Reminisce With Me

Chapter 20: The New Normal

It was odd for me to hang out with anyone asides from Heather. I had met Julian for the first time last year when he was new to Lewiston. We were in the same group for one of our classes and spoke here and there. But, I didn't know him on a personal level.

Julian drove down the local streets, one hand loosely on the steering wheel while the other switched the radio stations, his mind indecisive.  I hoped that hanging out with him would distract me because I knew my tears were ready to advance and I was desperate to delay their battle.

"Your eyes are more green than brown when you cry," Julian said, looking over at me. "You don't have to tell me what happened. But, I just want to know that you're okay."

I smiled at him, touched by his concern. "Thanks, Julian. I am okay. Just had a rough week, but I'm fine now."

"I don't believe you," he said, turning onto another street. "Prove it."

I turned up the volume as 'Material Girl' by Madonna played on the radio. "See? I'm jamming out to Madonna."

Julian laughed as I bobbed my head to the music. "That doesn't mean anything."

"Of course it does! Happy people listen to Material Girl."

Julian glanced over, waiting. "I don't buy it. You don't even look like a Madonna fan."

I couldn't help but smile. I rolled down the window and turned the volume even higher. "Some boys romance, some boys slow dance, that's all right with me," I sang out loud and Julian laughed, slowing down at a red light. I turned towards the car that rolled right next to us. "Cause we're living in a material world, and I am material girl!"

I was laughing. It felt foreign, so new, but I was happy even if it meant for a brief moment.

"That's the spirit!" the girl in the car next to us shouted. "Madonna rocks!"

I glanced over and her blue eyes flickered to mine, taking my breath away. Her eyebrows puckered at the sight of me as Julian began to accelerate.

"Bridgett, it's green, drive," the girl next to her laughed.

Bridgett.

I turned my attention forward as Julian pulled into a neighbourhood. My heart was beating fast and I held on the seat tightly, attempting to process what had just happened.

"Hey, are you okay?" Julian asked and I nodded, avoiding his gaze.

That couldn't have been her, my mind told me. The world is small, but not that small.

"I think I just need water," I said, slouching in my seat.

***

Julian unlocked the door to his house. I leaned against the porch railings, distracted. The woman in the car looked exactly like Bridgett – just older. Maybe it was a coincidence that her name was also Bridgett, but there was a chance it may have actually been her.

"Let's get you a glass of water," Julian said, swinging the door open. "You look fatigue."

I smiled sheepishly.

Julian's house was cozy: geometric acrylic paintings hung on the beige walls and a small set of wooden stairs were on the right. Julian led us to the kitchen, taking out the movie pass and tossing it on the kitchen counter.

"Aubrey, I wasn't going to pry, but who was the guy you pushed?" Julian asked, leaning against the island.

I hesitated. "It was my half brother? Foster brother? I don't even know what to call Ryan."