Perfect Strangers [[A Short Story]]

III-A

The day of the 4th of January 1996, Frank's Apartment, Agloe, N.Y.

FRANK SILVERSMITH

This is it, the day you'll be leaving Agloe for good.

This thought was the only thing that circled in Frank's mind. As he was packing his luggage, he tried to determine if he was sure about this decision that will change the course of his life forever. As soon as he checked his thoughts, he became sure about this.

If Jade doesn't want me here, then so be it.

Seeing that he was already done packing, he prepared his passport and ticket. He went outside, locking the door and breathing Agloe's air for what he hoped was the last time.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

As the plane touched down, he breathed in his surroundings. The Florida Keys were visible over the horizon. He finally stood up for the first time in the long ride from New York to Florida. Florida was where he was born and raised. He noticed how much the place had changed since he was last here 10 years ago. He walked outside of the plane in order to finally feel Florida's warmth on his skin. He went through the security measures and after passing through them, he finally went outside the tremendously large airport and hailed a cab towards his home.

The day of the 19th of August 1998, Romaine Village, Jacksonville, Florida

After only two years, his life was significantly improved. He landed a decent job in a local company and reconciled with his family, but the best part of it all was Amanda.

Amanda, Frank's childhood friend, stood by his side even more than ever before, she was always there for him, especially when he needed a shoulder to cry on. After he left Agloe, things have gone downhill due to his continued depression because of Jade. Amanda was the person who healed his heart, piece by piece. The compassion and understanding she gave him was enough for him to love her back.

Today is their first year as a couple. He had plans in store for today and he couldn't wait to do the things he liked with her. They'll go to the park and to the movies just like the old times. He couldn't contain his excitement as walked towards her house.

Jade's House, Manhattan, N.Y.

JADE LAVENBROOKE

While Frank and Amanda were enjoying their anniversary, Jade was alone in her house, doing her daily chores. After the accident that she went through, she had not been able to move freely for almost a full year. She couldn't remember why such a travesty occurred. All she could remember was that she was driving then suddenly an explosion occurred. All she could remember was that she was driving then she heard an explosion before blacking out. She woke up at the hospital, feeling tired, where she was surrounded by her friends and family. She was so relieved to see them again for she thought she was going to die. She was talking to them, asking them what happened while she was in a coma when suddenly; a boy ran into the room and hugged her. She felt as if she was supposed to know who he is, but no matter how deep she searched her mind, she could not identify who the guy is. Deciding he was a stranger, she became afraid, however, her companions were not, which was strange. She tried to push him away, even threatening to call the police. The man showed a broken face as she told him words that were supposed to scare and push him away. In the end, the boy walked away. The boy was never again brought up by her friends nor her family, so Jade just put the thoughts about him in the back of her mind, never again to be brought up again. After the incident, she moved to Manhattan because of the fear of the memories triggering a panic attack.

Today was a very different story, however. After two years of recovery, she could move freely again, unrestricted by a car or a wheelchair. She was cleaning the plates and other kitchenwares she used to make herself dinner when she suddenly felt pain at the back of her head. She fell backwards, bottom-first on the floor and held herself tight, trying to reduce the pain. She felt the pain spreading all over her head, and with the pain came images of the boy she saw in the hospital. Him being with her in the train, him helping her when she needed it... She remembered all about, Frank. The boy that was once a stranger has finally been remembered by Jade. As the pain subsided, her thoughts became more orderly and she was struck by a fact. It's been two years since I last saw Frank! Where is he now? Even if Amanda confessed her feelings before me, I still need to tell him my own!

She frantically searched for her phone and called almost everyone in her contact list to know where Frank was but nobody had a clue.

One thought was stuck in her mind as she wept a river of tears,

I was too late, too late.