When I See You Again

From the age of three, sculpting in sandpits, to the age of eight, chasing the ice cream truck, Wes and Aspen were inseparable. They were what every kid dreamed to have in a best friend. Until one day, Wesley had to move away, leaving behind his home, state, school... and Aspen.

Nine years later, he returns. But will things go back to how they were? Were Aspen and him really as inseparable as they had seemed? Or has his time away changed him for the worst?

***

"Wesley?" The girl asked with curious eyes.

When I turned to her but didn't answer, she continued.

"It's Aspen. Aspen Samuels. Do you remember me?" Her voice was quiet and shakey.

Aspen. Of course, it was Aspen. That was the name that I used to know so well. That was the name of the girl who made me the happiest I had ever been and then broke me. I wanted to smile and yell that yes, it was me. I wanted to run up to her and wrap her in a hug while spinning around laughing. I wanted things to go back to normal. But at the same time, I wanted to scream and shout at her. I wanted to hurt her the way that she hurt me, but I knew that wasn't possible. She could never feel the pain that I felt. I hated her with every fiber in my being.

I clenched my jaw to try and suppress the anger and hatred I felt towards this blue eyed girl.

"Yeah. I remember you," I spat and turned away.

"Wesley..." she quietly called as I began to walk away.

Without even turning around I said through clenched teeth, "It's Wes."