73 Memories

The Fifth Memory

I can't explain to you why this memory sticks out to me so much, even in such circumstances. But it does.

Thunder and lightning. Pouring down rain, and my father, well, he was at work. I knew he wouldn't come to get me, he barely even knew I existed now.

I forgot my umbrella, but even then the wind would have snatched it away from me, I know that. So, I pulled the hood up on my hoodie, knowing that it would do no good the closer I got to my house.

I didn't even make it out of the school parking lot when you stopped next to me. I didn't know it was you, so I kept walking until you rolled the window down and yelled my name. I stopped walking and turned towards your vehicle.

"Oh, hey," I said, crouching down so I could meet your eyes.

"You look a little wet, there," you commented, and to that, I scoffed.

"Really? I thought it was as dry as the desert out here."

You smiled widely. "Do you need a ride?"

I know I should have, because why else would you stop, but I hadn't expected the question. "What?"

You spoke louder now, thinking I couldn't hear you. "Do you need a ride?"

"Oh. No, it's fine, I don't want to make you go out of your way."

You sighed, and I wondered if it was out of anger or if you were doing it to be funny. "Let me rephrase. Do you want a ride?"

"I couldn't ask you to-", you cut me off.

"You aren't asking me. I'm offering you a ride. Don't think about how it could inconvenience me. Do you want a ride," you repeated.

I nodded slightly.

"Good. Now get it before you turn into a prune."

I laughed and did what you said. You rolled the window up as I buckled before you started driving. "I'm lucky this is leather."

"Don't be nice next time! Let the new girl walk home in peace! But thank you."

You ignored my jab and instead focused on my praise. "You're welcome. What's your address?"

I gave it to you, and your mouth opened slightly. "Is that so?"

I nodded slowly, not understanding what was so interesting about some numbers. "Yeah, why?"

Instead of answering the question. You shook your head. "No reason."

I shrugged, not really caring enough to know what had caught your attention in my words.

We sat comfortably in silence the rest of the way.

When we got to my street, you turned left into my driveway. "Thank you for the ride," I opened the door, but you put your hand on my wrist. I turned back to you. "What?"

You, as always, had a smile on your face. "I would like it if you gave me your number."

"Such a gentleman," I commented, and you snorted.

"I am not."

"Whatever. Phone, please."

You didn't know this, but I almost gave you a phony number.

Almost.

I handed your phone back and climbed out. "See ya!" And then I closed the door to your car and ran up the sidewalk, getting inside the house without watching you drive away.

I made my way up to my room and closed the door to change into something less wet and more comfortable. I decided on gray sweatpants and a yellow hoodie.

Flopping on my bed, I pulled my phone out.

And there was a message, from you. I knew this because you signed your name at the end. That, and no one else but my father had this number.

Did you know there's a new girl in my neighborhood?

Why would I know that?

Because it's you. Look out your window, pretty please.

To say I was shocked was an understatement. I went to my window and pulled open the curtains. Through the rain, I saw your face on the other side of the street inside the window directly across from mine. The houses looked the same on the outside, so I'd bet your room had the same layout as mine. My phone dinged again.

Are you surprised?

Only a little.

I was totally surprised, just so you know.