Memory Fragments [Completed]

# Fragment 6: Valentine's Day

2005, 14th February

Valentine's Day.

At this day, the school always got livellier. Young couples tended to walk around, holding hands, gifting each other roses, bragging about their blooming love. The fact that our school even sold roses at this day boosted the atmosphere.

Suddenly, everyone felt happy. Some of the girls constantly talked about getting roses from guys, bragging about how popular they were. Even several female teachers hinted that they had gotten roses, while instructing the class. Bored and disinterested, I looked out of the window, hoping that this day would end soon, so I could drive home with my motorbike, which I had bought as of lately.

Luckily, I got my black bike for a cheaper price than I had anticipated, which really helped me save my earnings, since I planned to move out of the Blueberry Orphanage as soon as I graduated. If I kept working hard at my part-time job, I could move out next month into a really small appartement made only for one person. Covering my rents would be a little hard, but I knew that I could manage it. My goal was to be independent. Buying that motorbike kind of symbolized my first attempt at cutting ties with my past. With my graduation closing in each day, I was determined to aim for a restart. There was only one thing that caused my head to ache: A problem named Melody.

Though her condition seemed to have improved with her looking more healthy with each passing day, she still had that gloomy look on her face whenever she was lost in thought or as she watched the clouds in the sky. These past five months, we kind of grew closer, though it only may have been a little. Spending time together seemed like the both of us could slowly recover from the latest events as true friends, never forgetting what happened, but rather being there for each other. However, our conversations were still limited concerning that the both of us didn't talk very much. Strangely, it seemed like we somehow could understand each other without actually talking.

Pursuing my childhood dream to become a pilot meant leaving her behind all on her own, which I felt bad and guilty about. With my promise in mind, I tried as hard as I could to find a solution which could benefit the both of us. I really didn't want to break my promise.

Frustrated of not being able to find a compromise, my classes ended and lunch break began. As usual, I met up with Melody at the giant tree at our schoolyard. Greeting her casually, I dropped my bag and sat right next to her. Exhausted, I closed my eyes, still pondering.

Melody opened her bag and bit into something that sounded like an apple. At least, her appetite was back, which made me relieved.

"Adam?"

I opened my eyes:

"Hmm?"

She really was eating an apple.

"There is something I need to do after my afternoon lessons. You don't need to wait for me."

How strange. Normally, she would have  explained shortly why, but her silence told me that she didn't want to talk about it. Understanding this and not wanting to pry into her privacy, I just nodded.

"Alright. I will still wait for you in front of the school to pick you up later until you're done with what you have to do."

Reluctantly, she frowned and stared at the ground as if she was trying to find an excuse, playing with the apple in her hands. Somehow, she gave the impression that it was something she really was uncomfortable about, making me a little bit curious about what urgent business she had to attend to after classes.

"Five or ten minutes of waiting won't hurt me. I also will not ask about your business."

As soon as she heard this, she accepted:

"Alright. That's fine."

Thus, we spent the rest of our break together until we had to go to our afternoon classes.

Thank god, my afternoon class ended. What felt like an eternity was now over. Wearing my bag over one shoulder, I exited the school, passing couples who hugged and kissed each other. I ignored them.

 Leaning on the fences that surrounded our school, I waited. I had already made my bike ready to leave once Melody arrived, the two helmets safely laid on the ground. Since I always accompanied her home with my motorbike, I had bought two helmets. The white one belonged to her, while the black one was mine.

Meanwhile, school ended for everyone, meaning that everyone already left. Whatever she was doing, I really hoped it wouldn't take too long since this day had been exhausting to me.

Keeping an eye on the school entrance, Melody finally exited the building. However, she was not alone. A guy her age walked beside her until both of them stopped midway. They seemed to be talking about something. The conversation was one-sided, because I saw Melody nodding politely, looking like she really wanted to leave badly. Just looking at the both of them made me as uncomfortable as she must have felt at this moment.

All of a sudden, he shyly pulled out a rose, wanting to hand it to her. Presumably, I witnessed him confess his love for her. Completely bewildered, Melody took a step back, slowly shaking her head, saying something that I couldn't hear, since I was looking from afar.

Based on this boy's reaction I could tell  he had been rejected. He nodded quietly, saying goodbye with the rose Melody declined still in his hand as he left and passed me, not being aware of his surroundings.

 Ouch. Harsh.

 A short moment later, Melody appeared right next to me, guiltily pursuing him with her eyes. As our eyes met, she didn't say anything. Probably, she was aware that I had seen everything, even though I had not intended to.

"Only because there are rumours of us being a couple, that doesn't mean that you are not allowed to date someone you like. I wouldn't be angry at you or anything.", I explained carefully, not knowing how she would react.

Surprised, she raised her eyebrows:

"I didn't know that there were rumours about the two of us ..."

Embarrassed, she avoided my gaze. I guess I shouldn't have addressed this topic. Now the both of us were uncomfortable. Great.

"Doesn't matter. It's just rumours.", I cleared my throat, "I just wanted to let you know that I don't want to be the reason why you can't chose someone to be together with."

"You are not the reason.", she claimed softly, "I rejected him, because I have no feelings for him. That's all."

Awkward silence. I could see how guilty she felt, because her words seemed so honest and sincere of not returning the feelings for that guy. Quickly, I handed her the white helmet, while I put mine on:

"If that is what makes you happy, I am fine with it."

Amazed, she watched as I climbed my bike, closing my leather jacket and waiting for her to join me at the same time. Silently, she sat behind me, holding onto my shoulders, so she wouldn't fall off, while I drove. The last thing I felt before I drove off with her, leaving the school and the conversation behind us, was how she buried her face in my back, breathing slightly but calmly.

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I'm aware that in 2005 Valentine's Day was a sunday and therefore, there couldn't have been any school - Yet, I had to make it a normal day so I could create this scene which I really wanted to since I think that it is important to understand the next events that will follow. I apologize for some illogical aspects concerning the dates.
Furthermore, I wish everyone Happy Easter!  Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the holidays.

Besides, if I'm not asking to much I would be glad about any comments, advice or votes that can help me stay motivated to write.

Sincerely,
Krisha_Grim