The Past is Present

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"Maybe he won't notice you?" Belle said sheepishly.

I sighed, getting up to pace around the room. Belle simply sat there, staring at her phone, not sure what else to say. I tried pinching myself, to see if it was some sort of nightmare.

It wasn't. 

Zach Chase, an old friend of mine, had got to be the worst person on the planet. We had met in 7th grade, and until I moved away, we were best friends. But of course, once I was gone, he instantly became a major ass and ditched me. I never understood why, but I do remember that the last time we talked(which was 8 years ago), it didn't go down so well. 

"I mean, why me? Of all people... I'm a good person! Right?" I looked over at Belle, who was trying to hold in a laugh. "This isn't funny!!" I yelled. 

"Well, it's just... It kinda is. And hey, maybe he's changed," she replied. 

"Yeah, sure." I stormed out of the room and down into the kitchen to grab some ice cream. I plopped myself on the couch, and turned on the tv. For the rest of the night, I sat there, munching away on snacks, running the story of Zach and I in my head. After a while, when Belle was back in her dorm, I put everything away, and went to sleep. 

TimeSkip

The next morning I woke up to my alarm, and forced myself to get out of bed. Rolling to the floor with a thud, I smacked my alarm clock, turing it off, and face planted into the carpeted floor. 

Today was the first day of rehersal. 

I decided, "Why not, make an entrance?" so I picked out the best outfit I owned, curled my naturally wavy hair, and picked out a nice set of sexy af heels. Walking out the door, I felt like I could conquer the world. 

Until of course, I tripped and fell on the curb, scraping my knee. "Fucking.. bullshit" I remarked, picking myself up off the ground. Suddenly, I heard a laugh behind me. "You are one heck of a mess, Jo," Belle laughed, unlocking her car. 

"Oh shut up, it's not like you're and better.." I climbed in, buckling my seatbelt. 

"So... are you ready to finally meet your J.D.?" she said, turning on the car. 

"Not really, but hey. I have to keep things professional." I rolled my eyes as we took off down the road. 

TimeSkip

"Heyyyyy 'Rrrronica!" Kaden said as I walked in the door to the stage. I laughed at the reference while shoving him away playfully. Looking across the room, I saw Tyler standing there, talking to Wesley. 

"Hey, Jo!" he exclaimed. Wesley is real sweet, one of the nicest guys I know. It sounds bad, but if I wasn't dating Tyler, Wes would for sure be my next choice. 

"What's up Wes? Didn't you get Ram?"

"Yup. But hey, why are we talking about me? You finally beat out Lila, like, punch it in!" I laughed as we fist bumped, loving how many people already had seen Heather's and all the references we're gonna make. It's one of the things I love the most about theatre. 

Tyler smiled, but I could tell he was upset about something. And I would guess that that "something" was that he got stuck with J.D.'s dad, instead of J.D. 

Wesley ran off to talk to his other friends, leaving me with Tyler. 

"Proud of you." he mumbled. 

"Hey, I know you're upset, but at least you're in the show! At least you can hang out with me." I moved closer, and placed my hands on his chest. His shoulders slumped slightly, before looking down at me. 

"Yeah, yeah I know. It's just... Dead Girl Walking, you know?" 

Ohhhh.

So that's what this is all about. Tyler is being protective. I guess it makes sense. Who would want their girlfriend doing a make-out scene with a different guy?

I opened my mouth to tell him that it would be fine, but before I could get to it, I heard Belle say my name from the audience seats. I turned to her, and she nodded at the door. I sharply turned my head, and found myself staring into the eyes of someone I thought I'd never see again.

Zach Chase.