Renegade Revival

Chapter 2: I Won't Forget it All

Taylor's POV

I pulled Veronica closer to me by her waist, giving her a smile. She returned it as she draped her arms around my neck.

"What's on your mind, Taylor?" she asked with a giggle. I shook my head.

"Nothing," I lied. Hayley was on my mind, like always. Veronica searched my eyes. Her smile faded as she found out the truth.

"H?" she asked, now using Hayley's shorthand name. I nodded as I pursed my lips. It's been four months since I've seen Hayley; five months since I've seen her alive.

"I miss her," I admitted. Veronica pulled me into a hug, her ordinary eyes full of sympathy.

"I know you do, Tay," she sighed before planting a kiss on my cheek. She broke the embrace and studied me for a moment.

"Let's finish up packing her house," Veronica suggested. I shrugged and tore my attention from her as I felt a pang in my chest. "C'mon! You might find something interesting. Maybe you'll remember something you guys did that made you happy."

"Veronica," I sighed, looking over at her. "It's not that easy. I feel pain more than anything when I go to her house. It's not easy; it'll never be that easy." She was quiet for a moment as she looked down at the ground, her hands falling from my shoulders.

"How did she die?" Veronica asked after a moment. I blew a sigh as I tried my best to avoid eye contact with her.

"Suicide," I managed to say as my voice started to break. "She killed herself."

"I'm so sorry," she breathed. It was my turn to focus on the ground. I gave another shrug. "Wh-Where... did she die?"

"The hallway. Right between her bedroom and bathroom."

"How did you find her? Why did she do it? God, how did she kill herself?"

"I just... Veronica," I said sternly, tears starting to flood my eyes. "Please... just stop."

"I-I'm sorry," she stammered. "I'll stop."

"Thank you," I said, my voice being low.

I missed Hayley more and more as each day passed by. In all honesty, I have considered ending myself because life was just too hard without her. But whenever the thought slipped in my head, her voice would play in my head as well, telling me to stay strong for her. For me.... For both of us.

"Let's go pack some of her stuff up," Veronica repeated as she pulled me to her car. Without anymore words, I followed her.

***

The house was too familiar. And just like Veronica had said, it did bring memories of good moments Hayley and I had together. A flashback of the time she dragged me to a party with her came to mind. I also remmebered the way she tried to decode me. I remembered everything.

     We entered the house, finding the boxes still where we left them. I went into her room, findng the box open with a few clothes tossed onto the bed. I remember putting all of Hayley's clothes into the box the last time I was here. I could be wrong.

"Taylor?" I heard Veronica try as I picked up one of Hayley's leather jackets. I looked back at her.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Are you alright?" she asked as she walked towards me. I nodded as I gave a small smile.

"I'm fine," I answered. "What's up?"

"I just remembered that I have to go to the store to buy some stuff for this shelf I'm building. Wanna come with me?"

"Drop me off on the way," I groaned with a chuckle. I hated going to the craft stores with Veronica. It would take years to get her out, even after she got the supplies she needed. Veronica smirked and nodded.

"Alright," she sighed jokingly. She studied the jacket that was in my hands. "H's jacket?" she asked. I nodded. "Plan on taking it?"

"Maybe."

"If that's how you wanna remember her, go ahead."

"She used to wear leather jackets all the time, no matter the weather," I chuckled. Veronica smiled a little.

"C'mon," she urged gently. "I'll take you home."