My head was thumping as if an anvil was dropped on it. Man, why is my body aching so much.
I tried to change position, wrapping the blanket around me as I move.
I felt my forehead knock against something. Ouch. There goes more thumping.
I slowly rubbed my eyes as I opened them. I saw a head in front of my eyes. It was laying down on the side of my bed, snoring lightly.
Sky, I thought. We used to fall asleep talking like this all the time. He was sitting in a chair next to my bed. I smiled and ruffled his hair with my left hand, causing him to stir.
He lifted his head up and met my gaze. My smile dissapeared. I sank back into my pillow.
"Hey, you're awake." Declan said groggily. I nodded, trying to blink away the tears. I remembered what happened, Sky moved to California.
"I found you asleep on the floor next to that box yesterday. " He said, pointing to the cardboard box. All the things inside it were still on the floor, the way I left them.
"Where's the letter?! " I asked Declan. It wasn't by the box. Nervously, I got up, wanting to look for the letter. Then I saw it, in its envelope, crumpled, sitting on my mattress. I picked it up and smoothed it out.
"You didn't let me take it out of your hand when I carried you into your bed. You slept from 4pm till now." He smirked.
I glanced at my alarm clock. 4:26am. 3 more hours till I need to get ready for school. I sighed and went back to bed.
" Why are you here in the first place?" I asked Declan, trying not to think about Sky.
" I came over just to hang out. I used the front door this time. Your nanny is very nice. I saw you lying on the floor clutching that letter. And well, you know the rest. I told my mum I was sleeping over, she was okay with it."
I didn't have anything to say except for a mere " Oh."
It must have been awkward seeing me lying on the floor with tears staining my face.
" So, mind telling me why you were on the floor in the first place?" Declan asked. I turned my head to face him, his eyes full of concern.
I just sat there, cradling the letter, tears falling freely down my face. It was an internal debate, on whether to open it or not. My room is now filled with Sky’s scent, from his things.
What does he mean by giving back all the things that I gave him? I guess there was only on way to find out.
I slowly tore open the flap at the side of the envelope bit by bit, afraid that I will damage its contents.
I reach inside the envelope, pulling out a piece of folded paper. My heartbeat raced. I unfolded the paper to find the same handwriting, all over the paper. I took a deep breath and started reading.
My dear Alexis,
Remember the time when we first met? We were in kindergarten, same class too. On the first day of kindergarten, I fell on the slide during play time, my leg was bleeding and I started crying. All the other kids were to afraid to help me, but you came over, took off your pink scarf and wrapped it around the blood. We walked hand in hand to the teacher for me to get a bandage.
That was the first time I liked you. It was like we were made for each other, or soulmates as you might say.
Throughout the years, I’ve tried to get with other girls but all failed. Why? Because every time they called, I would wish it was you; every time the doorbell rang, I would wish it was you. Every time I kiss a girl, I would wish it was you.
When you said those words, you didn’t mean it. You were hurt, confused and sad. I wish I could protect you from those feelings, I wish I could have protected you from Damion.
I love you, Alexis. I really do, but I can't stop you from doing things or seeing people you like. With me out of the way, you'll find it easier to find your true love. Take care Alexis, don't bother looking for me.
I love you.
Your best friend,
Sky
My heart cringed so badly I couldn't breathe. I was scrunched up on the floor in foetal position, tears flooding until I passed out.
I didn't bother to get a knife cut the tape sealing the box. I tore the tape off like its nobodies business. Well, technically it is, nobodies business I mean.
I open the flaps of the box, revealing an piece of cloth, sitting on top of the pile. It was pink, faded and old. Underneath were various items. Birthday presents from me to Sky, souveniers from trips I went and brought back for him, and a scrapbook. On the cover of the scrapbook were our names, written in silver ink. Pictures and pictures of us. At parties, school events, sleepovers and family events.
Tears flow down my cheeks, wetting the scrapbook slightly. I glance at the birthday presents, feeling nostalgic.
5 years old. I made Nanny take me to town to get Sky the red Barney firetruck he wanted so bad. It was now faded to a light red but Barney is still steering the truck steadily.
6 years old. I broke Sky's "I Am Number 1" foam finger during recess in kindergarden. He said that he'd never forgive me. I bought him a new one for his birthday and in return I got a peck on the cheek.
7 years old. Set of colour pencils.
The list goes on.
Lying on the side was Sky's dark blue jacket. The one I gave to him last year and the one he was wearing on the last day I saw him. I put it on. It still smelled like him. Musky yet sweet. Tears dampen the sleve of the jacket as I reached for the now empty box.
At least I thought it was empty.
At the bottom of the box was a pink envelope with my name in the same cursive handwriting. I clutch it near to my heart, where it hurts the most, wondering if I should open it.
The classes were a breeze. New students, including Declan, had to introduce themselves to each class. Teaching schedules were shared by teachers with us so that we could be prepared for the next lesson.
During recess, Declan and I meet up at my locker, and we go to the cafeteria together. I scan the cafeteria for Sky, again, he was no where to be seen. Wish and Warren waved to us. After getting our food, we walk over to the table.
Rachel and Regina were also sitting at the table. We're not close friends but we've know each other since middle school. After sitting down next to Warren, I asked him about Sky.
"Where's Sky? I haven't seen him since that day."
Warren slowly dropped the forkful of chicken that he was about to eat while Wish stirred in her seat. Declan stopped eating and watched them.
"What?" I said, sensing something wrong.
"He didn't tell you?" Wish finally said. Warren nudged Wish in the ribs and shot her a look.
"Tell me what?" Was I supposed to know something?
The table was all silent. Warren and Wish looked down at the table, not touching their food.
"Just fucking tell me!" I shouted at them. I wasn't going to be the last one to know about my best friend's whereabouts. "HemovedtoCaliforniacausehedidn'twantyoutogetyourfeelingsmixedupforhimandhesaidthatyoushould moveon."
Wish blurted out quickly. Warren slapped his forehead in disappointment with his sister.
The room started spinning.
Moved?
California?
Because of me?
Move on?
After getting a grip of myself, I ran to the nurse's office and told them that I was feeling dizzy. Declan, Wish and Warren called out to me but I didn't look back. The nurse gave me a sick slip and gave me permission to go home to rest.
I ran out of school, out to the pavement and into Sky's street.
I stopped in front of Sky's house, only too see that it was locked and a "for rent" sign was up on the lawn.
I peeked inside the window, the walls are blank, no more pictures, no furniture, no carpet, no curtains. It was bare. Like how I was feeling right now.
I slowly walk home, dragging my feet against the ground. Nanny asked why I was home early, I gave her the same excuse as I did to the nurse.
When I opened my room door, I saw a big cardboard box next to my bed. My name was written on it. Neat cursive writing - Sky's handwriting.
I took the class schedule from Declan and compared his with mine, but before I could reach out to get it, he snatched mine right out of my hand.
"Looks like we have English, Biology and Maths together. " He said, handing my paper back to me.
I gave him the evil eye and studied my schedule. We have assembly today, just to brief the new students on the school rules and regulations. Declan and I walked to the assembly hall together and looked for a seat.
I spotted Wish and Warren sitting together in the middle row, at the same time they turned around, saw me and gestured to the empty seats next to them. I looked around for Sky but he was no where to be seen. I sighed and pulled Declan over to The Double W.
They noticed Declan behind me as I walked over to them.
"Now, who is this old chap?" Warren said in a thick, but obviously fake British accent. Wish giggled at her brother's joke.
I cleared my throat and played along. "This old bud is my neighbour, Declan. He too is from England. Declan, this is Wish and Warren. They're fraternal twins and very very bad actors. "
Declan let out a laugh and shook hands with them. "By the way, I'm from New York, not England."
Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of the schools faulty sound system which let out a very disturbing squeak.
Everyone covered their ears, including the principal, Mr Young, who was holding the microphone, standing in the middle of the stage.
"Good morning students, I hope you have had a pleasant holiday. For those who have been here last year, welcome back. To those who have not experienced learning here, welcome."
Warren whispered something about Mr Young's old use of language to Declan, making Declan laugh quietly.
"This year, there will be many improvements in our facilities, as they will be sponsored by our new Parent Teacher Association chairman, Mr Andrew Colton."
The students and teachers clapped as Declan's dad stepped on stage. My eyes almost popped out of its socket as I recognized the man. I nudged Declan and whispered to him, " You didn't tell me about this." Declan shrugged. "Its not a big deal." "Not a big deal? He's sponsoring to upgrade our school's crappy facilities. It could take millions of dollars." "Dad said something about his past. Maybe he thinks he owes the school for his success. " Did Mr. Colton come to this school in his past? I didn't want to ask Declan so many questions, as the teachers were already looking at me, trying to catch me if I say another word.
At night, I stood in front of my open closet, debating on what to wear to school tomorrow.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
“Hello?”
“If I were you I would wear the black halter top and the grey jeans.”
“Are you spying on me?”
“Hey, you’re the one who didn’t draw your curtains.”
I turned around and saw Declan sitting on his window seal with his phone in his hand. He lifted his free hand and waved. I hung up on him, drew the curtains, and continued choosing.
***
I slung my backpack over my shoulder as I got off the bus, and happily walked into school grounds.
It was the first day of the semester, and I felt great. I wore a jacket over my black halter top, in case it gets chilly in the air conditioned rooms.
As I walked into the hall, it hit me.
I had no friends to go to.
I looked around; freshman were busy talking nervously to their friends, saying that they’ll probably mess up their first day; sophomores were acting cocky, glad that they are finally out of their freshman year; and seniors like me, hooking up with their friends, talking about how great their holidays were in the Bahamas.
And there was me.
Alone.
I couldn’t talk to Sky yet, I don’t know how to. Wish is still on holiday and god knows where Warren is.
When I almost felt like crying, a finger tapped me on the shoulder.
“Excuse me miss, can you show me where the office is? I need to get my dentures done.” A voice of an old lady said. I quickly turned aroundand saw Declan standing in front of me, clad in a black shirt and jeans, he was looking quite good. A leather sling bag was slung across his body and he was holding a few sheets of papers in his hand.
Not to mention he was giggling like a small kid.
“This is a school, not a dentist’s office.”
“Well, I thought this was a dentist school.” He said, still in his old lady voice.
I cracked up, laughing until my stomach hurt. I slapped him in the shoulder, trying to hold back my pain.
“Seriously, I need to get to the office to confirm my registration. ” He said, in his normal voice, holding up the papers in his hand.
I nodded, feeling sad that he was going to leave me all alone again.
“Come with me?” He said, probably noticing my loneliness.
I gladly nodded again. Following next to him.
“Is your cut still hurting?” He glanced at my arm. He applied ointment on my arm after the fall caused by Polio, he said that it was his fault that I fell.
I nodded.
“If you don’t stop nodding, your head might fall off.”
I nodded again, causing him to laugh.
“I thought you didn’t know what to wear?” He said, smirking while looking at me.
I crawled out from my sheets, the familiar smell of Sunday waffles and coffee faintly in the air. The thought of the weekend ending was a drag.
After finishing washing up, I drew my curtains, allowing the bright sun to shine in. I stretched along with the beaming sun, noticing that Declan's turquoise coloured room was empty. He must be watching TV or out in the park. I sat on the window sill, letting my mind drift away, partially thinking of Sky and the words Declan said.
"Lexie!!!" I sprang up as Nanny's scream broke my thoughts. "Coming!!!" I shouted back and trotted down the stairs in my pink silk tank top and white Snoopy pajama bottoms.
"Ah. Zo you are alreazy awake. Breakfast iz not reazy yet. Why zon't you take Polio for a short walk? You both need ze exercise anyway." She said, concentration on pouring the batter into the waffle iron.
I nodded at her went up to change and grabbed Polio's leash from the counter. I found Polio in the living room, sprawled on the floor watching people walking on the pavement outside our house.
"Come boy, let's go for a walk." I said, attaching the hook to his collar and motioning to him. He immediately stood up on all fours and took the lead.
We walked briskly in the late summer air, passing by other walkers and joggers. In the distance, I saw a familiar person, Declan. Although I only met him yesterday, his features were very distinctive. And hot. His iPod was plugged into his ears as he jogged, he looked up from the pavement and saw us. I waved and he waved back, with sweat trickling down the slight curls of his hair.
As he got nearer, Polio started to bark and growl.
"Polio! Stop! Good boy!" I said, trying to shut him up, but it did not work. I motioned for Declan to go away. He nodded understandingly and ran on the pavement heading east.
Suddenly, Polio barked even louder and started chasing after Declan. I lost my balance and fell before Polio could drag me with him. I let go of the leash, letting Polio run after Declan. I pushed myself up, groaning as I saw the grazes on my arm.
Declan came around the corner, sensing something amiss when Polio was running free. I told him to go get nanny to fetch Polio back and he did as he was told. I stood up and walked home slowly.
Note to self: Never EVER take Polio on walks ever again.
Declan spent the night in my room. I rested my head against the wall and sat crossed legged on one end of my bed as Declan sat right across from me. He flipped through my past year books while talking to me. I closed my eyes, resting them, enjoying the feeling of being at home again.
"Have you ever had a boyfriend?" Declan asked. A lump built up in my throat.
I swallowed and answered, "No." Technically I didn't lie, Damion left me when I was about to say yes.
"Would you like to have one?" He said in a cheerful tone, flipping the pages as he spoke.
"Not now. I'd like to focus on my studies and track and field. You know, important stuff." I said. The lump was getting bigger as I spoke.
The pages stop flipping, he must have finished glancing through.
"You sure?" He whispered. I could feel his breathe on my face. I opened my eyes and startled. I saw his sea blue eyes looking right into mine. His stare wasn't the creepy type, but it was more of a look-deep-down-into-your-soul stare. He was in a crawling position, his arms which were position next to my legs, propped his body up.
"Relax, Al. Just trying to test your reflexes." He laughed and got off the bed. I put my hand on my chest and tried to slow down my heart beat. God, it was faster than dad's driving. "But you might want to reconsider that thinking of yours." He said with a blink and climbed out my window. He jumped onto the tree in my yard, causing it to shake a little and continued on to the tree in his. He reached his room window safely.
As I was about to draw my curtains, he held up a hand to me, asking me to wait. I stood there, confused, trying to guess what he was up to. He walked around his room, taking a few things in his hand and sat down on the bed. He was moving his hands on it. Finally, he stood up, holding a white sheet of card and held it out to me. It said "I forgot to say goodnight. Goodnight! :) " Yes, it did have a smiley face on it. How ironic for a guy who smiles so often.
I mouthed goodnight to him, drew my curtains and climbed into bed. Ah, nothing like home.
Dinner was at a posh Italian restaurant, a 5 coursed overly-cheesed meal and a very very expensive 4 figure bill.
I thanked Mr. Colton for the fabulous meal, trying to look sophisticated and not full of cheese. But the man simply nodded. No smile, no "You're welcome.". I'm starting to think that he's made of metal.
After arriving at the Colton’s, I thanked them once more, hugged Demetria, said goodnight to Declan and ran off to my house.
As I ran up the stairs to my room, I felt as if someone was following me. I walked normally to my room, pushed my room door lightly, quickly took my baseball bat and got ready to hit whoever was following me.
The door opened slowly as my pulse raced and my heart beat rapidly.
"Woof!" Polio's wet nose peeked through the door.
I felt relieved and put down the baseball bat. "Hello honey, miss me?" I said in baby talk and Polio replied with a bark.
As I was rubbing Polio's tummy, I heard some rustling outside which was weird because there wasn't any wind here during summer.
I pulled my hand away from Polio, got up and headed for the window.
I peered out, trying to find any suspicious activity.
Suddenly, someone jumped through my window, pushing me to the carpeted floor along with him. Polio was barking furiously as he got off of me.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I shouted at Declan, who was rubbing a bruise he got from jumping in my window. And landing on me. "I climbed the tree in my yard and jumped on the one in yours." He grinned and continued rubbing. "Uh, why?" I said, being skeptical. "I wanted to see you." He said with a smile on his face. Awww. "No, I mean why would you climb the tree? In case you didn't know, my parents are overseas and Nanny doesn't mind me having friends over. " "Hey, I thought that if Edward Cullen could do it, so can I." "What?! You are such a goof." At this moment, Polio came sniffing Declan. Declan offered his hand to Polio to sniff. Polio carefully sniffed it and started barking loudly. Polio started to growl and bark uncontrollably and tried to bite Declan's pants. "Polio!!!" I yelled and pulled him by his collar. I dragged him out the door and shut it. His barks still could be heard as he scratched on the door with his nails. I stood near the door with my arms folded over my chest and asked him, "So tell me, what are you really here for?" "I told you, I just wanted to see you." He replied with a heartwarming smile.
