FORGET ME NOT

Chapter Two: The One Who Remembers

Chapter Two

AIDEN

It has never been a question of who forgets. But sometimes, there's a definite pain on being the one who remembers everything.

When I saw Trish at the airport, I didn't know what to feel. She is still stunningly beautiful. Her long brown hair sparkles under the sun and her smile? Her smile is the most beautiful smile in the entire world.

A part of me misses her but the other part is terrified to miss her. It's hard for me to forget my feelings but then she can't remember me; she can't remember one single thing about me.

I survived the past few hours of being near her without showing my true emotions and feelings; without her knowing the real story of our past. I don't know if I'll survive the next months, but my hopes are high.

I stood beside the kitchen bar, watching Trish wash the dishes. Why can't I take my eyes off her? I watched her every single move and word. She's like a walking poison that could kill me anytime she wishes to.

While I was gazing at her, I want to touch her, hug her like she wanted me to, and kiss her on the forehead like what I used to do. But everything is different now. We're not kids anymore. Everything has changed.

Cecily stood beside me and said, "Aiden are you okaaaay?"

"Yes. Your handsome brother is alright" I faked a smile, assuring her.

"You don't look alright" she tilted her head and frowned.

I knelt down in front of her so I'm just about her height.

"I promise you I'm alright. Okay?"

"Okay"

After a few minutes, I went back to my room because I need to distance myself from Trish even though I know it's impossible.

I lay on the bed and covered my face with my pillow feeling confused. I was about to fall asleep when a knock came into the door.

"You still up?" My mom asked

"Yes mom. Come in. It's open"

The door opened with a squeak. Mom looked at me with a small frown on her face.

"What's the problem mom?" I asked her face shone with wonder.

She sat down beside me and said, "I saw the way you look at Trish a while ago... " She paused with a small smile then she added, "it was the same look you do when you were still little"

I bowed my head, thinking about all the memories Trish have forgotten. "I know mom it's really hard for me. You know I love her. I'm just so confused that she can't remember me"

"She's your cousin, Aiden. We didn't have any news from her family for eight years. Then suddenly, she called me crying"

I lifted my head, gazing at my mom. "What happened to her family mom? You didn't tell us"

"I'm not in the position to tell it. Someday, she'll tell you herself."

I sighed.

"I know it's hard but please try to control it. Okay? I don't want our family being talked about. You two are cousins, keep that in mind"

I nodded. "I will"

"School is almost soon; can you please make sure that she's okay?"

"Even if you don't ask me, I will do it you know."

"I know"

"And I will protect her... always"

"Thank you Aiden" She said holding my hand. My mom walked out of the room, leaving me alone again.