Lost Memory by Jacqueline Cortez

Chapter Fifteen: Gwen

I hesitate still from when I told Azul that I am a Time Traveler...she believed me. I hope...my secret is safe with her.

The darker the sky became the colder the day was becoming. I bought the skates but just couldn't skate as much as my friends wanted me to. Akio walks to me and sits down beside me.

"I didn't want to leave you alone," Akio gives me a half-smile.

"Hmm...Thanks, Akio," I hold my nose with my hand trying to warm it up. My mind, occupied with the future. I can't let Ross and Rosa split up. They are meant for each other. Then again, just being reminded of dying...just knowing I am going to die in 8 years. But I didn't care about myself because now I know someone close to me is going to die. Maybe the note in Alejandro's hand tells what he was doing in the middle of the street. I have to protect him...I have to save him. I look over to Akio and he looks down biting his lip as if he's holding back from saying something.

"Have you thought about what I asked you at the carnival beach?" He stutters.

"When you asked me if I want to be together with you?"

"Yeah..." 

"The truth is tha-," We both say at the same time "You go first," I say.

"The actual reason...is not that but I wanted to say I am sorry" 

"Why are you saying sorry?" I lay back on the bench and put my hands in my pockets waiting for his response.

"...because I feel like I was possessive over you. And I'm sorry I didn't know I would ever become someone like that. I just want you to be happy but I also want you to be happy with me...," Akio covers his face with his hands. I grab his hand and take it off his face, holding it in my hand.

"Akio...," He makes eye contact with me, "You know I care about you so much and that you are one of the most important people in my life. We were special. We had something special, " His eyes fill with water as if they were pools, "But now we are older. Back then, we were younger and we didn't know what love was. We didn't even know how to like someone properly. You were my first love and you should know that. You were there for me when I was younger and when I needed it. But I want someone to appreciate you for who you are. I don't want you to fight for me. I don't want you to grab anyone's shirt or get in people's faces because you like a girl. Don't look for anyone. I'm sure that perfect girl will come your way. If you ever need me, I am always here as your friend. Don't doubt yourself either because you are such a good person okay?" Akio nods his head, "Be happy Akio," Tears fall down his face.

"Can I just get one last hug?" My eyes tear up reminding me of the wonderful past we had but we can't look to the past anymore, "I loved you," Akio starts to sob.

"I loved you too," The water in my eyes finally starts to come down my cheeks. I see Alejandro and Ann Marie looking at us from the corner of my blurred eye filled with tears. He finally let's go with me and stands up.

"Come on let's go skate, friend," Akio gives me his hand.