Stolen

Chapter Two // 10 "no's" make a "yes"

*Flashback*

 ‘You nervous?’ Scott asks. I shrug. This was the 11th time I’m going to be asking her out. She’s rejected me 10 times since then we’ve gotten so distant. It was to the point where she started avoiding me & couldn’t even look at me for one whole second. But I’m going to find a way to make her mine, somehow. ‘Hey Ashton, looking good,’ Jasmine winked. I just flashed an uncomfortable smile at her. Sometimes I never understand why girls spend too much time trying to look “sexy” for boys. I mean it’s not about who shows more skin, you know what’s hot? Attitude. Maybe it’s just me but I don’t think it’s neccessary for you to dress like a stripper. Well yeah sure it might be attractive but please don’t sell yourself like that - it’s not right. ‘Amnesia at 9 o’clock,’ Scott says. I look to my left & I saw her.

There she was, she looked so…beautiful. I don’t know what perfect is, but she seemed like the definition of it. She was wearing a simple peach coloured dress that brings out her silvery grey eyes. Her hair no longer covered half of her face, you can see her smile. & her smile was more genuine, more bright. I’d die to see her smile like that every day. I took a step, but hesitated. Should I actually go for it? Or is it to early? “Hey editor, I didn’t hire you to record one girl,” I hear the president of the editor’s club yell at me. It startled me so I continue walking through the crowd, walking pass her. “You’re on picture duty,” He hands me another camera. I let out a sigh & went to the booth. There was already a long line of couples. I set down the camera to the tripod & my other video camera on the chair. “Can we take the photo now?” A girl from the cheer team asks, hugging her boyfriend. “You know the drill, 5 bucks into the box then just step there,” I said pointing to the space in front of me. After dropping the 5 dollar bill, the couple walked in front of me. “Ready?” I ask. They nodded & flashed their brightest smiles. I’ve always wanted to get a picture like this with Amnesia. It didn’t matter if she wasn’t on the cheer team or any preppy team & I was no varsity player - but I’m sure we could be that close, or be together, well, someday. I hope. Snap. & the flash blinded their eyes. “Thanks, enjoy your night,” I say. The routine continued for which seemed like forever. Then it got to me, what if she didn’t come here alone? Then all those hours or time I spend showering & practicing what to say to her has all gone down the drain. If I was going to stand here, I wouldn’t get to say ‘Hi’ to her or tell her how much I need her in my life.

You see, I don’t like her just like that. I like her - lots. No I’m not obsessed. It seems to me that it feels like I live for her. I live because of her kindness & generosity, her sense of humor, her smile, those eyes, god, the list could go on. She…was everything I’ve ever wanted. I know it seems cliche to say but, I want to see her every day. She’s always in my thoughts. Maybe if I’ve done it right the first time, it could be me & her taking this prom picture. It could be me who shows her off to everyone. It could be me who gets to dance with her all night long.

"Scott?" I ask. "Hm?" He hums. "Do me a favour & take their pictures? I promise I’ll do your homework," I begged. "Alright fine," He sighs. I mouthed a ‘thanks’ & ran into the crowd. Okay, now where could Amnesia be? In the hospital bed. Nope bad joke bad joke. A smile grew on my face as I remember how I always teased her or made fun of her name. I missed it - teasing her, pushing her buttons. Whenever she gets irritated, she somehow looks, cuter. The way her voice sounded all whiny & high pitched, the way she pouts - I would kiss her right then & there. After walking through the crowd, I finally saw her there, sitting near the food table. Just as I was about to approach her, Jasmine blocked my way. "Hey Ashy!" She cooed. "Uh, hi?" I smile uncomfortably, again. "C’mon let’s dance!" She linked her arms with me & dragged me to the dance floor. She guided my hands to her waist & she wraps her hands around my neck. "It’s a surprise you came here alone," She tries to lure me with her toxic eyes. "Well, I came here with Scott, so I’m not alone," I reply. She laughs, "Oh Irwin, you’re so funny, I meant a date." I swallowed, hard. I didn’t know what to do at this point, I would just run away & go talk to Amnesia.