Philophobia

| chapter 1 |

The calculus exam took me longer than it should, probably because my attention was elsewhere. Lydia looked back at me a couple times and saw my anxious facial expression. She tried to get my attention, but I refused to look up. I don't know why I feel so crazy about a stupid text message. It doesn't help that Aaron and I had some history back in Sophomore year. He probably doesn't even remember me or our 'friendship' we had. Aaron Reed was my crush; yeah many people probably wonder how I could possibly like a jerk like him.

It all started when my ex-best friend Bianca believed rumors by her current boyfriend that I called her a whore at a party. Our friendship was extremely toxic, and I constantly tried to explain myself to her, but it was pointless. She ended the friendship and I accepted that I didn't want to be friends with someone who didn't trust me.

Aaron had actually been her ex-boyfriend before her current one now and she was obsessed with him. That's how Aaron and I had actually begun speaking to each other. I constantly tried fixing their relationship when they got into petty fights and I consoled her when Aaron couldn't take it anymore and ended their relationship. After the relationship ended, she had spread rumors about him that belittled his ego and that made him despise her.

Once Aaron learned that Bianca and I weren't friends, he turned to me and we would rant to one another about her. It felt nice to talk to someone who wasn't completely in love with Bianca since she was one of the most beautiful and popular girls in school. I was constantly overlooked by her and it ruined my self-esteem. Talking to Aaron and having him notice me made me feel wanted.

We began to work together on classwork since we shared Biology together and at first, I was hesitant. Aaron isn't very book smart and usually just wanted the answers. He had promised he would actually attempt at answering the questions and I was really impressed by how intelligent he could be when he tried.

We began texting each other every day and he was the one who started the flirting. I still couldn't believe someone like Aaron could see any potential in a quiet, introvert like me. We talked for two months and I began to fall head over heels for him. I started to show more interest in him and that's when everything changed.

Aaron stopped answering my messages and no longer acknowledged me in school. I was hurt and confused. Had I said something wrong? Was showing an interest a bad thing? The times he did text me, it was because he wanted the answers for homework, or he wanted nudes. Lovely, isn't it?

After my crush with Aaron, I began dating my ex-boyfriend. I eventually forgot that Aaron existed until right now.

Lydia pulls me to the side of the hallway as soon as class ends and asks, "Hey, are you okay? You seem like you're stressing over something."

"Is it that noticeable?" I sigh, running my hand through my hair to let my nerves go.

"What is it? Did you not know anything on the exam? It's fine Em, you'll still pass-"

I cut her off, "No it's Aaron."

She looks at me with a puzzled expression, "You mean Aaron Reed? The asshole who almost made us roadkill this morning. What about him?"

I let out a bitter laugh, "He texted me this."

Lydia reads over the message and shakes her head, "I don't know, Em. He's a real player and probably just wants something from you. I know you had a huge crush on him, but that doesn't mean he's changed now. I think this morning is a pretty good example of that."

Lydia was right, I was reading way too much into this. I'll just ignore the stupid text message and continue on with my day. The rest of my classes flew by like a breeze. My friends, Amy and Kayla talked about how excited they were for prom and had shown each other their hair styles and dresses. I of course purchased a dress before my relationship blew up in my face, but still wasn't sure if I would attend.

The last bell rung, and impatient teenagers flood the halls. I head over to my locker to grab my bag for track and see Ramon talking to his ex-girlfriend, Penny. I walk over to them since Ramon and I walk together to track practice every day. When I get closer, Penny looked up and gave me her daily evil eye, sinister smile. She curses at Ramon and walks off with anger practically radiating off of her body.

Ramon leans against his locker and takes a deep breath, "Remind me again why I ever thought it was a good idea to date her? She's actually crazy."

I laugh and pull the strap of my gym bag over my shoulder, "She still looks like she wants to kill me. You did tell her that we are just really good friends, right?"

"Every day. She still insists that I'm in love with you or something. Like I said, she's nuts." Ramon shuts his locker and swings his bag over his shoulder.

We make our way to the field house where our team gathers and pass through a group of guys standing together in the gym. Most of them were lacrosse and baseball players, but one stood out to me. Aaron Reed. His golden brown eyes look up and lock with mine. His gaze was like a mystical trance; locking me in and making me ignore all of my surroundings.

"So then, I tell Mrs. Retitia, I didn't mean to make the solution explode. It just started to bubble and then it burned Josh's hand and- Emily?" Ramon stops and shakes my shoulder.

I shake my head and scorn myself for getting distracted, "I'm sorry, Ramon. I have a lot on my mind today. What were you saying?"

Ramon follows my gaze and stares at me, "Why are you staring at those guys?"

See, if it was anyone else, I would have told them exactly why. I would have shown Ramon the text message, but I know how he feels about Aaron. He dislikes him, just like the other half of the population at this school.

"No reason. Hey, are you going down to Myrtle Beach for Prom weekend?" I ask, trying my hardest to change the subject.

"Um, I don't know. I wasn't really going to even go to prom since I don't have a date. And I probably have to work that weekend if I want money to go to college next year." Ramon frowns.

I nod my head in agreement, "Lydia and my sister want me to go to Prom. They think I shouldn't miss my senior one, even though I did go last year. My reason is the same as yours. I wouldn't hate going alone, but I just don't see the point."

Ramon opens the door for me, and we go outside, letting the fresh air consume us, "Would you want to go with me?"

I stop walking and grin, "Ramon Trevino, are you prom posing to me right now?"

Ramon begins to blush, "I'm just saying it's an idea. Is it horrible?"

Going to prom with my best guy friend? No, I don't think so. He's still upset with how he ended things with Penny and I'm sure he'd want to attend his last prom too. I would like to cheer him up just like he has with me this past month.

"I would have a lot of fun with you at prom. But, I'll only go if you give me a promposal like Troy did with Gabrielle in High School Musical!" I joke, I didn't actually need a whole scene shown to the school.

"Deal." Ramon laughed and we headed towards the track to start off practice.

I get changed and wait for Ramon outside on the track. With my free time, I begin to stretch and scroll aimlessly on social media. My phone vibrates and I get another text notification.

Usually when someone compliments them, you say thank you. You're welcome. -Aaron

A car door slams shut in the parking lot and an engine roars while all of the guys cheer it on. My head turns faster than the speed of light and I see him take off.

What do you want with me, Aaron Reed?