The Pretend Boyfriend

Chapter 1

The cool air tickled my skin, ever so softly. Just like... No! Why couldn't I stop imagining that Aaron was the air? But I couldn't help it. The touch of his lips was as delicate as a feather. His kisses felt like a dream, now, an unreachable one. Deliriously, I grabbed at the air, as if trying to draw him out. I pulled back, realising how absurd I must look. The wind began to get chilly, and I drew my arms around myself. The warmth started at my fingertips, and permeated through to my insides. I allowed my eyes to gently shut, and my mind to wander into the past. For a moment, I saw him, felt him. I was bunched in his arms, his head resting lightly on mine. I breathed in the fresh scent of his rosy sweet cologne, while his fingers ran smoothly through my hair. I looked up into his deep hazel eyes, only that time, there was no-one there. I glanced down at myself, and awkwardly unwound my hands from around me. Of course, it was only me, hugging myself, there was no Aaron. Was there ever? It was hard to believe that only last week we had thrown me a surprise 16th birthday party. He broke up with me because he thought I hung out too much with my friends! Like what? We had been dating for 2 years, and out of nowhere, for no reason he said that. At first, I actually thought we hung out a little too much. Obviously not. It felt strange being at the park without him. A little spooky too, like I felt his presence, but knew he wasn't there. That was probably because that park was where we first met.

Over by the big oak tree. I was walking my dog, Honey, without a leash. Suddenly, a flock of birds appeared overhead, making a cacophony. Honey, manifestly transfixed, took off towards them, like a pack of hungry wolves. Stunned, I chased after her. She ran onto the road, oblivious to incoming traffic, her eyes glued to the sky. That was where Aaron came in. He was strolling along, on the opposite side of the road. Meanwhile, I was ignorantly dodging traffic, heading for potential disaster. Aaron crossed the road. We collided, head to head. He saved Honey for me, and I was more grateful than I ever remembered being. Afterwards, we headed back to the park, Honey in his arms, licking his face. Aaron laughed, his cheeks flushing. We then of course exchanged numbers, and slowly, our friendship blossomed into something more.

Abruptly tugging my mind back to the present moment, I checked my watch. Six o'clock pm. I had wasted one whole hour at the park, come to think of it, I didn't even know why I went there in the first place. It was no surprise. Ever since Aaron left me, I seemed to have turned into some brainless zombie. I really hated myself for it, but I couldn't help it. Whenever I told myself, "Okay, time to move on," a tsunami of memories would come flooding back, and hit me with the force of a bullet. My heart would get shot all over again. I finally picked up my bag form the dirt, slung it over my shoulder, and trudged home.

"Sienna, where have you been?" an angry voice echoed down the hall. Mum. "Out," I mumbled half-heartedly. I dashed straight up the stairs, entered my bedroom, and slammed the door. I sighed a long sigh, leaning heavily against the door. I only then noticed how beautiful the sky looked. The sun was peeking out of the hyaline, as it was beginning to set. The sky was a brilliant masterpiece of purple, pink and orange. I dawdled over to my window seat, a long couch, situated immediately in front of the window. It was piled high with cushions and blankets, making it the perfect spot for thinking, reading, and of course, simply enjoying the view. I plunked myself down, and reached for the phone on my bedside table. Naturally, I was going to call my best friend, Maddy.

'Hello? Maddy here.' She had picked up on the second ring.

'Maddy, it's me, Sienna.'

'Sienna!' she exclaimed. I could practically see her beaming. It made my heart feel a little lighter. Maddy knew me well, so without dilly-dallying, I got straight to the point. 'I was hallucinating again,' I announced.

'Again?' came an exasperated voice.

'Yes! Except this time, it was so much more surreal. I could virtually smell him, and feel his pulse radiating through my very being!' I blurted, getting a little carried away. 'Wow.' Maddy was surely rolling her eyes.

'But seriously Maddy, what do I do?' I cried, stretching out the last word.

'Listen Sienna. Aaron is a jerk. You deserve so much better. Don't you see the silver lining? Think of how many better guys there are out there, whom you now have to opportunity to date!' 'I know you've had your eye on Josh Hughes!' she added teasingly. I couldn't help but snicker. 'I know, but it's Aaron I want.'

'I know, I know,' she said. 'But don't worry, it's still early days, just give it time, and soon you won't even remember his name! You'll see.'

'Thanks Maddy. I would be lost without you. Oh, and I have that money I owe you, I'll give it to you tomorrow.'

'That's ok! See you tomorrow.'

'See you tomorrow.' I hung up, and flopped back, sinking into the cushions.

The door burst open, revealing an angry looking mother in the doorway. 'Sienna Audrey Miller, you get your butt out here right now!' I bolted upright, shock tingling through me. I obediently got up, and stooped over to my mum. 'Where have you been?' she spat.

'Mum, I'm sorry. I was just at the park, okay?'

'Well, you should have called. How many times must I tell you to let me know where you are at all times? This should never happen again.' In a softer tone she said, 'Have a shower and come down for dinner. Dad's home.' She left before I could answer. I was glad dad was home, he hardly ever was. He was always away for business reasons. Either at work over at the taxation office in the city, or overseas for weeks at a time, on business trips. Without him, it was just mum, Honey and I at home.

I had a nice hot shower, which was probably too long. It lasted twenty minutes. I stepped out, and was greeted by dancing steam. It filled the bathroom, making it feel like a sauna inside. I got dressed into my silk, Japanese style pyjamas. I pulled my hair into a bun, and padded bare foot back to my bedroom. Honey had made herself comfortable in my bed, and began yapping as soon as I appeared. She jumped off swiftly, and began prancing at my feet. 'Honey!' I laughed, my grin pulling from ear to ear. 'It's time for dinner, come on.' Seeing that she refused to budge, I scooped her into my arms, and carried her like a baby, downstairs.

'Sienna, darling!'

'Dad!' I shrieked. I quickly placed Honey on the ground, and rushed over to him.

'How are you?' he asked, ruffling my hair.

'Good thanks.' Sometimes our conversations felt formal and strained. I wanted to be closer to dad than I was, but it was hard, with him being away all the time. Oh well, at least we both tried. And it wasn't like we were completely out of touch. My stomach started to rumble, and I remembered that I hadn't eaten since lunch. At the dinner table, mum and dad chatted chirpily. I, on the other hand, was scoffing down my rice like there was no tomorrow. I stuffed salad leaves in my mouth, and viciously impaled my chicken with a fork. Dad glanced at me cautiously, and I gave him a toothy smile.

Feeling satisfied, I went upstairs to get ready for bed. Tomorrow would be the last day of term 3. After that, there would be one term left till summer holidays! I brushed my teeth, and ambled back downstairs. My parents were still at the table, having some coffee. 'Goodnight mum, goodnight dad,' I called. 'Night,' they chorused. I took Honey outside, and settled her into her kennel for the night. I placed a light kiss on her forehead, tucked her in like a child, and gently closed the door behind me. I took a deep breath knowing that I would see Aaron at school the next day. I hadn't since him since we broke up, over the phone to be precise. For the past week he was at some football training camp in California, and was only returning to school the following day. Oh what dread I was feeling!