Code: 16B

Chapter Twenty-Six

Twenty-Six

Five Months Later

     “Amanda, are you even listening to me?” the sound of Missy’s voice pulled me out of my reverie, she sounded annoyed, not that I was paying any attention.

    I quickly shook my head. “I’m sorry, what?” I mumbled.

    She sighed. “I told you that prom is like a month away, and I still don’t have a date.” She said, her tone hinted annoyance a she placed her head in her hands, and rubbed her eyes. For a moment, I thought that she wiped away tears, but I ignored it.

    Even if she cried, it’s hard to tell with her now auburn hair blocking her face. “I mean, I wish that Victor guy was still around. We went out on one date, and he never calls me afterwards. I mean, that guy he could’ve been the one, you know.” she said, and I tried to hold back the shivers that went up my spine at the mention of that name.

    I had never told Missy the after effect when that name is mentioned. I know that whenever that name is mentioned, I am reminded of the horrible events that happened months ago. Also, I’m reminded of the guy who not only saved my life, but also left a hole in my heart. And when I get home, the pain never ceased to remind me of that stupid hole that continues to burn like a candle, but no one is ever there to blow it out.

    “What about Dimmick, he likes you.” I said, but my voice didn’t hold any emotion as I tried not to reveal what she doesn’t know.

    She scrunches her face for a moment, before she could summon an answer. “Well, he might be the perfect candidate, if he asks me out in the most bizarre way. You know, like in the movies…” she trailed off, but I wasn’t listening. I was already preoccupied with another name that associated with the one Missy mentioned, mostly involving the guy who saved me, not just from Victor, but (in a weird way) myself.

    “Amanda, are you okay?” Missy said, her tone filled with concern, but I don’t bother to look at her.

    I just nodded, not trusting my voice to reveal the story to my best friend. I knew that if I tell her, it would only reveal the memories that are already blocked from her subconscious mind. And I know, deep down that I can’t allow that to happen even though he’s not here to remind me, I know that he would agree.

    Then, the bell finally rings, and we gathered our things and head off to lunch. Acting as if nothing out of the ordinary ever happened, just like he promised, and I still couldn’t believe that it was not long ago when my life felt so…complete. Then, I remembered the near death experiences, and tried my best not to show fear as Missy and I began to take our seats at our usual lunch table. I feigned interest in the conversation about next week’s rehearsals, the senior prom, the upcoming theatre banquet (the theme being Phantom of The Opera), and a bunch of other random topics that came to mind. Everything was back to normal. Back to the life I’d once known, before he came.

    That night, I could only remember falling asleep, and waking up with a sore throat and my eyes feeling sore. I could imagine what a night I endured. I could still remember the nightmare.

    In my nightmare, I was in the same meadow, wearing the same baby pink dress, my hair was flat-ironed straight, and fluttering in the breeze. Instead of waiting for him to enter the meadow, I was searching for him. I continued running, without seeming to stop, not even for a breather. Even when I ran into the surrounding trees, the unadorned branches just scratch against my exposed flesh, and get caught in my hair. But I didn’t care if I would be left with scars, bald spots, or anything. All I know, is that I was searching for him, desperately trying to find him, and…well, I don’t know what I’d do if ever found him. But as I searched, I couldn’t hold back my screams as I called his name, and my tears that came out when I don’t hear an answer.

    And it’s at that point when I wake up.

    I shook my head, clearing it of the nightmare as I went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. For that, I was glad that today is Saturday. The one time of the week where I could relax, and act like my life hasn’t been altered.

    Amber entered the bathroom as I dried my face off with a towel, at first I pretended that she didn’t exist, but when she spoke, it was enough to literally wake me up. “Amanda, what’s wrong with you?” The worry was there in her voice.

    “Nothing’s wrong.” I said, too quickly.

    She began to scrutinize me, and I could tell that she’s not buying it. Not one bit. “Amanda, I’m probably speaking for mom and dad when I say, that you haven’t been yourself for the last few months.” I just stared at her incredulously, but she wasn’t finished. “I think I may know the problem, but I ask that you don’t get mad when I say, that I think it’s because of that Cyrus boy you liked.”

    At the mention of his name, I felt something in me snap. “For your information Amber, he broke up with me. And I don’t see that it’s hardly any of your business.” I could feel the anger in my voice, and when she gazed at me with nothing but fear, I quickly shook my head. “I’m sorry.” I mumbled.

    “No, your right. It is none of my business, and I shouldn’t have mentioned it. But I just thought I could help.” She mumbled after she splashed some water on her face, and dries off.

    “You were just doing what you thought was right, don’t worry. It’s part of the job description of being the big sister.” I said, adding a light smile.

    Amber laughed, and returned a smile. “Hey, you want to go shopping?” she asked, her tone, and expression showing the obvious big sister look she always shows on days when mom and dad have to work on Saturdays, and we’re left home alone and with a car.

    I took the opportunity to try and live in the real world, and said, “Sure.” I just hoped that Amber doesn’t detect any false honesty in my voice.

    We shopped at some of the popular department stores at the mall, finding some cute stuff, tried them on, and decided whether to buy the outfit or wait until it goes on clearance. I managed to talk Amber out of an orange summer dress, and it’s because I know that orange is so not her color.

    I was going through some of the blue jean pants in the junior’s section. I could really use a pair, or two. I was going for a pair with some holes already in them when I felt as if I’m being watched. I spared a quick look over my shoulder, but only found nothing but everyday shoppers browsing through the store’s clothes. I just shrugged my shoulders, and went back to browsing through the jeans.

    I found some jeans on clearance, along with a cute t-shirt when Amber decided it’s time to check out, and after paying for the clothes, we went to the food court for some lunch. We wound up eating some food from the Chinese restaurant, but the feeling of being watched didn’t go away.

    “So, are you ready to head home?” Amber asked before taking a bite of an eggroll.

    I had just swallowed down some rice before answering. “Yeah, I’ll be right back.” I said as I grabbed my trash, and stuffed a fortune cookie into my purse.

    I just walked toward the trashcan with my eyes facing forward, so I didn’t see that tall black girl when I bump into her. “Omigod! I’m so sorry!” I said as I bent down to pick up the mess that I’ve caused.

    “It’s all right Amanda, you didn’t do any harm.” The girl said, and I couldn’t deny that it sounded familiar.

    Then it hit me. “Wait, how did you…” I trailed off as I finally look at her. And I couldn’t hold back my shocked expression when I see who it is standing over me.