The Brightest Stars

Annabelle

That kiss was something. I laugh as I exchange glances with Kristen once we arrive at the Marketplace. Her cheeks are bright red and her smile is wider than ever. Her hand holds his tenderly. She really is in love. Whatever it is she's feeling, it's true and it makes her happy.

If only AJ can understand this.

I give AJ a light push as we walk through the pretty trees surrounding the seats around the fountain. He looks at me after watching Skyler laugh with Ty and Julia. AJ's dark eyes carry a shine of hurt and almost loneliness. I give him a small smile and he returns it. For a second, his muscles relax and sighs; letting his lungs fill with the beautiful autumn air.

"It's fresh today," I say.

AJ nods in agreement and says, "If only it could be like this every day."

"I like the Spring instead."

"I know." This time AJ gives me a small smile and his eyes gently shine at me. "Do you remember the first time we hung out?"

"When you interrupted my ladybug search?"

AJ laughs and shakes his head. "No. When my dad invited you to go fishing with us. That was the first time we hung out."

"Mm..." I laugh as I watch AJ roll his eyes and say, "Yes. I do. You were pressuring me to swim."

"And look at you now! You're a great swimmer."

"I hate swimming."

We share a quick laugh and stay quiet for a moment as we enter the ice cream place to wait in line. Everyone is in their own conversations, but we all stick together. The only one who barely seems to talk is Max. I tell my eyes to stay with AJ as I say, "I wish it were like that every day."

"Like what?" AJ asks.

"Free. No problems. No worries. Reckless. We didn't care if anyone would look at us. All I cared about was holding your hand and running with you."

This makes AJ look back at me and then there's that moment when our eyes grow soft with each other. Despite my racing heart, I look away from those burning eyes and gesture towards the front. "It's our turn."

AJ clears his throat as he's slapped back to reality and starts ordering his flavor. My heart is left hurt as I start ordering my usual flavors.

Why does it always hurt like this? What is it about AJ that hurts so much? Maybe because with him, I have happier memories, and the fact it will probably never be like that again hurts so much.

I set these thoughts aside as I pay and sit next to Kristen. AJ just gives me a tight smile and sits next to Ty.

"Whatcha get this time?" Kristen says as she digs her spoon in my ice cream. She knows I get annoyed when she digs in before asking. So I sigh. She does this on purpose. At least she asked during the act.

Her eyes grow wide at the mixture and says, "Coffee and Mint? Who would've known your weirdness was actually good."

"Ha. Ha." I pull it away from her and let the dessert melt on my tongue.

"How are you feeling, Annabelle?" Xander says. Luna quietly smiles next to him as they wait for my answer.

I shrug and say, "I'm okay." I look down at my ice cream so I don't have to say anything else and Kristen is probably giving the group gestures so they don't ask anything right now.

The last appointment I had with Aaron could have been the worst one I've had. I need to quit Colorguard. The only thing that keeps me sane. My heart aches to know that Nate's sister, Nayeli, is out here somewhere in this large marketplace with her group of friends and I have to tell her to take Julia's place. I want Julia to take my place and Nayeli will be this year's Junior captain instead. It's the right thing to do...