Forgotten Memories

Chapter 9: The Death Sentence

-Luke-

"Get out, get out, get out!" I yell, running my hands through my hair.

She's everywhere. Everywhere.

She's in my mind no matter what I do. I can't stop thinking about her. She hates me.

She hates me.

I kick my shoes off and throw them across the room, satisfied when I hear them bounce off the mirror. I take off my shirt and crawl into bed. I remember the first day I met her.

It was in 6th grade. I was in the school yard, waiting for Mark to finish embarrassing himself. We had made a dare that we each had to ask someone out, and whoever succeeded, when the girl said yes, would win.

Mark came trotting back with a handprint on his face. I laughed. "I reckon it didn't go well?"

He glared at me. "I'd like to see you try, book boy."

I rolled my eyes. "Is that another lame attempt to come up with my nickname?"

He nodded proudly. "What'cha think?"

I patted his head. "Just give up. You suck at it."

He shoved me away. "Okay, whatever. it's your turn."

I grinned. "prepare to lose!"

I looked around, and after thinking, I turned back around to Mark. "None of these girls appeal to me."

"Appeal to you?" He laughed. "What, are you from the 18th century? It doesn't matter. Just do it."

I sighed. "Fine." I looked around once more and my gaze fell on a short redhead. She was wearing a black crop top that said "if you can't say something nice, say it in french", with a maroon-colored cardigan, skinny jeans and converse. She was walking towards us and she smiled. "Hi. I'm Aria."

"H-hey there," I stuttered. "I'm Mark and-" I sighed, and blushed furiously. "No. I'm Luke, and he's Mark."

Mark stiffened a laugh. "Smooth."

The girl laughed. "I just need directions to the office. My mom just left me and told me to find my own way," she said, rolling her eyes.

Mark sighed. "Just keep on going. Maybe someone will actually care where you're headed."

Next thing I know, Mark's on the floor. The girl, Aria, smiled sweetly. "Don't ever treat me like that."

I laughed. "We're gonna be best friends. I like you already."

She smiled, and a thought occurred to me. "Hey, come here."

She frowned, but walked over to me, ignoring Mark as he tried getting up. "What's up?"

I blush. "Look, I know we just met, but I made this bet-"

She rolled her eyes. "And you need me to go out with you to win. Typical."

I nodded and looked at the floor. "Never mind. It's stupid and-"

"Okay."

My eyes widened as I looked back up. "Say what?"

She nodded. "I'll do it. But you owe me, and we have to 'break up' right away."

I grinned. "Thanks. No prob."

Mark had successfully gotten up by now. "Thanks a lot, bookworm. I can see you care."

I shrugged. "You deserved it," I say, pushing my glasses up my nose.