I don’t know why I can’t stop watching the new girl across the street.

She’s just… interesting. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just her skateboard that makes me like to watch her or something. It’s cool. Different.

—

Mom’s high again. I don’t know what she’s on, but it stinks. And now she’s making me go to the gas station down the road again. Dammit. Every time I go I think too much and turn into an anxious wreck. Can’t I have at least a little self confidence??

I finally buy the snacks she wants, my eyes on the sidewalk below as I exit the doors. I hear a familiar rolling of wheels, too slow to really nervous, but my gaze flicks up just in time for me to stumble out of the way. But for the girl it’s too late, and she tumbles onto the ground, skinning her palms.

My stomach drops and I suddenly feel like the hugest idiot. I should’ve been paying attention. Is my face red? It feels red.

“I— shit. I-I’m so sorry,” I manage to say, my voice feeling shaky.