Greed

Epilogue (2) Aaron

Aaron

"Aaron, I have to tell you something."

"Hmm?" I quickly sipped on the bottle of liquor Oscar sneaked in.

Our graduation ceremony just finished and we were taking quick pictures outside the field. Mama couldn't make it and my sisters were busy, but it was fine. I was with the boys.

Ichigo walked away and I followed.

What is she going to tell me? Is it important?

"A, come back here!" Oscar called. I did a peace sign and pointed Ichigo. He understood immediately so I excused myself.

Ichigo sat on the bleachers and so I followed. "What is it? Do you feel uncomfortable with what we're wearing?"

"No,"

"Okay,"

I sat in silence, waiting for her to talk. I was kind of uncomfortable but I didn't show. It was the first time I felt uncomfortable around her, I hope she doesn't notice.

"Remember when I talked to you for the first time in Art club?"

"Hmm? Yes,"

"Well, I liked you ever since."

Silence.

She likes me? But why?

"Hmm?"

Ichigo looked at me. I can't tell what she was thinking. She's been like this ever since prom. Kind of detached.

"I like you, Aaron. Do you like me too?"

Oh my gosh.

Why is she hot seating me?

She's expecting an answer right now? As in, right now?

"Okay,"

She looked confused for a minute and blinked a couple of times. "What?"

"Look, Ichigo, I have someone else in mind. And we've been friends for years, I don't want to ruin our friendship."

She laughed.

What's funny?

"Oscar was right. I shouldn't have expected anything from you."

--

Ichigo never visited during vacation. I don't know where she applied for college but the boys and I applied for Berkeley. I didn't tell them about what Ichigo said.

It'll be weird. Ichigo's our friend.

"Where's Ichigo?" Oli asked me.

I shrugged, "Is she supposed to apply today?"

"I think so,"

"James, can you text her?" I told James and he nodded.

"Why don't you text her?" Oli asked but I just shrugged.

As I said, it's weird if we'd think of anything about Ichigo other than friends. She's like our little sister. We love her.

"You two had a fight?" Oscar asked.

"Not really,"

"Then why? She never visited us this whole summer. It's boring without her. Plus, his Mother hates our guts now after we got her drunk from our birthday, so visiting her really isn't an option."

"Who even told you to get her home drunk?" Jack butted.

"She did."

"She was drunk. She didn't know what she was saying. You know how strict her parents are."