Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Accident
Midtown High School stood tall and proud in the heart of Forest Hills, a vibrant neighborhood in central Queens, New York.
Surrounded by a bustling community, the school was a hub of activity and learning. Its location was strategically placed, bordered by Rego Park to the north, Flushing Meadows Park and Kew Gardens to the east, Middle Village to the west, and the sprawling Forest Park to the south.
The neighborhood was a diverse tapestry of residents, ranging from lower-middle-class families to the more affluent members of society who called the prestigious Forest Hills Gardens area their home.
Amidst this vibrant backdrop, Midtown School stood as an educational pillar, catering to students from elementary school to high school.
In this particular academic year, Alex and James found themselves as eager sophomores at Midtown Junior High, while their friend Peter was a fifth-grader attending Midtown Elementary School.
Every day, they would gather in the morning, lining up with their fellow classmates, ready to embark on their journey of education. And just like clockwork, they boarded the same school bus, embarking on a start in their daily life together.
"...Alright, guys, I'm going first. Bye!"
Peter bid his friends farewell and stepped off the bus, heading towards his own school.
As the bus pulled up to their destination, Alex and James found themselves surrounded by fellow sophomores and their parents.
It was a school trip day, and excitement filled the air as they prepared to visit various historical museums in New York City.
Observing the scene, James couldn't help but make an amusing observation. "Holy smokes! Look at how uncomfortable our friends are with their parents. Thank goodness my parents can't make it today..."
Amused by James' comment, Alex's gaze shifted toward two figures approaching them from behind. A man and a woman stood just behind James, causing Alex's expression to change subtly.
"James," he uttered slowly, his eyes fixed on the approaching duo. "You're in for a surprise..."
Confused, James turned to Alex, his curiosity piqued. However, as he followed Alex's gaze, his complexion turned pale, and a sense of dread washed over him.
Before James could turn around, his mom swiftly grabbed his ear and pulled it upwards.
"So, you think being with your parents is uncomfortable, huh? Is that what you said?" she scolded.
"Mom! Please, no! I was just kidding. It's not true!" James pleaded, his eyes filling with tears as his ear throbbed with pain.
Mrs. Rodriguez continued to lecture James for a solid 10 minutes, while Alex struggled to hold back his laughter by the side.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rodriguez approached Alex with a warm smile. "Hey, Alex, how are you doing?"
"Not much, Uncle. Why did you guys suddenly appear here?" Alex asked, genuinely curious.
With a chuckle, Mr. Rodriguez replied, "We wanted to surprise you and James. We're here to see you off on your school trip. Are you surprised? Haha!"
Alex shook his head, a smile playing on his lips.
The Rodriguez family had become an extended family to him, and their visits always brought joy and liveliness to his home. He considered them a part of his family.
As they chatted, James suddenly pointed towards a blonde teenager of their age who was talking to her parents.
"Alex, look who's over there..."
Recognizing her instantly, Alex whispered, "Gwen..."
Gwen Stacy, the daughter of George Stacy, a captain in the New York Police Department.
Alex was taken aback when he discovered Gwen in his class a few years ago. He found her attractive, which prompted him to strike up a conversation and develop a friendly relationship with her.
"Dude, it's time to meet the parents..." James playfully raised his eyebrows.
"I'm only 14, what am I supposed to do?" Alex replied, feeling a sense of helplessness.
Although he knew James was interested in Gwen, his friend never openly admitted it. Alex could easily sense James' feelings, thanks to his past experiences.
Shaking his head, Alex thought that James was indeed a great friend.
"Oh, so that young lady is your crush?" Mrs. Rodriguez teased him. "You should introduce her to us, Alex."
Suddenly, Mr. Rodriguez adopted a more serious tone, resembling a stern father figure. "Alex, in this life, don't do anything you might regret later on. So go ahead and confess!"
He quickly switched back to his playful self, adding, "Well, that's what my father used to tell me when he was still alive. Haha..."
Alex laughed along with them, sensing that Mr. Rodriguez was indirectly offering fatherly advice to his own son through him.
Despite Mr. Rodriguez's jovial and carefree demeanor, he was undeniably a good father. James was truly fortunate to have such parents.
And Alex felt grateful to be a part of their lives.
To outsiders, their interactions appeared to be that of a happy family enjoying their time together.
Somehow, James managed to arrange for Alex to sit next to Gwen, even though she was supposed to sit with her best friend. James claimed that he had convinced Gwen's best friend to give up her seat, much to Gwen's surprise.
During the trip, Alex and Gwen chatted happily. Alex made his intentions clear to Gwen, causing her to blush sometimes.
Suddenly, a car abruptly crossed its path, followed by several police cars with blaring sirens.
"Whoa, what's happening?!" James, sitting in front of Alex and Gwen, exclaimed loudly. The attention of all the passengers, including Alex, turned towards the commotion. "It's like something out of the game I played last night, No Need For Speed!"
"...Alex? Alex! Hey, Alex!" Gwen shook his body to snap him out of his daze. Concerned, she asked, "Are you okay?"
Startled by Gwen's voice, Alex blinked in confusion. "...Yeah, I'm fine."
"That's good," she replied, relieved.
Alex couldn't quite comprehend the strange feeling in his chest as he held onto it.
'What is this sensation?'
It felt as though something terrible was about to occur.
"...Alex? Are you sure you're alright?" Gwen asked again, noticing his discomfort.
Recalling the car from earlier, Alex suddenly stood up and rushed towards the front of the bus.
'Could it be?'
Alex thought, remembering Mr. Rodriguez's warning. Shaking his head lightly, he reaffirmed his decision.
'Right, I'll take action now. At worst, I'll just get scolded by the teacher...'
With determination in his eyes, he stood up.
"Stop the bus!!" he shouted towards the driver.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
HairyPotah
HairyPotah I wrote this in 2021, I chuckled at No Need For Speed as I rewrite everything. That's insane, how did I think of that tho haha
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