The Haze [The Rosati Series]

one

I never understood the point of physical education, or even athletics. My whole idea was as long as you're maintaining your figure you're pretty much good to go. I might even eat a salad a couple of times a month just to feel better about myself, but the gym was an absolute no-no. As ironic as it is, I’ve always been naturally gifted at any and all athletic activities, but I absolutely loathed sports, or anything that made me work unnecessarily. Most would just call me out as lazy and move on, but I preferred eccentric. Needless to say, I never understood the point of any physical activity - until the day I had to run for my life. Literally.

A wave of adrenaline surged through my body, possessing me to keep running no matter what. My lungs ached for a break, even a few seconds to rest, but I knew even a few seconds was enough for the police to close in on me. The harder I ran, the more the sirens seemed to blur into the distance, but the new fear that had settled in kept me going. I wouldn't stop until I got where I needed to go.

I decided to run all the way to my best friend Amerie's house. She would know what to do at a time like this. By the time I got there I was drenched in sweat and struggling for air.

I was greeted by her mom. "Ms. Thomas, I'm ...so glad...to see you." I sputtered between breaths.

I glanced around nervously looking for cop cars. I got none. I turned back to her and she paused for a moment, but then squinted at me in confusion.

"I'm sorry...do I know you dear?” She asked.

I let out heavy sigh. "Not you too Ms. Thomas.” I whispered only loud enough for me I hear. "I'm your daughter’s best friend. It's me, Celine. I come over every almost every day as if this is my second home." I urged.

Her eyes had an empty look to them as she still stared at me confused. "Amerie!”  She called. "I'm sorry dear, you must be one of her many friends. It's hard to keep track. Come on in, she'll be down."

She shut the door behind me.

Ms. Thomas disappeared into the kitchen as Amerie’s familiar, slim figure emerged from the stairs. Her light-brown hair was pulled up into a messy high ponytail, drawing attention to her heart-shaped face, brown eyes, and perfectly tanned skin. Once she laid eyes on me I saw a flicker of recognition.

Or what I thought was recognition.

"Hello?" She looked at me awkwardly.

"Amerie, someone's playing some twisted prank on me, and I'm done laughing. Please tell me you know what's happening."

She walked a little closer, and stared at me emotionless. "Who are you again?"

I could feel my eyes start to gently sting. I bit my lip as I tried to suppress any tears threatening to come out.

"Amerie." I croaked out. It's me, your best friend in the whole wide world, Celine. We go to Jimmy's every day after school for milkshakes. We bought matching phone cases that finish the word best friend when put together. We've seen titanic twenty-three times together and we still cry every single time." I laughed helplessly as a single tear escaped my eye. "I need you right now."

She was my last hope. The only person I'd trust with my life, besides my own family who no longer knew of my existence. If she didn't remember me, I had no idea what I'd do from here.

She stood there in silence. "I'm sorry, I...I've never met you before. Maybe you're mistaking me for someone else."

"Amerie, look at me. I'm Celine." I repeated walking closer. She just had to remember. I had to try and help her remember. Something like this was impossible. How could everyone just...forget me?