The Time I Met You [A Micheal Clifford story]

CHAPTER 1 EMMA.

I knew it. I have seen him somewhere. But where. It couldn't have been. It is. I wonder if he will remember me. If he will recognize me under all of this. But why would he? Why would he want to? It's time to go. But I can't leave him here. I have to. Even if it is painful. He will be nailed into my head for ages. I just have to let go. But how.

When I get home, I go straight to my room. I don't want to get up tomorrow. Even if it is final exams. That smile. It has to be from somewhere, but where. I will just have to sleep on it.

Ding. Ding. Ding. It's Monday. No. I get up and do my "daily routine". I wait for the school bus to pick me up. I don't want to be here. I don't want to be anywhere, ever again. But I am forced to go to "live my life".

My friends greet me. As usual, I don't reply. I am too tired to speak. To depressed. I know they only speak to me to cheer me up. Inside they really hate me, just like the rest of the world. I really don't want to be here, on the first day of school.

I'm with you world, I say in my head. It's pouring rain and I feel like everything is mad at me. I still can't get that face out of my head. When I saw him just standing there, it lit me up with this warm, fuzzy feeling that I have never felt before.

I jump out of the school bus. Even the bus driver tries to bring me in a happy mood. I see him again. In front of the school, talking with his friends. That smile pops into my head.

"You do realize you're wearing all black? Right?" Gracey says. She always points that out.
"So? Why would you care?"
"It's the first day of school, silly! You need to be more happy!"

I zone out after that. I can't stop staring at him. He's just so... different. Then, I realize that I'm walking up to him. I can't stop me feet. Hopefully they will just go straight past him. Why are they coming to a stop right next to him? I finally open my eyes and see that my best friend Addison is standing there. Not only standing there, but talking to his friend.

"Hey," I manage to whisper. I don't know what to do.
"Hey. I'd like you to meet some friends of mine." Addison replies. "Emma, I'd like you to meet Ashton, my boyfriend, Calum, Luke, and Michael. Guys, this is Emma."

Michael. That was it.
"I know you from somewhere," Michael says, straight to my face.
I'm speechless. What do you say to that? I am frozen. Here comes the fuzzy feeling.

"I have to go. I'll be late for Core One. Nice meeting you guys."
"You too," Calum replies.

At least they seem nice. Wait a second. Did Addison say she was dating Ashton?

He came up behind my locker door, and scared me half to death. Right next to me. Many a little too close. His hair is a bright, vibrant purple. "Hey," he said...