First and Last Read Online Free

flying through the air. But gravity is a bitch, and it’s not long before my body slams into the ground. I tumble down some more before my momentum is stopped by a large boulder I crash into. A loud crack comes from my back before I flop over and finally come to a stop. A pain like I’ve never felt before travels all over my body. My eyes squeeze shut and I grit my teeth while a gut curdling growl escapes me. I attempt to sit up, but the pain is unbearable.
    Blowing short breaths in and out of my mouth, I brace myself for the hurt I know is coming when I try to move again.
    “Arrgggh!” I yell out in pain and frustration.
    My head spins and I can’t stop the ringing in my ears. I’m completely disoriented and having trouble getting my bearings. Fuck!
    As I lie here trying to catch my breath, visions of my dad flash through my mind. God, please don’t let me end up like him.

September 17, 1999
    E ven though sophomore year has barely started, I’m already tired of it. And nothing is worse than starting each day with American history. I swear my teacher’s main goal each morning is to try to kill us with boredom. The only plus is that my girlfriend, Hilary, and Mia are in this class with me.
    Hilary and I started going out over the summer. We worked together at a miniature golf place. She’s cute and has a killer smile with short, brown hair and big hazel eyes. She’s tall, but not as tall as Mia. Hilary’s not as smart as Mia either, but she’s nice.
    Mia isn’t mean to her, which is more than I can say about the other girls I’ve hung out with. I’m always hesitant to tell her when I’m into a girl. I hate seeing the judgment, the snarl, the roll of her eyes, and hearing the negative comments. This girl is a slut. That girl is dumb. This one’s annoying. That one hardly talks.
    I used to be naïve as to why she’d act that way, but I understand now. She’s jealous, and I can relate. I hated the last guy she was with, but there’s nothing either of us can do about it. We’re in this gray area. I know she likes me more than a friend, and I’m pretty sure she knows I like her. But we’ve both decided it can’t go any further than that. What would happen if we crossed that line and broke up? I’d lose my best friend, and I can’t let that happen.
    “So what are we doing this weekend?” Hilary whispers to me.
    When the teacher turns her back, I respond, “I don’t care. What do you want to do?”
    “I thought we could go to the movies. I reeeeeally want to see Runaway Bride .”
    God, not another chick flick. I have to resist the urge to slam my head against my desk. I mean, would it kill her to watch something else for a change? Mia never makes me watch that shit.
    “Blake Collins, can you answer my question for me?” My head snaps to the front of the class to see Mrs. Hampton, our teacher, staring at me waiting for a response. With her hand on her hip, it’s obvious I have no idea what she’s talking about.
    “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear the question.” I readjust in my seat.
    “Maybe if you were actually listening instead of socializing, you would’ve heard it. This is your last warning or I’m moving you.” Before she can get onto me anymore, the class phone rings and Mrs. Hampton walks to her desk to answer it. I glance to the back corner of the room to see Mia shaking her head at me. I roll my eyes and face the front.
    Hilary leans over, no doubt to continue our conversation about this weekend, but the teacher interrupts her. “Blake, you’re needed in the office.”
    Great.
    I don’t think I’ve done anything to be in trouble. So, with a shrug, I grab my stuff, get up from my desk, and head toward the office. It’s crazy how a person can go from not having a care in the world, to feeling the weight of it on his shoulders, but that’s what happens as soon as I open the door and see my mother.
    She’s sitting in one of the chairs against the wall with her elbows on her knees