Paper Rings - HS

Prologue

I have fond memories of my childhood. Some exhilarating and some silly, but nonetheless all fond memories.

I grew up in a cul-de-sac in a gated community somewhere hidden in the hills of Los Angeles, California. It was always safe for me to be outside. My parents being busy with work all day, but they always made time for me despite their busy schedules; to occupy my days they would send me across the street to Anne's house.

From the early age of three all the way to age seven, I would spend almost every day across the street and as I got older every evening after school was spent at Anne's house. She had two children, one a few years older named Gemma; she was sweet and quiet, always too busy reading to play with Anne's son and I. Her son, Harry, was eighty three days older than me, yes we counted the days between our birthdays when we were kids. We spent all our time together when we could, he was my best friend.

Every summer we'd take combined family trips; my family and Harry's. My mother and Anne were best friends. Every Sunday we'd gather at either house for a big dinner and after we had eaten, Harry and I would go and ride our bikes until the sun had completely gone down and the streetlights had come on. It was always nice to have a friend.

The years spent living across from the Styles' residence are the fondest of memories my mind carries, except one warm and sunny California morning.

I woke up early ready for the day Harry and I had planned, as it was the first day of summer. We were going to swim in my pool, play in his treehouse, and then ride our bikes until the sun went down.

I quickly swung the front door open running out onto the front lawn ready to go collect my best friend, but I was met with a large moving truck pulling out of the driveway across the street. The driveway that belonged to my second family.

Anne's car trailing close behind the truck, a crying seven year old Harry was sitting in the backseat behind his sister, nose pressed against the glass as he stared at me standing in the dewy morning grass. He gave a small wave as the tears began to pool in my blue eyes.

I had never endured that kind of pain especially at such a young age. I was losing my best friend with no warning, and I never thought I would ever cross paths with him again. Harry was the only one that I spent time with, even in school.

That was the one memory I was never able to shake, it wasn't a fond memory. It was treacherous; I detested the thought of Harry having to leave and without any warning.

After that day in early June, I went through the motions. Coming up with imaginary friends and as I grew older I'd spend my free time reading or drawing.

By the time high school rolled around I had one friend; Lennon. We were one in the same, and I was thankful I had found someone to fill that void that Harry had left behind. Lennon was there for me through everything in high school, but I had to leave her back in California when I made the big move to London.

I had been accepted into the University of London to study Literature and I was terrified to start all over somewhere completely foreign, but I had to do this for myself.