0.3

William

Everyone has bad days where they just feel like it's the end of the world. It feels like nothing could ever go right.

But then the next day, everything is fine.

Just with me, the next day usually isn't fine. If anything, it's worse.

The rain poured down onto me, soaking through my clothes. I put my phone in a Ziplock bag because I knew it was going to rain. My shoes squished as I walked slowly down the sidewalk.

Even though I had my hood over my head, I was still soaked from head to toe. Water dripped down my neck from my soaked hair, causing me to shiver. It probably wasn't the best idea to come outside in the cold weather.

My parents are probably worried sick.

I just enjoyed the alone time though. I am always in a house full of mainly girls, a cafe full of customers, or a school building full of students. The only alone time I get is when I'm taking a piss or sleeping.

Taking walks are one of the only ways I can really clear my head from all the self hate I bring upon myself.

I continued to walk down the sidewalk, only a few neighborhoods away from the one I lived in. Everyone knew everyone in that neighborhood, so I tried to avoid walking around it. I don't want anyone telling my parents I'm out late.

The only noise I could hear (except for the loud ass rain) was distant cars rolling down the road, frogs croaking loudly in the overflowing ditches, and my socks squishing uncomfortably in my shoes.

I wish I could just look up at the stars as I walked, but it was storming, so the sky was dark and grey. The only light was headlight's of cars and any houses with porch lights.

No street lights or shining moon.

"Hey!"

I looked up from the wet ground, seeing a figure in front of a nearby, nice house, holding an umbrella over their head. I tilt my head to the side, confused on why anyone would be stupid enough to be outside in the rain.

Oh wait...

"Are you okay?" They asked, the figure walking towards me. I just nod. "You're shivering, what are you doing out in the cold rain?"

I cleared my throat, "I was taking a walk." My teeth chattered as I spoke. "And I didn't realize it would rain. I'm walking home now. Just a few neighborhoods over, I think."

He shakes his head, "I can drive you home, I don't want you to get sick."

"No, its-"

"You're shivering and soaked." He interrupts, a frown in his voice. I couldn't really see him that well, not even the porch lights around us gave enough light. I could only see his tall silhouette. "Follow me."

I hesitantly follow the guy, who sounded like possibly an older teenager, towards the house he was standing outside of.

"I'll grab my keys, stay on the porch, out of the rain." He instructs. I was now able to see him now because of his porch light.

The guy looked fiamilar, I probably have seen him around school.

He was tall as hell, or maybe I was just short. I was only 5'8, but I'm still taller than my sisters, so that's all that matters. Everyone in my family is kinda short, my dad is only 5'10 and my mom was just below 5'5.

His dark brown hair was lying flat on his forehead, a bit wet from the rain. I didn't understand how he had gotten wet from the umbrella.

He had bright, hazel eyes that held so much life and care in them. I could get lost in those gorgeous orbs.

The guy studies me for a moment before he sent me a charming smile, going inside the house, leaving the door open. I probably looked awkward right now. Like a wet, gross rat or something.

I looked down at myself. My shirt was clinging to my body while my hoodie hugged my arms. My jeans were clung to my legs, making my thighs look large.

My black converse were soaked, splashes of mud on them and the cuffs of my jeans.

Moments later, the guy stepped out, holding keys and a towel in his large hands.

"Ya know, I can walk, it's not-"

"Nope." He interrupts, flashing his pearly whites. "C'mon." I shuffle after him, towards one of the vehicles parked in the driveway. He opens the the passenger door, laying the towel on the seat. Glancing at me, he gestures for me to go into the vehicle. I slowly go towards it, a bit hesitant. "I don't bite."

I carefully climb in, watching as he shut the door.  He soon comes into the vehicle, quickly turning on the heater.

"Any reason why you were taking a walk?"  He questions, pulling out of his driveway. "I'm Nicholas by the way, you can call me Nick."

"I'm William."

Nicholas smiles gently, "hm ok. So why were you out walking?"

I shrug, fumbling nervously with my hands.  "I just needed alone time. I have a lot of siblings."

"Oh, okay. I can't relate since I'm an only child." He chuckles, turning onto the rode. "Tell me where to turn." I nod. "You look fiamilar, what school do you go to?"

"North Dale."

Nick clicks his mouth, "that's why, I go there too. What's your last name?"

"Uh, Newton..."

Nicholas paused for a moment before he nodded, "your name sounds familiar. Are you on the base ball team?"

In my freshmen year before I started to hate every inch or myself. "2 years ago, yeah. I don't really play anymore." I look up at the road, "the next stop sign is my neighborhood."

Nick nods, turning onto the street. "Which house?"

"It's at the very end."

There was a comfortable silence for a moment as Nicholas drove down the rode. My hands were still shaking from the coldness outside, but they were beginning to stop from the heater.

Nick stopped in front of my house, looking at me. "Next time you take a walk, check the weather."

I chuckle, unbuckling, "I will. Thank you, Nick." He snaps a smile as I open the door, hurrying out the vehicle.

"WILLIAM ALEXANDER NEWTON, WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU?!"

I jump at my dad's loud bellow, but I expected it. I didn't text or call them. They told me to come back in 20 minutes when I was out for over an hour... I knew I was in for it.

"Will, you're soaked!' Mom exclaims, rushing to a closet, fetching a towel. "Do you know how worried we were?! You're going to catch a cold now because you were out in the cold rain. What do you have to say for yourself, young man?"

I bit my lip, a habit I have when I don't know how what to say or I'm nervous.

"I'm sorry." I spoke, gulping. I looked between my parents, noticing my dad's upset face and my mom's worried expression. "I last track of time and I didn't think it would rain."

My dad scoffs at my excuse, "you were supposed to be home an hour ago, William!"

"I know..."

Mom sighed, wrapping the towel around me, "we'll talk about this in the morning. Take a shower and get to bed, son." She kissed my wet, cold nose before she pushes me towards my dad.

He sighs, kissing the top of my head, "sleep well. I didn't mean to yell that loudly at you."

I bid my parents a good night before I rushed up the stairs, escaping the tense area.

"Will!" Lucille scolds as I walked towards my room. "We thought you got kidnapped! They almost called the damn cops!"

I frown, "I know, I'm sorry. I lost track of time." My sister just shakes her head at me before she shut the door.

Apart of me felt guilty that I worried my family, but another part of me felt a sense of happiness.  I wasn't sure why.

Was it from Nicholas? Nah, he's just a stranger who was caring enough to take my home.

I thought about the reason why I felt giddy as I showered. I'm probably banned from taking walks for a while, I might get my phone taken, and I hate myself. Why am I so happy?

I pushed the thought away as I climbed into bed, wrapping myself in the warm blanket.

It's currently 4:30 am... I'm eating crackers while I'm typing this... Quarantine has sorta messed up my sleep schedule. I haven't been able to go to sleep before 630 am, no matter what time I wake up... It's awful...

Hope you're enjoying the book so far<3

~Whoops