Some Say: John

It's the first day of my senior year...and I couldn't be more unexcited. I have no car, my team's been cut, and it's been exactly one month since Ashley told me that she "needed a break". Carson keeps telling me to be positive, but I don't wanna be. If I don't get hit by a car on my way to school, I'm totally skipping 7th period.

By the way, Mom told me you were concerned that this whole divorce thing is getting to me. Don't be. I'm fine. I'll see you when you get back. - John

Send.


John sat for a moment, just staring at the computer screen. He didn't care anymore that he only saw his dad once a month, if even that much. When everything else was falling apart, how could he care about something he had no say in.

“John,” his mother called from downstairs. “Come eat your breakfast, Sweetie!”

John rolled his eyes and started for the door. “Happy first day of school, John.” he said unenthusiastically to himself.


Carson was waiting for John at the front entrance of the school, when he rolled up on his very worn skateboard. Seeing his gloomy look, she quickly walked over to him and gave him a hug.

John smiled and thanked her. “I'm fine.” he assured her.

“Really? Because you look terrible.” she countered.

“Thank you. That made me feel loads better.”

Carson grabbed John by the arm and steered him inside. “So, I saw Ashley like five minutes before you got here. You two on speaking terms yet?”

“Not really. And no, I don't wanna talk about it.”

“Okay.” Carson obliged without really wanting to. “Then let's talk about what you're going to do instead of tennis this year.”

“Um, nothing.” John announced as they walked to their homeroom.

“Oh, for goodness sakes! You can't just do nothing your senior year of high school.”

“You say it like it's a crime.”

Carson sighed. “John, please. You could join drama club with me.” she suggested.

“You forget who else is in drama club.” John said as they approached the door of their classroom.

John reached for the handle, but Carson stepped in front of him. “Alright Blondie, listen up, and listen good.” she whispered. “You cannot avoid Ashley all year long. You two need to talk.”

“She doesn't wanna talk to me, Cars.”

Carson gave one last plea before opening the door. “Just try to be friendly.”

John followed Carson into the room, assessing her wishes in the back of his mind. As he sat down at a desk parallel to hers, he looked across the room towards a group of girls, sharing stories about their summer vacation. His eyes traveled to each face until he found Ashley's striking, deep brown eyes, staring back at him. Ashley smiled and waved in his direction. John tried to return the smile, but he could only give a half grin and a lift of his hand.

Carson put a hand on John's shoulder. “At least she's happy to see you?”

John's brow furrowed. He took one last glance at Ashley, before their homeroom teacher walked in and called for their attention.