In the Night

15 • A Distant Memory

E M E R S O N

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I was frustrated. And pissed off. This girl with her flighty attitude and confusing demeanour sent me straight into a whirlwind of thoughts. What was I doing?

Doubting my emotions towards her, I tried convincing myself that it was basic lust that kept me intrigued. I barely knew her, I tried to convince myself. But against my better judgement, there was a tiny nagging voice in the back of my head that repeated no. You do know her. You've known her for years, you just haven't known it. Your souls met once, long ago, in a distant memory. That's how it felt to be around her.

I tilted the cup of tea that sat in front of me, lost in thought. The sun beamed down on me, sweat allowing my sunglasses to slide down the bridge of my nose. Scotty sat opposite me, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Sasha. They've been trying to patch up their relationship on this trip, and it didn't seem to be going incredibly well.

"This whole time, I've been trying to remain civil for our friends sakes, but I don't know, man. There's something that's really bothering her, but every time I ask her about it we end up fighting." He explained. He ran a hand through his hair, sighing.

"I'm not sure whether I'm the best person to be asking, mate. It's not like I'm an expert in the relationship department." I chuckled. Immediately my mind went to Treenie. It felt like I hadn't spoken to her in ages, and honestly, I kind of missed he. She was a great friend, and I truly loved her, but it was a different feeling compared to how I felt about Sunni. It almost felt like a sibling love, a sort of mentality that I had to protect and shield her from the outside world. Like I was her... brother.

Clearing my throat, I took another sip of the beverage in front of me. "I mean, I don't even think I've ever been in a real relationship, or ever had real feelings towards someone." Until now, I guess.

"Speaking of, how is that little bird that you've been hanging around with lately?" Scotty smiled.

I furrowed my brows. "Treenie? You know what our relationship is like, mate."

He chuckled, a knowing sparkle glinting in his eye. "You know I'm not talking about her, E."

I wasn't sure whether to admit to him my emotions, because admitting them to Scotty meant admitting them to myself. And I wasn't sure whether I was prepared for that.

"Who? Sunni? Yeah, she's pretty cool." I tried to remain as nonchalant as possible, covering up the emotions that I truly felt. I mean, I'd been trying my absolute best to help her, but no matter how hard I try it never seems to be enough for her. I can understand that she wanted to be her own hero, but sometimes you needed help first.

"It seems that she's been on your mind a lot." Scotty pointed out. "I mean, you've got this look in your eye, I can't describe it. Like your a little lost puppy, searching for an owner." A stupid grin crossed his face, and I rolled my eyes, scoffing at his accusation.

"Oh shut up. I'm just thinking, is all." I took another sip of my tea, finishing off my cup. "I can't seem to understand her, mate. No matter how many times I think I finally know her, she fucking backflips her personality and I have to start from scratch once again."

I sighed, unsure how to handle the situation. All of a sudden, an annoying bleeping tone pulled me out of my mental rant. Groaning at the caller ID, I stood up from the table and waved back to Scotty, gesturing to him that I'd just be a minute.

"Olive. Hi." I said grimly. I've tried all my life to be pleasant with this woman, but it seems that my efforts have reached to no avail. She was still an absolute bitch of a thing.