Memories and friendships past

I recall that Friday as if it were yesterday. He had walked up to our lockers - ours were side-by-side and yet for an extended time, we hadn't spoken. He told me to have a great weekend and to study hard for the test on Monday. I remember telling him to do the same. He finished with 'see ya Monday' and called me a nickname that I hadn't heard in a very long time. I remember thinking perhaps we could try to mend the bridge that had been burned. It would take a long time, but perhaps........

The following day a mutual friend called to tell me that he had been killed in a single motor vehicle accident. I recall not comprehending what she was telling me, not understanding that she meant him. As I sat there lost in confusion and thought, my younger brother came into the room and then went to get my folks because of his concern for me.

I regret that we didn't 'patch things up' to a point where we could have again been speaking. I regret that I didn't get to tell him I am sorry for my part in our disagreement. I am sorry that I didn't get a chance to tell him I forgive him for what he had done. That, I think is what I regret the most even after all these years.

To this day I have questions regarding his accident. Questions that will never be answered because no one bothered to ask. Stories fly when a young person is killed in such a way. He didn't drink and no alcohol was in the vehicle. He was buckled in.....I truly believe someone is living with a terrible secret.

RIP - It's hard to belive that it's been 26 years.