Forever and Always

Chapter 2- Reminiscing

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Cole's POV

I never realised how much a person can change until I saw her. She looks so different, like a completely different person. And, as much as I don't want to admit, she looked good. Puberty hit her hard, and it did a good job.

I didn't even realise that I was staring at her for most of the lesson, before getting weird looks from the other classmates and the sounds of the girls snickering and whispering. I also realised that Bella's face was turning into a bright shade of red, immediately giving me the message that I was probably creeping her out.

It's been ages since I've seen her and she's grown. Quite a lot as it seems. I know she still thinks I'm the Cole that likes to play around with girls and go to parties, but I've changed. And I really mean it this time. After the 'incident', I've decided to change and become a different person. I want to finally feel new and free.

Before I knew it, class was over and the bell rang, signalling that it was time for lunch. I sat up from my seat to see Bella already rushing out of the classroom. I don't know why but my instinct told me to run after her, so I did.

I packed up all my things in a rush and headed towards the exit. The hallway was crowded as everyone was hurrying to the canteen to get their food. Which was weird, because canteen food is supposed to suck. Supposedly.

I saw a glimpse of her as she turned at a sharp corner a few feet in front of me. I was about to follow her but when I turned around the corner, she was gone. I looked around to see if I could find her but she was nowhere in sight.

Maybe she's just trying to avoid you. Maybe she doesn't want to get close to you because she thinks that you're still that ignorant and stubborn boy when you'd last met her.

Negative thoughts keep circling in my mind but there's one that keeps repeating in my head.

Maybe she forgot you.

I felt a wave of disappointment as I thought of it. She couldn't have forgotten about me right? The thought of it hurts, not that I cared but even though we didn't talk much, we were close in a way. Especially after I became best friends with her brother. But it's ok, it's good that she forgot about me, I can show her the 'new' me, the kind, generous, timid boy that loves girls- i mean books. She will like the new me, I mean, who doesn't love a kind, dorky, good boy. Well, she wouldn't know it was a new me, she'll just think I was a goody two shoes since I was born.

I sigh before turning back to see a group of girls trailing behind me. Half of them were screaming and waving their hands at me and half of them were literally drooling. Ew.

I wave back at them and they starting squealing. I smiled keeping in mind that I shouldn't give them too much attention because I wouldn't want them to have too much false hopes. I headed for the canteen to get my lunch with the occasional thoughts of Bella in my mind.

Bella's POV

It was finally the end of the day and I can actually get some sleep. I've been yawning throughout the day and it's been keeping me from concentrating. I've been ignoring my friends for the entire day, well not technically ignoring, I just needed some time. I collapsed on my bed, sighing as my head landed on the soft mattress.

I had no homework to do for today so I was free for the evening. It was currently 5 so I figured a little nap wouldn't hurt. I tried to go to sleep but no matter what, I couldn't. There was one thing that was bothering me all day and that was Cole.

When I first met Cole, we were in second grade, he was 8 and I was 7. He was extremely popular and was basically the opposite of me. When it was recess, I would usually spend my time reading at the school library about how Mickey Mouse was real and Cole would most probably hangout with the popular kids and get in trouble. It was obvious that we lived in different worlds, but something just connected.

When Cole became friends with my brother, he would visit our house almost everyday and, soon it was as if he was part of the family. Cole and I didn't talk much but we had a few small talks. Just the usual 'how are you? 'I'm doing fine, thanks' stuff. It was weird but we both knew that if something bad happened, we would be there for each other. Sometimes, feelings are stronger than words.

I felt my eyes drooping as time went by, and from the corner of the room, I hear my phone ring. I was tempted to get up and  answer it but figured I would call back tomorrow. For now, a good sleep would be great.

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A/N I decided to do author's note after the chapter because I felt like it was more easier and I could cover up some stuff if I needed to at the end. Sorry I made you guys wait so long for another chapter! School has been busy and I'm doing the best I can to try to cram in some extra writing time. So that's all for now, see you lovelies!