Until it's gone

As the final bell rang, I sighed and slammed my science textbook shut. I was exhausted, and now me and Ryan had to walk the 35 minute walk home, because Ryan's car was being repaired, after I accidentally drove it into a lamp post, and I didn't have a car because mom and dad thought I wasn't "mature" enough.

I slung my bag over my shoulder. Man, it was heavy. Oh well, Ryan would carry it for me later. Don't get me wrong, I love him, but he's just so easy to get to do stuff for you. All those years of dancing have given him very strong arms.

I saw Ryan waiting outside the main entrance, talking to Gabriella. I saw him anxiously fiddling with the strap on his bag. I knew he had a huge crush on Gabriella. Oh well, I thought, I love bursting bubbles.

'Ryan!' I screeched. I ran up to him and dumped my bag on his shoulder. 'Let's go,'

He sighed. 'Bye Gabi,' he said, with a little wave.

'Bye Ryan,' Gabriella said, with a little grin.

'Why do I have to carry your bag?' he said, as we walked off.

'Because I'm tired,' I said, pouting.

'But it's really heavy,' he complained.

'Oh, don't be a wuss, I snapped, getting out my nail file.

'Don't be such a priss,' he said.

'Humph!' I said, tossing my head. I snatched my bag back, and walked off. He could just do me one favour! It would be nice!

I started to walk across the road, where I saw Zeke and Jason walking along with their backs to me. All of a sudden I heard Ryan yell 'Sharpay!'

I looked round just in time to see Ryan run forwards, and push me into the gutter. As I lifted my head, I saw a bus rush past.

'Oh my gosh, thanks Ryan,' I said, getting up, ready to give him a hug and apologise. But I couldn't see him. What I did see, was someone lying on the ground, a few metres up the street.

Oh God, I thought, Oh God, Oh God, Oh, God, Oh, God.

I slowly made my way up to the crowd that was gathering around it, shaking uncontrollably. I found the front, and looked down at what the attraction seemed to be. Ryan.

I could hear people screaming, but they sounded distant. I started shaking again, looking down at Ryan's innocent face, his big blue eyes staring up at me helplessly. He had saved my life, but now he was… Oh God.

I could hear the wail of ambulance sirens behind me, but not for long, because I blacked out. That's all I remember. But the one thing I do remember is that Ryan was dead, and it was all my fault. If I'd have just carried my stupid bag... What about my parents? I also remember seeing them come home from the hospital, both of them crying and looking so upset. I'd seen mom cry before, but seeing dad cry was an entirely new experience, and it's one I didn't really want to see.

Nobody said another word that night, and we all went to bed early. I didn't go to school for another fortnight, and mom and dad were off work on compassionate leave. We all knew out lives could never be the same again.

So remember, you don't know what you've got until it's gone, and don't bother arguing with loved ones, because most of the time, it's just not worth it.