Chapter - 09

When Aaron dropped me home, it had already passed my curfew. I got scolded because of staying out late, but it didn't sadden me, at all. The only thing I care about is the memories we created today. It was amazing, the way he was dressed today, like a fine gentleman I was unaware he was, the way he looked at me from across the table in that small and cozy table, the way he treated me like an absolute queen, I loved it all. I still can't believe I once hated this guy.

I quickly dressed into my pajamas and was on my way to the bed when my door swung open. I turned around in a beat and found my sister holding the door knob with a snobbish ear to ear grin. 

"What's do you want?"

"So, where has your highness been all afternoon?" - she asked as she stood by the door, crossing her arms above her chest.

"Out!" - I simply said as I turned around to make my bed. I don't feel like talking to anyone after the long scolding I got a few minutes ago. It's like all of my energy has been drained from me.

"Yes and where?" - She asked, again with her cheeky smile. Seriously, what is up with her?

"What's with you suddenly? Let me sleep, okay! I have to wake up early."

"I'm not leaving until you spill the beans! Or else I'll inquire about this whole thing with mom and dad! They wouldn't like to hear what you were doing out so late!"

"Should I tell mom about you and Damien?" - I said, this time it was me who was grinning ear to ear. Damien is one of our neighbor's youngest son. He and Billie had been going out a lot recently, which I find rather confusing. As far as I know, Billie's kinda like me. She doesn't hate boys, to be exact, but doesn't talk to them much. More like She's comfortable with the girls but not the guys. So it's equally confusing why she's hanging out with him so often.

"Seriously, you're blackmailing your own little sister? Geez!"

"And what do you think you were doing a while ago?"

"Finee! I just wanted to know how the date was with Aaron."

"Wait... how did yo-"

"I saw you two in 'La Devo'ur' café! I always go there with my friends after school and suddenly, I saw you two, holding hands. Gosh, Aaron was looking so sexy with that stunning outfit!"

"Yeah he did! Now go back to your room!"

"Did he take you on a date?"

"Yes...go"

"Did h-"

"Just go, geez! I want to sleep!"

"Whatever... you never tell me anything, am I even an important person in your life" - She said, faking a sad voice. And I gave up...

"Stop being dramatic... I'll tell you tomorrow. Happy?"

"More than happy!!!" - with that, she went back to her room after closing the door behind her.

As soon as I laid down on my unmade bed, I fell into a deep slumber. It took me less than five minutes to fall asleep, and that was a new record.

I opened my eyes and found myself on a seashore. The waves were glistering as the sun rays sat upon it, almost looking like a thousand shining pearls swaying with the wave. The air was cool as well as the weather was nice and sunny, perfect weather to go out. It was peaceful and relaxing.

I looked around to know more about this place. I don't remember where I am, how I got here, and a bunch of unanswered questions circulating my brain. In a few minutes, I finally realized that I am not in my 18 years old self anymore, I look like I'm 12 or 13. I was so skinny back then and my hair was rather frizzy before. Actually, I had no memories of how I looked between 11–15 years old. I only have memories before the accident and after a few years of that accident. I was 13 at that time when the incident happened, and I still haven't gotten my memories back. I want them desperately, even though sometimes it pains my brain to try to remember my past, but still I've never given up and never will so.

I was looking at the beach with a tranquil expression when I saw a familiar figure, walking towards me with ice-creams in both hands. One looked like strawberry and the other looked like vanilla or something milky.

"Here you go, your strawberry blast! Man, the queue was damn long." - Said the strange small boy. He looked around my age. He took a sit beside me as he gave me my ice cream.

"Thanks! What's yours?"

"Soy milk. I've never tried anything like this before, and it looked tasty!"

"Mine is the tastiest! Have some!" - I said as I passed the ice-cream to the guy, even though I didn't know who he was, I still was talking to him with ease.

"Yeah, you're absolutely right!!! It's so tasty, a perfect combination of milk and strawberries. And there are some small bites of blueberries in it! It's better than the soy milk one. Here, try it!" - He said, pushing it to my lips.

"Oh no, I can't. I'm allergic to it."

"Shit... I should've asked you beforehand. I'm so sorry"

"It's okay, I don't like to talk about it to anyone, you're an exception. And it's not your fault that I am allergic to it. Anyway, you called me out today at this time. What's the occasion anyway?"

"Umm... I don't know how to say it."

"Did you fail or something? I never saw you this stressed before."

"No, it's not that. But before I say this, you have to know that you are the most favorite person of mine, will be forever, and I'll never ever forget you."

"You're scaring me.... what's wrong?"

"I-I... Mom and dad are calling me back to stay with them. They are going to pick me up tomorrow, and I'll be on my way to the city. I don't want to leave grandma here, but she too insists that I go to the city. It'll be better for my future and all.... I-I don't want to leave you, my grandmother and this village. I can't..." - That small kid, now shaking like a leaf as warm liquid streaming down from his eyes. I felt a Sharp pain in my heart, it's almost like I can feel his pain, and his pain makes me even more sad. I couldn't stop myself from crying and without thinking much I threw my arms around him and gave him a warm hug. I don't know how long we stayed like that, but it was so peaceful to let go.

"I'll miss you a lot!" - That guy let go of me first, and I wiped his tears with my hands as I cried silently. How did this peaceful moment take a 180 turn, creating sharp pain in our hearts. I couldn't resist, and finally I said the thing I've meant to say for a long time!

"I love you! I love you, Aaron. If we meet again in the future, will you be my boyfriend?!" - I said as I wiped out his last bit of tears and now holding his face in my hand. That guy was Aaron, but he didn't look like Aaron at all, kind of the opposite of how he looked now. This 13-year-old Aaron was a bit smaller than me in height and his face was a bit chubby but in a cute way. Without thinking much, I slammed my lips to his right cheek, earning a huge gasp from Aaron. He was shocked as well as speechless. I let go for a few seconds.

"When we grow up, I'll kiss you on your lips, I'll chase you down wherever you go and make you fall in love with me. I'll never give up. I'll never ever let you go."

"I-I love you t-too!" - He said as he took my hand in his and started to cry again. He was such a crybaby back then. I couldn't stop my tears, and it's all because of him."

Just like that, the alarm goes off out of the blue, and I opened my eyes in a heartbeat, the dream is still vividly clear to me. I was shocked when I found a trail of tears, on its way down. I don't know if it was a dream or a piece of my memory. If it's a memory, then... It was me all along. I was the one who confessed first, I was the one who promised to chase him down until he said yes. I was the one, but I completely forgot about my promise.

Again, I'm the bad guy...