Chapter 13
In five, four, three, two… Here we go. Splash! I tried to swim, but the current of the water from the bus falling deeper, I couldn’t get up. I was holding my breath as best I could. I wanted to take a deep breath so badly, but I new I wouldn’t be able to. How many near-death experiences am I going to have before I actually die? I could feel my breath inside me start to decrease, quickly.
I was scared out of my mind. The only thing I could think at that moment was: I’m going to die. I didn’t want to die. But, I knew I was. Even though every part of me wanted to believe I was going to make it somehow, I knew there was no chance I could. Knowing I was going to die scared and upset me. I really didn’t want to die so young. I’m only sixteen. I want to keep living. Grow old and have a family. But, it too late. I could faintly see anything around me. I could distinctly hear the roar of the water. Then, a second later, nothing.
Samuel’s POV (point of view)
About 7:30 I got a call from Charlotte. I knew she was upset and angry with me. But, I didn’t know what else to do. I can’t tell her what’s going on. She would just get so upset and start crying. I don’t want that and I don’t want to worry her. She already had too much to worry about. She’s been going through so much lately and I really don’t want to add on to it.
I just wish she would understand better. I only want what’s best for her. I love her more than life. I know she does, too. I would die for her. It just seems like she doesn’t care most of the time. But, I know that she has too much on her mind and she doesn’t mean it. I know she needs me. With me, I can tell she feels more comfortable.
She hasn’t been like that since July. Maybe I shouldn’t have broken up with her. I was just trying to help. Maybe I did the wrong thing. I know I made a mistake. I should have just told her how I feel without telling her what exactly is going on. I should tell her all this, and so I will. I picked up the phone and started talking. “Char, I am so sorry about the way I’ve been acting. I need to talk to you in person. Can I come over?” There was no answer, just a huge sigh. My heart started racing. I was scared to hear what she’ll say.
“Samuel…” I know that voice, but I can’t think of who it is. Who is it? Tom! What does he want? This is starting to scare me. Then, I realized I didn’t say anything, so I spoke.
“Where’s Charlotte.?” I tried to speak calmly, but I was shaking so badly. I heard my voice crack and I knew Tom noticed.
“Samuel, Charlotte…had an accident.”
He paused. Well, is she okay? But, I didn’t say it out loud. It felt like there was something more powerful inside me that kept me from talking. Tom went on, “She’s in the hospital. I know you two have had some trouble lately, but I know you care for her. I know you love her more than anything.” He stopped again. I understood what he was saying. He sighed again.
“I’ll see you at the hospital.” I was going to say thank you, but before I could, I heard a click and then a buzz. He hung up on me. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I get to the hospital as fast as I can. I hung up the phone and quickly got started on the road.
My mom tried to talk to me, but I just shrugged her off. I wasn’t trying to be mean, but I didn’t have time to explain. I was going about 60 mph. I didn’t care about speeding. I needed to get to Charlotte. But, I didn’t think that through. About half way to the hospital, I heard sirens go off, and in the rear view mirror, I saw blue and red lights flash.