The Events in this story are true but possibly a slight exaggeration. Names have been modified, sans discretion, so that I don’t feel weird writing it all out. Thanks. – Taralynne Nudelman

Chapter 1. Tonya’s Taxi Service.

When your cell phone vibrates under your pillow at 5:55am on the first day of senior year, should you answer it?

That was the only question ringing in my head as I fumbled for my cell, eyes barely open, still clinging to the last sleep of the summer. I blindly pushed the on button and held the offending device to my ear “Better be important.”

“Tonya, you’re still in bed? C’mon we’ve got school.”

“Travis, honestly, school starts at 7:20.” I sighed, sitting up and rubbing my eyes, ridding them of crust and yesterday’s eyeliner. “What are you calling for anyway?”

“Well I was wondering if you were picking us up.”

Of course. As the only one of us with a car and a license I was known as the Taxi Cab. Tonya’s Taxi service. That’s me.

“Wha—I…I don’t know. I guess…”

“well If you’re driving Dennis too school, will there be room in your car? Unless you’re not going to pick Sam up.”

“If I’m driving you I might as well drive Sam too. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well, Ton, you guys broke up…”

“We’re friends.” I said, a little too quickly.

“Have you even spoken to him?”

“Not since I got back from Bermuda. No.” I lifted myself out of bed and began to search for an outfit for my first day as a senior in High School.

“Oh…Well, look…Not like it’s my business or anything…but I just don’t want things between you and Sam to be awkward. You’re both cool?”

“Yeah,” I found a clean looking skirt on the floor of my room. “We’re cool. We hung out before I left for my cruise. It’s really not a big deal, Trav. Me and Sam are fine. Really. We promised each other we’d be friends.”

“If you say so. So What time are you picking everyone up?”

I toed on my shoes. “Uhm…” I glanced at clock. 6:10. “I’ll leave my house in 20 minutes.”

“K…see you.”

“Bye-“

“Wait, Ton…”

“What?”

Travis hesitated. “Maybe it’s not a good idea to pick up Sam first.”

“I always pick Sam up first. He’s the closest to my house…” I had a certain order. Sam then Austin and Travis last.

“Yeah, I know…just it might not be a good idea. So you two don’t have to be alone together.”

“Trav, it’s really fine. Me and Sam are friends. See you in a bit.” And I hung up.

It was true. Sam and I had discussed it several times that we didn’t want to lose each other’s friendship. We were fine with each other. We cared about each other…

“So then why the hell did he dump me?” I wondered out loud as I threw a sweatshirt (Sam’s sweatshirt) aside to find my hairbrush.

About 15 minutes later I knocked on Dinnis’ door. “Den! C’mon. we’ve got to go pick the guys up.”

Dennis opened his door and jolted down the stairs “I can’t find my damn glasses.”

“Where’d you put them?”

“I’d’unno…”

“Well that’s your own fault.” I took out my phone and dialed a number I hadn’t dared to dial in two weeks….I didn’t press send.

“Ton, I think Bonnie took my glasses.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t put your glasses where the dog can get them.” I was still staring at the phone. I finally pressed send.

“Who are you calling? It’s 6:30 in the morning.”

“Hello?” His voice.

“Hi—uh…Hey Sam.”

“Hey Ton. Sup?”

“Ew, what the hell are you talking to him for?” Dennis halted his search for his glasses and I gave him a threatening look.

“I’m picking you up in 5. be ready.”

“We’re picking him up?” Dennis seemed outraged. “Ton! You broke up. Get a grip!”

“Shut up!” I hissed.

“Uh, you are?” Sam asked.

“Well…I always pick you guys up. You still want me to?”

There was a pause. “…Sam?”

“Huh? Oh…Yeah. Yeah sure. Of course.”

I bit my lip “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to Sam. We won’t kill you.” I tried to make light of the situation.

“It’s not that. It’s Chris’ first day, that’s all. I just have to be sure he’s okay on his own.”

“The kid’s 14, babe. Time to let go.” Beside me, Dennis flinched when I said ‘babe’.

“Yeah, yeah….Anyway, I’ll see you in five minutes, Tonya.” He hung up. I put my phone away.

“What? No ‘I love you’?” Dennis smirked.

“Ass.” I shoved past him. “Get in the car.”

TBC

My therapist said I needed to get some shit out about events that took place this summer...cough yeaaahhhh so im writing this