Reminisce With Me

Chapter 7: The Past Sucks

I immediately stood up, my mind not working fast enough. The Yorkshire jumped around my feet, placing its paws on my knees every so often.

"Taro, down," Bridgett hissed and I almost listened, her tone stern. "Now, you." She pointed at me. "Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my room?"

"Bridgett," Collin dragged, putting his hand on her shoulder. She let out a deep breath before crossing her arms across her chest. Her eyes never left mine.

Yeah, Bridgette, relax, I thought.

I cleared my throat, praying to all the Gods out there, to not show fear. "I'm really sorry about this. This is a complete misunderstanding. And I will be on my way out."

It was difficult to evaluate whether my voice sounded reassuring – especially since my focus was on my sweaty palms and rocky knees. I was waiting to tip over any second now.

"You didn't answer her question," Aiden interjected, slightly blocking the doorway. His voice brought back a memory that was cut short. "Who are you and why were you in here?"

Don't show fear Aubrey, it makes you appear weak, I could hear Amelia's advice that she gave me at Heritage Park. She must have learned this from working at Black Onyx – a slogan they ingrained in every person's head. This was the tactic Aiden was using on me.

"Why are you standing there? Say something?" Bridget snapped and I couldn't help but flinch at her tone.

"I'm sorry," I said again, thinking of what I can say to get myself out of this situation. I didn't know how long I could stall for.

"We don't want an apology, how about an answer to our question instead?" Aiden was defensive and it suddenly bothered me. Bridgett was already interrogating me and to have another person chirp in seemed unfair. "Jesus Christ, is this girl..."

"Okay, maybe if you both gave me a few seconds to collect my thoughts, I can give you an answer," I found myself saying.

"Excuse me?" Aiden was taken aback by my words.

Think like a con man, Aubrey. I reminded myself I had to play on the same field as those from Black Onyx. I didn't quite know what that entailed, but being scared was not it. "You should know better than to expect someone you have cornered to start talking," I continued, and could hear how ridiculous I sounded as the words came out.

Aiden gave me a, what are you talking about, look and I could feel my face flush. Both Collin and Bridgett also wore the same expression.

This really wasn't my forte.

"Okay," Aiden looked down for a moment, before his eyes flashed to mine. I didn't realize how beautiful they were, the grey seemed a lot lighter now. "Who are you."

I liked that his tone was a lot calmer than before. "My name is Aubrey V – Shore," I finished, hoping they didn't hear my mistake. "My mother sent me here to meet with Amelia Hickman and Carlos Costa."

"I don't believe you," Bridget muttered, which only made me glare at her.

"Well, that isn't for you to decide."

Yes, my Gran taught me better than to be rude to strangers. But, in my defense, this girl was a Regina George.

"Then why were you hiding?" she shot back, not the slightest bit offended by what I had said.

I paused, wishing for a script. "I..." I hesitated. "I was afraid. It's been awhile since I've been here and it was all so overwhelming." It wasn't a lie.