I roll out of bed when it's finally an acceptable time. Not getting any sleep is eventually going to hit me today, especially since I hadn't been able to go back to sleep when I woke at five a.m. My bedroom door squeaks as I crack it open. It's a Saturday morning and usually everyone in my household sleeps in on the first day of the weekend.

Quietly, I make my way to the bathroom that's on my side of the upstairs level. The door softly clicks behind me as I shut it.

In the mirror, a girl with dark circles and dark matted brunette hair stares back. Before bed, my hair was in a loose ponytail, now it sticks out in random places.

I run a comb through my hair and put it back into a loose ponytail. The cold water hits my face and wakes me up a little more. After I'm done drying my face off, I place the hand towel folded up on the sink and walk out. I don't even bother putting makeup on today.

Once I'm finished tying my laces, I pat the top of my pink Vans, my lucky shoes. My backpack and skateboard sit by each other in the corner of my room. I make sure to grab both things before I finally head downstairs.

I try to keep my footsteps light as I descend the stairs. Surprisingly, my mom is already in the kitchen when I walk in. She's sitting at the table drinking her coffee and staring out the window. I clear my throat in hopes of not startling her.

She stands up quickly when she sees me. "Are you already leaving?"

Shrugging, I twist my mouth to the side. "I couldn't sleep."

My mom walks towards me and closes the distance between us. She pulls me in for a hug, squeezing tight as I awkwardly hold my backpack and skateboard. "Please keep your phone on all day today. And please, please respond if we text you.

I flinch as I nod my head. Last year when I'd left on the day of the accident, I had turned my phone off, not wanting to be bothered. Let's just say it wasn't a good idea by the time I got home. My family had been freaking out.

Her hands are on my upper arms and she rubs them. "I love you, Vienna. Don't ever forget that." She brushes a few stray pieces of hair out of my face and then kisses my forehead.

Before I leave, I hug her once more and then head to the front door. As much as it hurts her to see me walk away, she knows I need to do this.

Since it's early, the weather is still a little cool. The light breeze hits my face and I breathe in. My hand clasps the necklace around my neck and I smile. It's not a good day, but it's going to be a good day. For some reason I can just feel it.

I skate towards the first stop of the day. The location of the accident.

Hudson, Jaden, Olivia, and I made sure to avoid the intersection whenever we went to the fair. We always parked on the other side now. Sadly, the accident didn't only affect me, but it affected my family and friends.

After the accident, Hudson became a worrier. He wasn't before, but since that day he's always kept an eye on me, never completely letting me out of his site. I swear, even when we're not together, he somehow knows where I am or if I'm about to cause trouble. We were close before the accident, but after it brought us even closer.

About a week after the accident, Jaden finally asked Olivia out. At first, they were nervous to tell me because I was still in a fragile state at the time, but them getting together is part of what helped me move on. At least something good had come from the accident.

I wonder sometimes if the accident is why she never became the friend to ditch her best friend for a boy. Usually most girls go through that phase, even if it's just for a little bit. Lucky for me, Olivia never went through it. She always made sure to be there for Jaden and me.

The night of the accident changed all of us. It brought the four of us closer than we were before. We all changed for the better when we realized just how short life can be.

The intersection comes into view as I get closer to the accident site. My heart aches as I look at the cement pole. Not a single scratch remained when they removed Bethany's car from the pole. Her car on the other hand had been totaled on the spot.

I set my skateboard and backpack on a bench not too far from the intersection. Slowly, I make my way to the pole and slide my hand over it, letting the memories sink in.

Once the officers were done with the investigation, they had told me that she was texting. She had sent a text to her parents a minute before she crashed. She was letting them know she'd made it into town.

They'd also told me that she was going ten over the speed limit. My guess is she was excited to get home. If she had been going the speed limit, she might still be alive, they said. That still haunts me to this day. That one mistake had probably cost her her life.

When the report had come out, it said she had lost control of the car as soon as she slammed on her breaks. The officers suspected that she freaked out when she saw me standing there.

To this day, and probably until I die, I wonder what would've happened if I hadn't been in the street. She definitely would've ran the red light, but I wonder what would've happened after that.

A month or so after the accident, Bethany's parents had contacted mine. With my permission, I got to meet them. And I'm so glad I did.

Of course they were devastated, but I'll never forget the moment Mrs. Moore squeezed my hand. She'd said, "we don't blame you one bit. I hope you know that. None of this is your fault."

I remember breaking down at that instant. A weight I didn't even know that was there had been lifted off my shoulders. Deep down I knew I wasn't at fault for her speeding and texting, but a part of me will always feel guilty. If I hadn't been in the middle of the crosswalk, would she still be alive today?

Back at the bench, I observe the pole some more from a distance. There were no flowers or crosses anymore. For about a year they consistently stayed there, but eventually it stopped. No one came to this spot anymore. It's just a mere memory to the people of Bayside now.

My stomach growls, reminding me that I hadn't grabbed anything from the kitchen for breakfast.

I make a small detour and skate towards a local coffee shop. The aroma fills my nose as I open the door. It's only about nine in the morning on a Saturday, but the coffee shop is still just as busy as it always is. That thought makes me smile. At least some things never change.

The girl who had taken my order calls my name, placing my iced coffee and muffin on the counter. I smile my thanks and head outside to sit and eat. Once I'm done, I throw my trash away and head to my next stop.

The bell above the door rings as I open the door and step inside. Bright and colorful flowers decorate the small space. The millions of different smells cause me to sneeze.

Coming from her tiny office, Mrs. Stacy enters into the main room of the little shop. "Vienna dear!" She pulls me in for one of her tight hugs, her perfume wafting over me. Letting go of me, she adjusts the bandana in her hair. "Are you here for Bethany's flowers?"

Gulping, I nod my head. She gives me a sad smile and pulls out a small bouquet of carnation flowers, Bethany's favorites. I let a strap of my backpack slide off so I have easier access to my backpack. I'm interrupted by Mrs. Stacy as I unzip the front pocket on my backpack.

"Vienna," she says sadly. "Don't worry about it. These are on the house." She pushes the bouquet closer to me. I stare at the flowers, slowly glancing at Mrs. Stacy. "Dear, please take them."

I give her my thanks and leave the shop.

Sweat starts to trickle down my neck and spine as I get closer to the cemetery. The only sound I hear is the wheels of my skateboard rolling over the pavement.

The grass crunches underneath my Vans as I walk towards Bethany's grave. Fortunately, a tree provides shade over her gravestone. I put my backpack and skateboard by the tree and carry the bouquet with me.

I drop to my knees and let my hand slide over Bethany's engraved name in the stone. 'Loved by many' is written underneath her name. I set the flowers beside the grave and sit back on by haunches. Another set of flowers sits on the opposite side of the stone.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore must've come in the morning, I think to myself.

I don't know how long I sit there, just staring at the gravestone. A car door shutting pulls me from my gaze and I spot Olivia walking up.

Her face expresses her sadness as she stares at the gravestone. I notice she's also not wearing any makeup. Without a word, she takes a seat next to me. She takes my hand and intertwines our fingers. We lean into each other for support, our heads resting against each other. We're silent as we both stare at the grave.

About half an hour later, Olivia pulls me in for a side hug, her arms enveloping me. "I'm going to go, okay?" she whispers. I nod my head. "I'll be at your house whenever you're ready to come home." She stands, squeezing my hand once more before she leaves.

Some time later, a gentle and soft voice speaks behind me. "Vienna?"

Turning, I see Mrs. Moore standing there. Her eyes are glassed over and her face is puffy from crying. That's all it takes for me to finally release my own tears. She rushes over and wraps her arms around me.

"Honey, honey," she coos, kissing the top of my head. "It's okay, I'm here." She rocks us back and forth as we cry into each other's shoulders.

"I'm so sorry," I squeak. I'll never be able to tell her enough times.

She pulls away from me and places her hands on either side of my face. "Vienna." She chuckles lightly. "It's not your fault," she says slowly. "I know it feels like it, but it isn't. My daughter made her own decision that night by texting and speeding."

I try to nod my head, but more tears fall down my face. Gently, Mrs. Moore takes her thumbs and wipes the tears from my eyes.

"Oh, honey." She pulls me in again.

I don't know how long we sit there like that, in each other's arms.

Mrs. Moore finally speaks. "I love my daughter, you know this. But I don't know how many times I told her not to text and drive. She was an adult. She made that decision for herself," she finishes, looking solemnly. Silence comes after.

Finally, I find my words as I pull at the grass blades. "I hope you know your daughter changed my life for the better. I was terrified of the world before the accident, but after-" I pause, trying not to get choked up. "I do fun and crazy things that I wouldn't have before," I say instead, hoping she knows what I mean.

Her smile tells me she does. "She changed my life for the better as well."

We're quiet as we both think.

"You know, she would be twenty-five now. I like to think maybe she'd be engaged."

I wipe the snot from my nose with my t-shirt, giving Mrs. Moore a shaky smile.

She pokes my chest, smiling down at my necklace. The necklace she'd given me the first time we met. "I see you're still wearing it."

My hand goes to the small cross that hangs on the tiny chain. "I never take it off."

Her face brightens, taking the necklace in her hands. She rubs her thumb over the cross. "Has it given you the faith I said it would?"

Grinning, I laugh. "It's given me faith in life again." It's given me faith to live life.

Her eyes start to water once more. "I'm glad."

I glance at the other set of flowers, wondering what she's doing back. "Did you already come by today?"

She nods her head, the lines on her face wrinkling as she gives me a sad smile. "My husband and I came by with my mother this morning."

My heart aches some more.

Eventually, she stands up and I go with her, giving her a hug. She kisses the top of my head again and then rubs her hand over my hair. "Call me if you ever need anything."

She turns away and begins walking towards the parking lot. My eye catches the other set of flowers again. "Mrs. Moore?" I call. She turns around, waiting. "Why'd you come back today?" To your daughter's grave...

She smiles her million dollar smile. "I wanted to check up on you, honey."

I rub the top of the tombstone and silently thank Bethany for giving me the courage to live life and to enjoy it. Of course I still get nervous and scared, but I don't let that decide what I do. I didn't want anymore 'what if' moments in my life. Life is short and death is inevitable. You have to live with the choices you make and I don't want to ever regret anything.

*****

The sun starts to cast its beautiful colors as it sets. I take a picture with my camera, capturing the canvas in the sky. The light breeze begins to pick up, sending a shiver down my back. My stomach growls again, reminding me that I've only eaten a muffin today.

I put my camera back into my backpack and stand up, grabbing my skateboard. From where I am I can see that there's only one car in the parking lot, but no one else is in the cemetery.

My eyes shift to the entrance. Under the rusted, metal arch is Axel. I think.

As I walk closer, my thoughts are confirmed. Axel stands there and for the first time he's expressing an emotion I've never seen from him. Sadness.

We stand there, staring at each other. My skateboard drops to the ground and I run up to him, throwing my arms around him. I just really need a hug, ya know?

His body is stiff, but he finally relaxes, placing his arms around me.

"How'd you know?" I ask, keeping my head on his chest.

He pulls me in a little bit tighter. "Landon told me."

I tilt my head so I can look at him. "Landon?"

Axel smiles sheepishly. "I, uh, tried to talk to Hudson last night." So that's where he was. "He wouldn't tell me much and I mentioned it to Landon today and he told me."

"Oh." I'm surprised Landon told him, considering all we've been through.

Axel runs a hand through his hair. "Is that why things are tense with him? Because of the accident?"

I pull away to get a better look at him. "No. It's really because of what he did." I kick at the gravel beneath my shoes.

"There's more to the story isn't there?"

Nodding my head, I breathe, trying to calm my heart rate. "I- I really liked him and he hurt me. The night of the accident was the first time we had ever spoken to each other. Hudson and Landon played basketball a lot that summer, so I ended up spending a lot of time with him too. Then, right before school started back up for sophomore year, he asked to take me on a date." I grab my necklace. "He never called and since then he's been distant and he's almost like a different person around me. I don't know what I did," I whisper.

"Vienna," he says, resting his hands on my shoulders. "Trust me, you didn't do anything." Looking up, I acknowledge his statement. "Do you want a ride home?"

"If you don't mind?" I ask. He smiles and I go to grab my skateboard, following him to his car.

The ride is quiet as I rest my head on the window. My eyes start to slowly drift closed, sleep taking over me.

Hope you enjoyed! And if you did, please vote or comment? :)

Also. Don't take life for granted! We only get one. Go out and enjoy it.