𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘩𝘪𝘴. |REWRITING|

Five

-December 21st, 2005-

My eyes were shut tight, a ray of an uncomfortable, winter sunlight beaming at my face. It wasn't too hot though. The snug breeze was the perfect temperature, which made it a great day to take a nap by the lake. Within the woods near our neighborhood, an extraordinary lake was hidden. It was the place only Elliot and I were knowledged of. We came here everyday after school, only rarely missing a day. We didn't really have to inform eachother where to be, since it was a daily routine. We were educated in different schools, so we hung out less often. But, after school, we were pretty much like pancakes and maple syrup. Although, not everyone preferred maple syrup on their pancakes.

I felt a paperlike object be placed on my face, the discomfort from the sunlight withdraw. I took off the object, identifying a physics book. "Ew. A physics book?" I groaned to the silent Elliot next to me. "Oh, shut up. I hoped some of that knowledge sucked into your brain so I wouldn't have to tutor you every thursday. Be grateful." He insulted.

I threw the book at him, the offense overwhelming me. "Oh, really? Let me look for my English book then." I rummaged through my bag, hoping to do the same to him. After a minute of rummaging through my bag, I finally pulled it put of my bag with a smile plastered on my face. Elliot stood in front of me, a lotus cake on his hands. His foolish smile, his fluffly, uncombed hair, his dirty uniform. They all made me happy. "Happy 17th birthday, asshole." He wished me. "Happy 17th birthday, jackass." I wished him back. We had the same birthdays, and we've been spending it together for the past ten years, in this same area. I threw my English book into the lake, as he looked at me like I was mental. "I finished school today, shush." I claimed as I took out a lighter from my bag. I lit the two candles, as I could see his hands were getting sore. I dropped the lighter on the ground as we both blew out the candles out after making a wish.

"What did you wish for?" He asked in curiosity.

"It's not gonna come true if I tell you." I shook my head from his stupidity. "Take that girl you like on a date." I handed him two tickets.

"MARIAH CAREY?! WHEN - NO HOW DID YOU GET THESE?!" He exclaimed, wrapping me around his arms around my body in excitement. "I pulled a few strings." I proudly smiled.

-December 30th, 2006-

Christmas had passed, Elliot and I had already turned 18. We had graduated our senior year together, and applied to colleges. I wanted to major in radio production, whereas he wanted to major in fine arts. We both respected eachother's decisions, but we just needed to make the cut into the same university. That was where it all became twisted.

I didn't make the cut. Only he did.

The past few days have been extremely hectic, with everything that was going on.

Elliot had asked me to meet him at the lake, only adding that it was really important. The nervousness in my heart overwhelmed me, and my fingers felt numb under the pockets of my jumper. My eyes finally met with his, as he walked over to me, his pace grew faster as he came closer. He hugged me tightly, or at least tighter than usual. He buried his face on my shoulder, his grip around my waist becoming tighter. I pulled my hands out of my pockets, as I wrapped my hands around his neck, one hand playing with his floral scented hair. I didn't really know how, but it smelled really pretty. "Are you okay?" I asked him.

He pulled out of the hug, staring deeply into my eyes. "I'm not going to Princeton." He admitted. I furrowed my eyebrows, as the hope in the back of my heart that stayed hidden, grew a little bigger. "Why? What's going on?" I asked him, the atmosphere felt strangely uncomfortable. "You know, Nat. I can't bring myself to go if that means leaving you behind me. The thought of that torments me every second." His head hung low.

I really wanted to tell him to stay with me. I've loved him for so many years, and the thought of being apart with him- I couldn't even bear thinking that. I've spent almost my whole life with him, and he became a really big fraction of my life. But, my brain told me to avoid keeping that selfishness within me. A tear rolled down my cheek, as he stared at my face.

I loved him way too much.

I grabbed the sides of his face, pulling him closer to mine as my lips met his. I could sense his surprised feelings, but he soon closed his eyes. I broke the kiss, and took a few steps back.

"Go." I stated firmly. I didn't want to make this long, because if I did, I knew I would end up asking him to stay by my side.

"No." He shortly replied.

"I said go, Elliot. We need to get used to it anyways. We're gonna part at one point in our lives."

I could tell his feelings got hurt, but it was the truth. "I'll go." He said, shocking me.

I looked up at his face, a suprised expression plastered on my face. He grabbed my waist, and pulled me closer. He kissed me softly, a tear fell from his face, onto mine. A tear fell out of my eye too, the pain felt unbearable. The kiss wasn't rough but rather a distraction. We needed something make us avoid feeling a greater pain. I broke the kiss, hugging him tightly. "I love you, and I will keep loving you. After we graduate, get married to me, Nat." He said as he played with my hair.

"I promise. I promise I'll keep loving you till' the day I die, Natalie."

Lies.