Innocence

XXI

"Crystal?" Emily's jaw dropped and we kinda just stood there for a few moments. I found this whole situation confusing as because I didn't know who this was. I only knew the girl jeering me invisibly in the mirror earlier today.

It felt kinda like one those movie scenes. Half of me felt I knew what was going on but the other half was completely oblivious. Emily's dark eyes scanned me up and down. Then she started to cry.

What the hell?

"I've seen enough tears for today," I started, unsure of what to say. I didn't feel in the comforting mood when I needed comforting myself. I don't think I could handle cheering someone up when I felt like a pile of crap. "Please," I softly whispered.

The confusion, sadness, anger, and every other emotion I was feeling right now was making me feel so hurt. So betrayed by absolutely nothing. So many lies and so little truth. I pulled softly at my messed up blonde hair, trying to quiet my thoughts.

"Crystal, are you alright?"

I didn't even hear her.

You know nothing! Everything you know is a lie Crystal!

I pulled harder at my hair, probable looking like one of those crazy people. Emily was sure looking at me like it.

My guess? She would leave like everyone else did.

"Crystal!" I didn't know how much she'd been calling me but Emily's voice broke through my scattered thoughts flying around in my head. I was on the footpath now, crying my eyes out. I'd ruined it.

I'd lost Calum.

She was on the ground beside me, hugging me. She may be a stranger to me, but I knew her from somewhere. So I let her hug me.

"Do you want me to ring someone?" she asked me, concerned. "I know your mum and dad aren't here anymore, but-"

What?

"Huh?" I squinted, my tears stopping. "Dad left a few months ago, but mum's still here," I frowned. "How would you know anyway?"

Emily sighed, shaking her head but her eyes were sparked with interest. I couldn't help but feel suspicious. I didn't know whether to trust her, to let this newcomer into my life without a doubt. I'd done it before but they all ended in mistakes.

She had to earn my trust. I couldn't just give it away anymore. I couldn't take my walls down for just anyone.

Because I'd let Calum in and my heart felt like a piece of trash. I always thought it was just movies that made people feel like this but turns out its real life.

"I ask this to people a lot, but who are you?" I mumbled, biting my lip. "And please don't lie to me,"

Emily tilted her head, her eyes growing watery again. "I don't even know where to begin Crystal,"

"You're my friend aren't you? But I don't know how..." Emily's eyes flashed.

"You remember me?"

"A little bit," I mumbled. Maybe I'd known her long ago and whacked my head or something. Amnesia seemed like a good option in all this. It'd explain everything, wouldn't it?

Cos I'm not fine at all.

I frowned, not knowing exactly where the thought came from. But now that I think about it, amnesia would suit everything.

Me recognizing people but not recognizing them? Like Emily for example... but some things didn't add up.

If I had amnesia, why did I remember my whole life? Why did it seem that these people I 'recognized' intruded on my normal life?