Define Trying... Read online

  ****

   

  Conner’s blue pickup truck slammed into a parking spot in front of Breslin’s house.

  After coming down from his tension high, Breslin reached down for the handle.

  “Thanks for this really, it was an experience.” He said as he opened the door and stepped out onto the side walk.

  “No problem, anytime.” Conner said as his V8 engine revved up.

  “Keep it cool broody.” Eric shouted out of the passenger side window as the truck became another blur in the backdrop of Breslin’s life.

  The lock slowly gave way as Breslin entered the two bedroom two bathroom house. Getting his own room was just a bribe for him to actually try at this new school. The job Elise received was very generous with its benefits, and she has been making it up to Breslin for all of the drama that they have been through these last four years. As Breslin made his way to the main hall of the house, he noticed Elise standing dead in front of him with a not so warming look on her face.

  “Why do I feel like that look is not my friend?” Breslin joked as he dropped his schoolbag on a nearby table.

  “And where have you been?” She asked, straight to the point.

  “The Cove, with a war general and a joker.” Breslin mumbled under his breath.

  “What was that?” She snapped.

  “Nothing, I’m sorry I didn’t check in. Still getting used to my surroundings.” Breslin apologized as he tried to make his way past her. She wasn’t having it.

  “Used to your surroundings? You’ve lived here before.”

  “It was the first day.”

  “And you’ve been missing for most of it. Did you even go to school?”

  “Yes! Why would you even ask me that?”

  “I’m sorry; I just don’t want you to end up like your father.”

  I that moment Elise knew she shouldn’t have said anything. And that saying something at all would start an argument.

  Breslin paused to glare into her tired eyes. “How dare you.” He said as he shoved past her.

  “How dare I?” She said as she moved out of his way and watched him slam the door behind him. “How dare I?”

  Before Breslin could sit on his bed his door was thrown open.

  “Listen here you ungrateful child. You parade around here like I owe you some sort of an apology. But I didn’t kill Ken. That damn book killed Ken. And he wrote that book for you. Just so you wouldn’t to the stupid thing you’re doing right now. You’re the reason my husband is dead. And right now, I would rather have him than you here with me.”

  And then she turned around and walked away.

  Breslin collapsed on his bed. He wasn’t surprised by his mother’s words. Deep down he always knew she felt this way. Deep down he felt this way too.

  Too much drama in such a small town, he thought to himself. But then again, Clearveil had always been like this. It was part of the reason he was home schooled in the first place. While turning over, he looked at the books on his shelf. In the book store, Daisy seemed really nice. He could see himself with Daisy, but then he would have to actually try. Actually open up for once. He wasn’t keen on doing that.

  However, before another thought could cross his mind, his phone went off.

   

  Nice meeting you Broody, just messaging you to give you some important information. I noticed that you signed up for the Newspaper and I really need an extra hand to help out on my assignments. We could totally be a team, the dynamic duo of reporting. Lois Lane and that other guy. Anyway, if you are interested then just stop by the Whisper tomorrow. See you at school Broody. –Sincere

   

  “How did he get my number?” Breslin whispered to himself as he read the message. He had been a mediocre writer for the last few years and he had never once thought of doing anything with it. Full blown journalist seemed like a major step. He didn’t even sign up for newspaper, his mother signed him up. So it looked like a new door was presented in front of him. However that wasn’t the only door; he still saw the one with the big D on it. He wanted to see how his life would turn out with a girlfriend in it, but he was afraid to open that door again.

  But he wasn’t going to stress himself out. He wasn’t doing that anymore. What he was doing was getting rest. And right before he faded off to sleep, he heard it. Although it was faint at first, it soon became clear as day. The sound of Elise crying.