Set Him Free

When He Asks Me

[Flashbacks in italics]

I remember his hand as it grasped mine, eight years ago on this very day. It was warm, and it flooded my frigid insides until a smile formed on my blushing face.

"You look better without the mask," he said, showing his perfect white teeth before disappearing into the crowd.

I frowned, mulling over his words as I turned to find my first class. To avoid being run over by high schoolers, I crouched on the floor against a wall and took out my schedule. First period, math. Room...

A sudden crash coming from a few feet away caused my head to snap up and stare at the dirty blonde haired boy who had just tripped and dropped his books onto the floor. His shaggy hair was covering his eyes and his head was down, probably to avoid more embarrassment, but I still saw the red staining his cheeks.

I didn't realize I was staring until his brown eyes flickered to mine. No, not brown; hazel. They were shockingly beautiful, but had a strange glint I couldn't decipher. Unfortunately, blue eyes had always been my first choice.

"I-I... Um, are you okay?" I asked, my face starting to feel warm when I stuttered.

He smiled and I was taken aback at our genuine it was. He stood up after tucking his last book and paper into his bag (where they should've been to begin with) and walked over to me. I stood up too and swallowed nervously, subtly took a step back, almost calling out personal space, please!

He came right up to me, only a foot of space between us, and held out his hand. "I'm fine. Trent Reinhard, at your service. And who might you be?"

I took his hand and shook it, praying to God that's what he expected me to do, but quickly dropped it and said quietly, "Paige. P-Paige Harper."

He nodded, interest flooding his features with his eyebrow raised and a half smile appearing on his face. "Ah, Harper. Are you new?"