Chapter 37

                                    

                                          
 Placing the key in the ignition, Cole couldn't help but think about Rachel. He regretted all the pain and distrust that he had caused for her. His intention was never to cut her out of his life but he felt more of a need to fit in at the new school and eventually just let the popularity take over. 
                          
It wasn't until his four wheeler accident that he was able to gain a better perspective on his life. He was nowhere near death, but the life he had as a football player was over since a bum knee doesn't make a person team worthy. High school was full of fake relationships and stupid decisions, like riding a four wheeler at top speed in an area that you do not know only to hit a deep hole and be thrown into a tree, and like trading a true friendship with Rachel for about 2 dozen superficial ones. 
                          
After his knee surgery his junior year, he found himself having to focus harder on his grades as a football scholarship was no longer an option. The emphasis on studying pulled him out of the social scene a bit and he felt as if his 'friends' felt sorry for him because he was no longer a football player. By the beginning of summer he was thankful for the injury because it brought to light who he could truly count on and trust.
                          
Cole's best buddy Nate stayed by his side from the first time he met him and Cole always knew he had his back. He would even talk to him on occasion about Rachel. Nate had known Rachel since 3rd grade but never hung out with her and when Cole would ask why, Nate would shrug his shoulders and say something like he didn't really know why but she was nice. Nice? That usually meant 'she's not bad but not good enough to hang with'. 
                          
You have a call from Crazy Nate  Coles phone chimed. "Hey man what do you want?" Cole anwered.
                          
"Man, is that a way to answer your best bud? What's crawled up your ass and died?" Nate bit back.
                          
"Sorry, just preoccupied. What can I do for you?" Cole did not realize that he had been in such deep thought that he was already half way hoome when Nate called.
                          
Nate knew something  had been off about Cole since school started and he was yet to explain it to him. He had a feeling it had to do with Miss Rachel Taylor since Cole was always stalking her at school this year, but he knew Cole would talk when he was ready. "Oh, right I called you. I wanted to know if you were still wanting to go to the mall tonight with me. Lame I know but you know I promised my mom I would take my sister and her friend so please tell me you are not going to pansy out on me?"
                          
Cole had completely forgotten about his promise to Nate, "Yeah I am but I am going to have to meet ya'll there. So I will see you in the food court at 5:30?"
                          
"Perfect man thank you!!! See ya."
                          
Looking at the time, Cole decided to drive to the mall and wait for Nate. Great, more time to think, Just what I don't need. Again, his mind drifted to Rachel. Why couldn' he get her out of his mind lately? It wasn't as if he was desperate for attention because he still had plenty of girls falling all over him. Truth was he had thought long and hard over the summer about her and apologizing to her.
                          
Rachel had sent the sweetest Get Well Soon card to him after surgerym which his mom found while cleaning out the closet. From that point forward, he began to think back on the last few years with sadness and regret. He knew he had embarrassed and hurt her so much, but he wanted to be able to say he was sorry and just be a friend. 
                          
On the day of registration, he never dreamed of what he would do if he would ran into her. When he looked up and saw her in the hallway, he felt air leave his lungs. She looked different. Not that she was ugly or not put together before, but she had a special glow to her. Her long curly hair dangled around her neck and down her back. Her ocean blue eyes commanded attention in a way he had never noticed before. She had a air of confidence about her now. 
                          
Before Cole realized it, her name came out of his mouth, "Rachel?" She looked surprised at his voice. He wished that he could take away everything in that moment so she did not look at him such confusion.
                          
"Yes, it's me?" Her response was laced with irritation and just as he started to tell her right then that he was sorry, a man stepped into the hallway and took his place by Rachel and she smiled. 
                          
The words "I'm her boyfriend," hit Cole like fists the gut. He had heard that Rachel had a guy with the her the other night at the game, but he never thought he would be face to face with him. Cole did not know what to do so he exchanged pleasantries and excused himself, leaving him alone with his thoughts as he walked away. 
                          
"Earth to Cole! Hello!" Nate's chanting jarred Cole from his thoughts. "Dude, what is wrong with you?"
                          
Rubbing his hands over his face, Cole sighed. "Sorry, Nate. I am good. What were you saying?"
                          
"I was wanting to know what is wrong with you, but we have to go watch my sister while they shop. You coming?" With a nod to Nate, Cole followed and placed his thoughts about Rachel back into the box.