Knockout (Dark Sequel)

*ALL CREDIT GOES TO HAN-RAWR*

"Will you ever tell me about him?"

"About who?" I ask whilst applying balm to my chapped lips.

"The boy you left behind."

His name doesn't have to be spoken. Even with a fresh start he still manages to press against the cracking wall I've built to keep thoughts of him at bay. My stomach drops and any attempt to appear normal is futile. I'm pretty sure the colour has drained from my face and all I want to do is remove myself from the situation. I had hoped to forget him, but he's still there; pleading with me not to erase all the seeming insignificant conversations and touches we shared.

"I've seen you with James, when he comes and surprises you," her voice is softer now. "When you turn around you look disappointed, almost as though you wished it to be someone else."

I swallow down the lump in my throat. I know where she's steering the conversation, but I want to jump ship.

"The other boy," Tiff concludes.

My mind allows me a fluttering glance into the memories I keep bunkered down. He smiles at me and I immediately abort the reminiscence, slamming that door shut and dead-bolting it. And I come to the conclusion that he'll never just be another boy, he'll always be the boy.