Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Fox Tales ❯ 'Sorry' Won't Cut It ( Chapter 2 )

Fox Tales

 

Chapter 2

`“Sorry' Won't Cut It”

 

The idea of going on an expedition with the girl he had a crush on made Todd go through a euphoria he had never experienced. So many questions ran through his mind, though, as he laid flat on his back, on his bed. I wonder what she thinks of me. Does she have a crush on me? Did she mean anything when she said, `get to know each other a little better'? Of course, he was so engulfed in happiness that he didn't realize he had missed all his favorite television shows.

“Damn it! I was really looking forward to `That `90s Show,' `North Park,' and that documentary on how documentaries are made! If women are causing me this much trouble now…” He was interrupted as his mom shouted for him.

 

Todd came walking down the stairs when his mother wanted his attention. She had a frustrated look on her face. “Todd, Naomi's mother just called, and she tells me you're going to Japan over spring break. Is this true?” Todd was surprised of his mother's anger, because this was nothing like her to act this way.

“Yes, it's true.”

“Well, I guess I'm just surprised that you would do something like this.”

Trust me, so am I, Todd thought.

“I guess we should be using the next two weeks planning for this trip with Naomi,” mom said.

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

 

Mom was looking over the latest mail, when she noticed a letter that brought a smile from ear-to-ear on her face. “Look at this, Todd. It's a postcard from Akane.” Todd was surprised when that phrase hit his ears. “That's right. I forgot she's on that trip to Washington D.C.,” he said. Mom read it aloud:

 

“Dear Mom,

I'm having such a good time here in Washington D.C.! It was so amazing to take a tour of the White House. I didn't know one man could need so many bathrooms! I know that one day, I'm going to be living here. We also got to see Capitol Hill, Lincoln Memorial, and so many other cool places. I wish I had enough paper to tell you everything. I miss you, and I can't wait to see you when I get back.

 

Sincerely Yours,

Akane.”

 

Mom felt touched by the letter until she realized that Todd was not mentioned in the letter. It was only addressed to her. Now, depression fell on her. Todd was hurt as well. I can't believe she didn't even worry about me, he thought. It's like I don't even exist to her anymore. Yet somehow, I'm not surprised that she didn't mention me. I guess she meant it when she said, `I'll never forgive you for this.' Todd then flashes back.

 

It all happened about five years ago, yet it seems like it all happened yesterday. Mom, Gary, Akane, her friend Ruby, and myself all went to the park. Gary brought a lacrosse net and some sticks so we could play catch, and shoot some balls. I don't remember what Akane and Ruby were doing. All I know is that they were off somewhere. Akane got up and told Ruby, `I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back.' Meanwhile, Gary and I were shooting at the net, or at least trying to. Very few shots made it in. Gary was trying so show off some of his skills. I was impressed, but he only got it right about one of every thirty tries, or so. It was my turn to take a shot. `Watch me, Gary,' I said. As I followed through with the shot, the ball slipped and got away from me. Ruby got up and started walking in the direction of the ball. `Ruby, watch out!' I shouted. She didn't hear me. The ball hit her on the side of the head, knocking her down immediately. We all rushed to her attention. There was a huge gash caused by the collision, with blood spewing everywhere. We called for help. The first thing Akane saw when she got out of the bathroom was the ambulance driving her best friend away. Ruby later died as a result of her injuries. Since then, Akane has blamed me for her death, claiming that she would never forgive me. This postcard is proof that she meant it.

 

It became obvious that Mom was thinking about the same thing. “I guess she still has a lot of resentment towards you, Todd,” she said. “I sure hope that one of these days, she'll find the courage in her heart to forgive you, even though it wasn't your fault.”

“I don't know, mom. Every time I've seen her since the accident, she pretends like I don't exist. I don't know if she'll ever be able to forgive me.”

“Well, we can at least pray that she does.”

“I guess that's all we can do.”

The next day, the routine repeated itself. Todd was sleeping cozily, reality has another idea, etc. Despite the fact that it was ironic after the memories he brought back yesterday, Todd decided still to go to Gary's lacrosse game, the final one before spring break. Only about a hundred people were in the grandstands, but it was still a record crowd for a lacrosse game at the school. A good time was still had, as the Devils defeated the visiting Spartans by a score of 16-11. After the game, Todd went down to talk with Gary who was sweating everywhere. Todd was able to bring him some Gatorade. “I don't get it. Why do I have to bring you Gatorade? You already have water,” he asked.

“Do you have any idea how nasty that shit is?”

“Touché,” he said as they walked toward the locker room where Gary would change. “Akane sent us a postcard yesterday.”

“Who's `us'?”

“ My mom and I. She's in Washington D.C. right now.”

“Wow.”

“She sent us a postcard, and she didn't address it to me. She only mentioned mom.”

“Ouch, man. You mean she still hasn't gotten over it?'

“No, she hasn't, and she probably won't.”

“That's rough, man. I can't believe she won't forgive you. She knows it wasn't your fault, right?”

Todd chose not to answer that question because he really didn't give a damn whether or not she did. Todd said his goodbyes when they reached the locker room. He had to walk home in 90-degree weather, with humidity so high, it ought to be illegal. Speaking of high, I haven't seen Huff all day, he thought. Ah, screw him. As soon as he reached home, he went straight for coldest soda, and headed up to his room so he could relax.

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