REMINISCENT

CHAPTER FIVE: Awakening Memories pt 2 (FINAL EDIT)

With one last glance towards Ashley I blacked out

Ashley's POV
Earlier that day...

I woke up to the faint sound of Chanel breathing beside me. We'd crashed outside on the swing last night, but we both had things to do before school. With a sleepy "see you later," we parted ways.

The warm spray of the shower jolted me awake, and five minutes later, I was toweling off. I slipped into my Adidas sweatpants, secret socks, and slides, then tugged on my Calvin Klein sports bra. My curls were unruly, so I threw them up into a messy bun.

"Ashley, hurry!" Mom's voice rang from downstairs.

"Coming!" I called back, rushing to grab my hoodie and heading down.

The kitchen smelled of toast and eggs. Mom set a plate in front of me as I poured us each a glass of juice.

"So," she asked, taking her seat, "how was your night?"

"Fine. Yours?" I mumbled between bites.

"Good. Your dad called this morning." Her smile lit up the room like she was a teenager talking about her crush.

I paused mid-bite, my eyes narrowing. "Mom, why didn't you call me?"

She shrugged. "You looked so peaceful. I didn't want to wake you."

"Sure, that's why," I teased with an exaggerated pout before rolling my eyes. I love my parents relationship, even with dad working abroad and all, they still love each other no matter the distance

After breakfast, I grabbed my backpack, kissed her cheek, and headed out. "Love you!"

....

The halls buzzed with the usual chaos as I reached my locker. I switched out my books and tugged on my hoodie—walking around in a sports bra wasn't the kind of attention I needed.

"Hey, girl," Chanel greeted, pulling books from her locker next to mine.

"Hey." We instantly fell into our usual chatter. But as we talked, something popped into my head. "By the way, you never told me why you were so dressed up last night."

"Oh!" She grinned. "Dinner with my parents and their workmates. Apparently, their colleagues have two hot sons." She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically.

"Pfft. Of course." I rolled my eyes "Oh, and thanks for the phone. I swear, I don't know what I'd do without you."

But before she could reply, her expression froze, her eyes going wide.

"What?" I asked, suddenly self-conscious.

Her gaze darted past me, so I turned—and there he was. Aiden. Inches away.

My heart skipped. what does he want?

He looked at me, opened his mouth to say something—but then Jake stormed up behind him.

"Aiden dude what the fuck was that all about, why did you just leave like that, I looked for you everywhere after losing you in that damn crowd " he asked breathlessly like he's been running. Wait, he walked away from Jake just to come here? But why?

Aiden stammered, clearly trying to explain, but the bell cut them off. Jake rolled his eyes and muttered, "We'll talk later," before disappearing into the crowd.

Aiden turned back to us. "Shall we?"

"W-what?" Chanel stammered, glancing at me like I had answers.

"We have first period together, right?" His voice was casual, but I bet he had that cute look on his face like whenever he was confused