of chips, reaching my hand into the bag. I shoved a chip in my mouth, savoring the salty and crunchy taste of it.

As time passed, my mind began to drift off . . . not in the way I wanted it to. I began to reflect on my life, and how it was filled with events that made a change . . . one that isn't good. I've probably thought about it a billion times. I have forever been needing to get everything off my chest . . . but I don't know how, or who to talk to.

Not like anyone would truly understand my burning pain, anyway. 

//

Hey everyone! It looks like you've made it to chapter two! ✨

Now, we know a little bit more about Rylie and her pain. Do you think that she should talk to someone about it?

We also know that Rylie loves reading books, specifically ones that are Young Adult. What is your favorite genre to read?

Thanks for reading!