The Haze [The Rosati Series]

five

I had absolutely no idea what had come over me. I was obviously paranoid. There was no way Derrick, or anyone for that matter, knew who I was. If they did they’d tell me, right? What could they possibly get out of playing some kind of sick joke on me? Besides, that wouldn’t explain my face being plastered over every local news network possible.

“I-I’m so sorry.” I apologized tiredly. “I don’t know what’s gotten in to me. I must’ve mentioned it and just forgot. Can we just forget this ever happened?”

He sent me a cordial smile. “Forget what?”

I laughed wearily. “Thanks.”

“No problem. You’re going through a lot. This kind of reaction is normal.” He reassured. “I’m going to go help Amerie finish up with the groceries.” He patted me comfortingly on the shoulder before rising up, and heading to the kitchen.

I could feel guilt slowly creeping into my mind by the second. I’d totally just freaked out on Derrick, who had been nothing but helpful, and he wasn’t even fazed by my outburst. Regardless of the fact that I led Derrick to believe I was just being paranoid, I still couldn’t shake the uncertainty that had settled into the pit of my stomach. As much as I just wanted to let it all go and forget everything that had happened, deep down I knew I couldn’t.

***

My fingers drummed impatiently on the small, square school desk I sat at. There was less than two minutes left in the school day, but the clock couldn’t have moved any slower. The school day was a lonely blur, and saying I was just going through the motions would be an understatement. I was restless and ready for Chemistry to be over with. Not just because it was probably the most uninteresting class known to man, but merely because I wanted to speak to Nate after class about what had happened yesterday. The small amount of doubt that was left over from yesterday gave me the slightest bit of hope that someone could help me figure out what was going on once and for all.

The shrill bell cried out signaling the end of the day. As everyone rushed out the classroom, I trudged over towards Nate’s desk nervously after telling Amerie I’d catch up with her later. I wasn’t sure how he’d act because of our last awkward encounter, and I didn’t want run him off again.

“Hey.” I greeted quietly.

“Hey.” He kept his head low, shoving his spiral inside his backpack.

“I-uh, wanted to talk to you.” I said rubbing the back of my neck.

His eyes finally met mine and his typical smirk had returned. “About?”

I let out a sigh of relief. He was back to normal. “A few things actually.”

He slung his backpack over his shoulder, and started walking towards the exit. “Like?”

I broke into a slight jog to match his stride. “Well for one, I want to know why you ran out yesterday. I mean did I say something or…”

“No it wasn’t you.” His tone of voice had instantly became harsh.

“Well okay, but there’s one more thing I wanted to talk to you about.” I was anxious to change the subject. I didn’t want to run him off before I got the answers I needed.

“What is it?” He sighed.

“It’s about Derrick. Yesterday…” I trailed off. He gave me a look urging me to continue. “Well yesterday we were just talking, and he said something. He mentioned my favorite flower, but it’s crazy because I’m almost positive I never mentioned anything like that to him recently. I honestly just couldn’t help thinking what if he’s lying, you know? What if he does remember who I am? What if Amerie and everyone remembers? The only question I would have then is, why would he, or anyone pretend to act like I never existed? Who would benefit from that? I mean someone would have to have a motive or something, right? And that wouldn’t explain why I’m wanted by the feds either.” I couldn’t help my ranting. I felt strangely comfortable enough around Nate to be able to explain to him what was going on in my mind, and more than any of that; I actually trusted him. Even though I’ve only known him for a short period of time it honestly was starting to feel like I’d known him practically forever.