The Sandbox Locket

Part 2

The Sandbox Locket part 2:

(Liam's POV)

I anxiously finger the locket as I think of her. Luna was such a beautiful little girl, with long blonde tresses and huge grey eyes. We were best friends, as well as neighbors, and we were inseparable until a few days into first grade. There, she decided that having girl friends was more fun, and left me to deal with all of the bullies. I didn't really have any friends throughout grade school or middle school, and sometimes I could tell that Luna even felt remorse, but then she hit puberty and BAM! Boys were crazy over her. She completely forgot about me..

I remember that fateful day when I tried to ask her out.. Everyone laughed at me, because what was shorty pudgy sick Liam doing asking gorgeous Luna out? That day there was no sign of her childhood self. There was no smile on her overly glossed lips, just a sneer of disgust. And as her made-up eyes narrowed, I knew that I had no chance. That was the last day I ever spoke to her, and that was the day that our old locket went into the safebox.

Of course, when I auditioned for the X-factor, some of my former bullies tried to win me over, but I just pushed them away. There were also those awkward moments when Luna and I made eye contact as we simultaneously went to get the mail; I always looked away first.

*BANG BANG BANG*

I am jerked out of my thoughts as someone knocks, then rings the doorbell. Ugh.. Probably the paparazzi.. Those dicks should get a proper job. I make a mental note to put that on Twitter later.

But when I open the door, I am met by none other than Luna Quimby.

(Luna's POV)

I don't recognize him at first. Then it all clicks. "Liam? Is that you?" you whisper. You reach forward and embrace him. He stiffens, and you awkwardly let go.

God, he's so cute now. I mean, he was always cute, but now he's CUTE. Like HOT.

"What are you doing here, Luna?" he asks in a guarded tone.

Fortunately, I don't have to explain, as Liam's mom comes up and gives me a hug. "Luna darling! Your dear mother told me you were in town! So you were interested in helping with my new garden? Someone as tall and flexible as you should be great to have around! You know, I'm not as limber as I used to be!"

I smile back. Sweet Karen; always so friendly to me. "Yes Mrs. Payne. Erm, that sounds lovely!"

"Alright dearie! I'll go, and let you and Liam get caught up! He's such a busy bee these days!"

"Mummmm!" Liam protests. But she gives him a warning look, then smiles at me again and goes upstairs.

We sit in silence for a few minutes, and then I start. "So, erm, what's new in--"

"Don't even start, Luna. My whole life is just a Google search away. If you're only interested because of the publicity, then I suggest you go onto your computer and just type my name in--"

"Liam. Just hear me out." He hesitates. "I just want to say I'm sorry. For everything. I never meant for things to be so bad between us, and I would really like it if you'd meet me in my old treehouse tonight, at 7." That last part comes out at a squeak, and I can see Liam considering. Then his face softens.

"Okay, I'll be there at 7."

As I walk out of the Payne house and towards mine, I feel a sudden burst of giddiness, and I end up running the rest of the way home.