Her Name is Memory

17| truly free

Chapter 17

I'm learning a lot
Lately the nights slip by so slow
And I can't help looking back. What happened?

~Nathaniel's Lyric Journal

I COULDN'T SLEEP THAT NIGHT.

The only thing on my mind was Rose Miller. I thought the obsession died, but the minute I saw her name, the only thing I could think about was finding her. David invited me to hang out with his friends at a party, I opted for a night of beer and hours of searching for Rose Miller on the internet and social media.

Four beers in, Rose was still no where to be found.

Shoved my laptop aside on the side table and shuttled deeper into the couch.

I could ask Dad but he was passed out. After the party, him and his friends decided to drink more than anticipated so my Dad for the first time ever got drunk and feel into a deep sleep. It was just close to midnight when this happened.

I went on Netflix and played Mama Mia on the screen. Esteban was into movies and film and suggested a "fun" movie for me to watch. I was already distracted after it played for twenty seconds, the alcohol making me restless and itching to talk to someone.

Hey. It's Nate. Are you awake? I texted Elise.

She responded immediately.

Yes? Are you okay?

Me: No. I'm bored and watching Mama Mia

Elise: I love that movie!!! How could you be bored! Ugh, I wish I was there I would totally watch it.

Me: Come join. Could use the company

Elise: Like what? As a phone call?

Me: Sure....or you can come and hang out with me

Elise: Uhh wouldn't your dad notice I was there late? Probably wouldn't be okay with that lol

Me: He's passed out so dw about that

After a few moments, she stopped responding.

Then my phone buzzed.

Elise: I will be there in 10

My mind fell into a drunk, hazy joy about Elise coming. Any exhaustion I had before was replaced with excitement about her coming. I texted her randomly but never thought she would actually be interested. I forced my mind to focus on the movie, increasing the volume with the hops that the movie will drown out my thoughts.

My phone buzzed a while later.

Elise: im at your backdoor

I got up quickly and rushed towards the kitchen. I saw Elise standing outside in a t-shirt and sweatpants. Her hair was down, slightly damp from a shower and her face was clear under the yellow house light.

I opened the door quickly.

"Hey," she said quietly.

I waved like an idiot.

"Hey. Come on in," I invited her. I closed the backdoor when she walked in. I placed one hand on her lower back to guide her into the living room.

"Want a beer?" I asked her.

She nodded.

"Sure," she said. I went around to grab a beer from the ice cooler Dad left around. While I was focusing on opening her beer, she was focused on the empty bottles neatly lined up where I was sitting. "You had four already."