No Grey Areas? No Problem.
595 Words
DAX POV
I knew that Noah had a sister. Pretty sure I've even met her a time or two when we were little. But the memory I have of her in my head was nothing like the girl I saw in front of me today. In my memories I see an awkward little girl bouncing around as Noah tried to show her the whole island in a week. She soaked it in with a bright mischievous smile, rosy cheeks, and ponytails that seem to lean too far to one side. The girl in my memory was free spirited and silly.
The Maisie I saw today had the fear of god in her eyes.
I recognized the fear as soon as I looked into her eyes. It's a raw fear I have experienced first hand. I would do anything in my power to never feel that way or keep others from feeling that way again. Seeing it on her beautiful face caught me off guard at first, like i could feel something snapping inside of me.
I felt the need to protect her.
Maybe it's because I remember that girl with the free spirit that always made me smile, or maybe it was simply because it was my best friend's little sister. Either way, Drew was lucky he didnt lose a f*****g arm. I couldn't always make it go away for myself but god damn it all if I couldn't make it go away for her.
PTSD was a b***h.
I glance over my shoulder to grab the wrench to tighten the last piece on the engine. When I'm done, I pull the rag from my belt and wipe my hands.
I wish life could be as easy as fixing up a car.
Noah has been my best friend since we were kids. Thick or thin he's always been by my side. Even after everything that’s happened, I’m still just Dax to him. Him and his dad Loto took the time to help me figure out how to get back on my feet.
I owe them everything. They found a way to help me fight off my demons. To help me live with what I had done. Or what i didn't do. I hear a screeching sound starting to come through the walls of the shop, most likely from a bad car on the road, and scramble to shove my earplugs back in as quickly as I can.
If I can't hear it, I can't freak out. I won't be forced back into the one memory I stay awake every night trying not to relive. Shawn and Maru are finishing up on their cars and ask me if I'm cool if they take off. I ofcourse tell them it's no problem and that I can close up on my own.
I welcome the silence. Working on a car there are no choices to be made. The car makes the choices for you.Something broke? Fix it. No grey areas, no chance to make the wrong decision.
I follow the guys out and wave them off as I lock the door behind them. Then I turn and walk back to the Charger Maisie replaced the battery on.
I don't mind staying to finish the car. If it keeps me from having to go home?… I'm in.
As my mind starts to think and roll around with all the reasons why I don't want to go home I stop and close my eyes. I take a deep breath and inhale even when it feels like my lungs are full.
Hold..1..2...3...4...5….
I blow out the deep breath and shake my head as I get back to work.
- Writer
