If only he didn't.

CHAPTER 14, PHOTO OF HER, PHOTO OF HIM.

"Hey AUBREY, tell me why you have a photo of SUNNY again?" KEL stared at the photo. 

"What do you think, weirdo? He's been gone for like...A month!" AUBREY spun on her chair.

"Yeah but, you attacked him the moment he came back, after 4 years."

"Says the person who left me for 4 years and decided to start hanging out again the moment I was forgetting about you. Things happen for reasons I can't ignore."

"Says the person who, you know, almost killed somebody."

"Ugh, you're rambling about that again? You're ridiculous. Also, why are you judging me if you have a photo of a stupid old mascot?" She stopped spinning and stared at KEL.

"You're right. He's not stupid though!" 

"Just shut up already." AUBREY took the picture, an old school photograph, made 4 years ago. She hugged it tightly.

"Well, do you talk to his photo?"

"None of your business, KEL." She turned her chair away from him and whispered "I wish I knew you wanted me."

.

"What do you have there, dear? Did you pack it secretly?" SUNNY's mother looked into SUNNY's hands. 

"It's AUBREY's picture."

"Oh AUBREY! That girl. You brought a picture of her? I never knew you had a girlfriend, sweetheart." 

"She's not my...Girlfriend" He put the photo on his desk.

"Oh, better tell that to grandma then. She expects you to get married already. And we have a contestant.." His mother giggled and smiled. 

"Y-You told grandma?" 

"Of course, why wouldn't I? Valentina said you were really close with AUBREY before I picked you up. Valentina never lies."

"You even talked with KEL and HERO's mother??" 

"Yes, yes of course! But what about your eye, dear?"

"I don't want to be half-blind. I don't like being half-blind. I-I..." SUNNY broke out into tears.

"Oh...Don't cry, you'll make me cry. Don't worry, you will never be hurt by him. I already filed a restraint for BASIL's family. It was his fault. Nothing, and I mean nothing is your fault. You'll always be my one and only son. " She gently stroked his hair.

"...I'm sorry."

"It's okay, don't worry. Tell me about your photo, though. I see she's in a wonderful dress, I assume an old photo?" 

"Mm. It makes me feel nice. I talk to it. She didn't really talk to me last time." 

"What secrets are you hiding from mummy, huh? I'll be right back, SUNSHINE." She left to the kitchen, SUNNY being left alone with only a photo.

He moved his head  to look to see if his mother was close, she wasn't there. 

"Help me make the.." He quietly sang, softly becoming quieter."

"Most of freedom." Young AUBREY enthusiastically jumped.

"!" He immediately jumped out of his chair and looked behind him...Nothing. "...And of pleasure..." SUNNY cautiously narrowed his eye.

"Nothing ever lasts forever." AUBREY stood in front of him, singing with him in unison. Identical features.

"Nothing ever lasts forever." He closed his eyes out of calmness and then opened them up quickly "WAIT, AUBREY!-" Nothing.