On Friday, October 13, 2007, the sudden ring of a phone filled my head. I sat up from my desk, yawning and rubbing my eyes, believing I had stayed up late again. I reach my hand out and grab my phone off the desk to see an incoming call.
'Oliver is calling you.'
Kept popping up on the screen, unsure at first why anyone would be calling this early in the morning. I scrolled through multiple notifications sent by my friends. The messages were nothing special but simply asked about my whereabouts. It was nothing new, but this time things seemed a little off. I looked over them, reading each of the messages out loud.
'Where are you?'
'Call me when you can!'
'We have to be there on time, dummy.'
The messages kept going without any signs of stopping, leaving me confused until I read the final message sent that was more explainable.
'The others told me that they have tried contacting you to no avail. I assume you stayed up late again on exam night. I am not mad. At least you got some good night's rest just make sure to notify us when you arrive safe and sound.'
That was when it all clicked. Taking a look at my phone, I saw the time flashing 8:15am.
Without hesitation I ran out of my room with my bag in hand, shoving any school supplies that could fit.
In a span of a few minutes, my right hand held a toothbrush while my other hand was holding onto my pants.
During a personal struggle, my little brother got up from the loud noises happening. Personally, it was not my best moment, but it was not my main focus.
"Dwight, I do not want to disturb your weird alone time, but do you realize other people sleep here?" My little brother, Ethan said sarcastically, standing by the doorway.
Hearing his voice caught me off guard. I turned around, catching a glimpse of myself in a mirror, seeing what he meant, which made a whole lot of sense to Dwight. Even though Ethan was correct about him looking downright stupid, there was no way Dwight would admit it and end up having both his grades and dignity plummet on the same day.
"This is not the time for snarky remarks, Ethan." Dwight responds, trying to fix the shirt he put on backwards.
"Usually I would already be laughing at you right now due to how random this looks, but no part of me wanted to be up this early. So what I see is just sad." Ethan said, giving a disapproving look and crossing his arms.
Dwight ignored Ethan's comments, focusing more on getting ready and bringing up a question himself. "Wait a minute, should you not be heading to school as well, Ethan?" Dwight asked, getting his thoughts back on track.
"Well, Dwight, lucky enough for me, I came down with a little cold, so I am allowed to stay home." Ethan says while smiling.
"You have a cold? Oh my, that is the last thing I need. When I get back, I'll bring you some cough drops. Sounds good?" Dwight insists, gradually coming to a realization. "Wait a minute, I did not hear you coughing at all last night."
"Yeah, but Aiden came home drunk last night at three in the morning right before passing out on the couch. It does not seem he will be acknowledging us anytime soon." Ethan responds. Not seeing much coming out of the conversation, Dwight just rolled his eyes and finished getting ready.
As soon as he got everything, Dwight sprung out the door, catching the eyes of many residents. Every morning there would be kids racing around playing, adults heading to the local deli grabbing a cup of coffee before work, and typical couples outside in public kissing. It was, for the most part, a peaceful environment until Dwight came running through like a crazy person towards the bus stop.
Turning the corner, he was met with disappointment. Dwight had to just stand there and watch the bus drive off without him ripping away any slim chance left. "Just my luck." Dwight said loudly, dropping his bag down, checking the time on his phone seeing it was already 8:57am and the next bus coming would be delayed.
Dwight had a few ideas left on what to do; it pretty much came down to Dwight having no other choice but to call an uber. It would seem like a good enough option if it did not cost an arm and a leg to get from the bus stop to the school. Dwight ransacked his pockets hoping to gather enough money but instead was met with disappointment again seeing only a crumbled up five dollar bill, bent paperclip and a sewing pin.
Out of annoyance, Dwight punches the bus arrival sign, knowing it wouldn't change anything but felt the need to vent frustration. Sitting down on the bus bench, he knew there was no chance of making it to class on time.
when a couple of seniors who went to his school came passing by. Dwight put his hoodie up hoping none of them would notice.
They were a group of five known very well around the high school mainly because of vandalizing properties, causing disruptions and always getting into fights.
The leader of their little group was named Cuff who stood out like a sore thumb compared to the rest. Not only was he taller and more bulkier, his best skills came with handling sharp knives. The rookies who stood with him were considered trouble and talked around town but there were more reasons why Cuff took ownership and nobody else.
Before the stop light could turn green Cuff and his goons noticed Dwight sitting all by himself. They gave small glances at each other with approval, deciding to pass some time speaking with an old friend. Dwight heard their footsteps approaching, realizing that denying a conversation is not an option he tried running in the other direction only for Cuff and his group to forcefully sit him back down.
"Woah there chief, where are you going in such a hurry? We have certain things needing to be discussed Dwighty boy." Cuff says sarcastically.
Tension is very high. A couple adults walking by noticed what was happening but instead of intervening they pretended not to see a thing going on.
"What do you guys want from me? Is it Money? Test answers you want? or let me guess, am I going to be forced into selling Drugs for you like last time?" Dwight asked, analyzing every possible escape route.
The five started to laugh at Dwight's worry. Cuff leaned in, giving him a pat on his shoulder. "No pal, we're not here to hurt you. You were with us before after all. And due to that, I wanted us to handle things more civilly." Cuff responds.
Dwight, knowingly concerned, kept his composure throughout. He kept an eye on the others but mostly kept his sights on Cuff, making himself clear. "I said it before and I will say it again, there is nothing you or they can do that would make me ever join you. I will keep repeating it until you guys finally get through your thick skulls. I am done being one of your stupid minions."
After Dwight spoke out without a care in the world, Cuffs' goons no longer were laughing or smiling anymore. They were all in complete silence, giving strict glares at him.
Even with knowing the potential consequences, Dwight minimizes his words not wanting to start a fight. He stared directly at Cuff goons who were heard cracking their knuckles and breathing aggressively like a pack of wolves ready to pounce.
Seeing how eager everyone has been looking, Cuff gestured for his crew to settle down, reminding them why they are having a simple conversation and not handling it like they normally would.
"Do not mind them, Dwight. This is really meant to be a normal conversation between old friends. Now that you are here, I would Like for us to speak. I have a lot to say, so I make sure you listen, very carefully." Cuff said, gripping onto Dwight's shoulder. "We are here because there is some issues we have been having with a certain person. You actually know this person quite well from what I hear, this guy is constantly stepping, Oops—I mean STICKING themselves into places they shouldn't. Now, if the rumors are true, I want to know. Have you ever heard of someone named Oliver Reed?"
Dwight's hardened attitude without a doubt changed, giving himself away easily.
Cuff takes notice and wraps his arm around Dwight declaring what he truly wants. "You see Dwight, this held back senior has done nothing but run his mouth for far too long. He's been getting in our way lately and messing with our plans acting like he is some type of hero. We tried letting it slide for generosity's sake but after last week's incident that became the final straw." Cuff expressed looking earnest. "Dwight, we both have history. I know that you know things are meant to happen for a reason. This friend of yours has not been able to work on our terms which is a huge problem that can only be fixed by a punishment."
Anyone could have guessed what that meant. He has an easy way out. All that was needed of him was to tell the truth but Dwight wasn't willing to throw Oliver under the bus. "Listen guys, I would love to stay and chat but I have something to do." Dwight responded by getting up once more trying to keep the peace. Cuff lost his temper and yanked him back, no longer keeping whatever peace there was.
"WHO THE FUCK TOLD YOU TO GET UP? WHEN I TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU FUCKING LISTEN!"
Emotions were high, neither side was playing nice anymore. Cuff grew angry and expected answers in any way possible.
Dwight had enough with speaking and made the questionable decision of speaking his mind, "Listen here, I don't care what you do or say. Reach inside your bag and threaten me all you want but there's no way in hell I'll ever rat out Oliver, especially towards a stupid bum who needs his posse to jump one person!" Dwight said, hearing only dead silence, clouding everything.
Out of nowhere Cuff made a subtle gesture with his hands towards the other four. Seconds later they grabbed hold of Dwight, who struggled to break free.
"HEY—LET ME GO! CUFF TELL YOUR GOONS TO GET OFF ME!"
Cuff smirks, mockingly raising his arms up. "All I asked for is some help. I have never asked much out of you. But you wouldn't cooperate, just like I expected. After all this time, good old Dwight never changed." Cuff says, landing a direct hit on Dwight's stomach, which causes him to collapse in pain.
During this time, police were nearby. Captain Morgan and a new recruit named Officer Mason maintain a close eye, surveilling the residential area and checking for any sign of suspicious activities taking place. Stopping at a red light, Mason caught sight of Cuff and his goons shoving Dwight face-first into a puddle.
Meanwhile, Cuff proceeds to berate Dwight, calling him out on every one of his past misfortunes. "There was potential within you. I have seen it. There were things you were capable of that most weren't. It's honestly a shame—all that potential is now put to waste."
Police stormed out of their cars, gripping their taser guns. The loud sirens had startled them at first, which Dwight took advantage of. As they were distracted, Dwight made a run for it, prompting Cuff and his cronies to follow behind in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Dwight ran for about four blocks away from the bus stop. He realized his circumstances and figured that escaping would be rather impossible. While they all ran, the police sirens sounded like they were getting closer, which frightened Dwight.
In a desperate attempt, Cuff told one of his cronies to hide behind a car beside him, while the other hid underneath some trash bags. Two of Cuff's companions were slower, making it easier for Captain Morgan to catch and handcuff them.
Meanwhile, Dwight struggled to find somewhere to hide. That made it easy for Officer Mason to discover him and start chasing after him, forcing Dwight to flee.
Avoiding arrest, Dwight realizes his circumstance and figures that escaping would be rather impossible. All of a sudden, Dwight felt a sudden grip on his shoulder, pulling him into an alleyway. Startled, he jerked back in fear from the sudden touch.
Dwight had no energy for another encounter; this is when he decided playing dirty was a last resort. Before grabbing hold of a rock for protection, Dwight felt a person's hand stop him while another covered his mouth.
Filled with dread, he attempted to escape, but it was futile. The loud police sirens gradually faded into the distance. Suddenly, a familiar voice hushed him urgently. Recognizing the voice, Dwight obeyed slowly, becoming less scared and more surprised.
Turning around, he came face to face with the unexpected figure, feeling a subtle chill run down his spine. As Dwight locked eyes with the individual, he was wide-eyed to see a familiar face.
"Oliver, is that really you?" Dwight asks.
There was Oliver, a six-foot-tall fellow wearing a light brown jacket, dark jeans, and glasses. It would be hard to notice right away, but he is a mix of part Asian and part Indian. However, there are subtle features, like his messy hair, that did make him stand out, even though it was mostly hidden underneath a baseball cap.
"Hey, Dwighty boy, such an honor being able to see you again. It has been far too long since our talk. Have you missed me?" A slight smile creeps up on Oliver's face.
Without hesitation, Dwight leaned in and gave a heartfelt hug. "I haven't seen you in almost a couple of weeks. Just the thought of missing you is an understatement alone. Even if you are an asshole for scaring the hell out of me!" Dwight says, nudging Oliver.
"Oh, so what you are saying is you'd prefer staying in that mess you are currently in? Noted. Here, let me help." Oliver says, showing a playful smirk. He jokingly raised his voice, catching the eyes of almost every pedestrian walking. "POLICE! HE IS OVER HERE! POLICE COME GET HIM!"
"OLIVER! SHUT UP! People are staring. If you do not stop, I will hurt you." Dwight says, jokingly. He tries covering Oliver's mouth, which looks more questionable for anyone walking by, especially because they are in a small alleyway.
Dwight checked his phone. Seeing the time, he looked everywhere for some kind of answer, feeling stressed all over again.
Knowing how people look under pressure, Oliver offers him a ride, which initially surprises Dwight because, from what he remembered, Oliver did not even have a license the last time they spoke.
Oliver motioned for Dwight to follow him and walk a few blocks until they reached a red sports car. Twirling his keys, Oliver dramatically opens the driver's side door, glancing at Dwight. Dwight watches in amazement, having trouble believing that Oliver owns such an expensive-looking car.
"BROTHER! I WILL CONTINUE SAYING IT UNTIL THE DAY I TAKE MY LAST BREATH. YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE READY WITH A GRAND ENTRANCE!" Oliver yells, bursting with energy, while Dwight at that moment is taken aback, not really able to manifest any words but staring in response.
"WOAH! Oliver, how did you—I mean, when did you? This sick ride actually belongs to you?"
"Oh, you mean this old thing? Yes, of course, I bought it with the hard-earned cash I've been making at my job. Something you could be doing if you take up on my offer."
Like often, Oliver never failed to be honest with anyone, especially towards Dwight.
"Oh wow, you really went there. So funny, jackass, I always knew the 'customers are always right' rule was just an illusion."
"Listen, Dwight, I don't mean to come off like an ass, but what I'm saying is true. You should start planning what to do with your life." Oliver responds.
Dwight noticeably looks a little annoyed, never liking being put on blast. However, for a good reason, Oliver would always point out the obvious.
"Look, Oliver, I appreciate the offer, but there's a lot on my plate right now. I am a pretty busy guy with so many things already needing to be done, and being responsible with my time is a priority." Dwight said, giving the best excuse he could come up with on the spot.
Oliver crossed his arms, letting out an unsatisfied sigh, obviously not believing a word being said.
"Is that supposed to explain why you are leaving your home at this time? Even though school usually starts, from what I can gather, it is less than an hour from now."
Looking dumbfounded, Dwight knew he had no other excuses up his sleeve.
Oliver continued ranting, which for Dwight felt longer than needed. "Do not get me wrong, Dwight. Losing track of time is reasonable and common, but today, especially on exam day."
Every word that Oliver spoke, sounded muffled. Dwight sucked into his own thoughts, knowing all he can do is find some way out of the conversation.
"Listen, Oliver, I—I can't waste any more time. I need to head to school now. I'll see you around."
Just then, Cuff and his crew were seen walking back towards the bus stop. Dwight freezes up, knowing if he gets caught they will jump him worse than before.
Oliver steps into his car and calls Dwight over. "Hey, do you want to stay here and deal with them or would you rather get inside my car and we'll head out? The choice is in your hands."
There weren't many options on the table. Dwight knew that very clearly. Either he stayed and dealt with an upcoming beat up and risked a massive drop in his grade or went through an awkward thirty minute car ride with Oliver.