Memories of Autumn

Chapter 6

Anne had already left after their conversation. Nate silently walked back to the empty hallway, staring at the encased basketball. As he was just a few inches away from it, he frowned as he recalled the past.

'I observed that John spent littler and littler time with Anne. I understand that he was pretty busy but that was not an exception. He is neglecting his responsibilities to Anne. One day, as I was walking around, reading my Organic Chemistry book, I saw Anne sitting on a bench alone. I immediately walked to her, knowing she needed company. "A pleasant afternoon, my lady." I said to her, bowing a little. She smirked then replied. "Indeed, my good sir." "Why does such a beautiful flower seem quite lonesome today? Thy fleshy cheeks seem to be fading its colour and thy lush lips are missing a true and heartfelt smile." I replied. We talked like this because I know she loved poetry. "My night and shining armour is not around, my good sir." She replied. I frowned as I realized that this was serious. "He's been getting pretty busy these days. A-are you okay with it? I mean he's neglecting you, Anne." I added. "No, I'm completely fine. I understand that this is a really big thing for him and who am I to pull him away from his responsibilities." She replied. I felt a pang of jealousy when she told me that. "Well I think it's not right that you're being treated that way." I exclaimed. But she shot me a beautiful smile and replied. "Don't worry. We all have to make sacrifices for the ones we love." "Well if that's your opinion.." I said in return.'

Nate sighed, recalling the incident. "things were never the same after that. I thought John would be back to normal after the leagues...but I couldn't have been any more wrong." he whispered as he touched the case that held the ball.

'It was a week after the leagues. Our school team, the Yellow Eagles, won with John as the MVP. So my best friend became Mr. Popular all of the sudden. One day as I was on my way home. I saw John and Anne walking together. I waved at them. "Hey dude, come walk with us. Man, I felt like I missed out on a lot of things." I missed ya'!" John said with a big grin on his face. "Haha stop being so corny, dude. Save it for your girlfriend." I replied which made Anne giggle. It was good to see her heavenly smile again. "Well ofcourse I would." John said as he gently pinched Anne's cheeks that made her blush. "Well today is when I'll start making up for my losses. I promised to spend all my time with y-" Suddenly a red pick-up truck stopped by us, the cool kids were at the back; the jocks, cheerleaders and even the mascot. "Hey, whatarya doin' dude? Don't cha have intense practice to go to? You wanna win the championships, don't cha?!" I glanced at Anne and saw how disappointed she was. Then I glanced at John who seemed disoriented, I can clearly see the hesitation in his eyes. But Anne forced a smile and said. "You should go with them. Nate will walk me home." John sighed. "You sure? You take care of her, dude." He said, looking at me before hopping onto the back of the truck. "I promise I'll make it up to you, babe." Then the truck blasted off. I furiously looked at Anne. She saw my expression "What?" she said. "Why the hell did you let him go? You let him spend his time with other people other that you." I replied but she just smiled at me and replied "Because he has other responsibilities. There are other things that can make him happy other than be with me." I was stunned when she said this. Well my heart merely broke into a thousand pieces. It hurts...it hurts that she was willing to give up her happiness for someone who does not appreciate it...while I'm here, happily willing to give up my happiness for her.'

..."I'll be sure to remove that case from there." He said in his mind as he turned his back to it and walked towards his room.