chapter 7

→ Erica 

"Have a good day at school."

'I'll try mom."

Finally, it's Friday and here I am walking to school. Oh my God, I couldn't sleep last night after what happened. Was he really serious about what he said last night? "I'll continue to help you out and be respectful." Was he really serious about that or was he just playing nice since his sister was there? I hope he was being honest. At this point, it's better if he fakes it all rather than not talking to him at all. Then again, it's not like he can avoid me since we have all the same classes together. I guess what's really troubling me is what he said after that. "But when we were outside of school. You're leech to me. Nothing more." Just what did I do to cause you so much pain? Was it because of…no it couldn't have been. He never was around for that cause he went on vacation. Maybe it was…

"Ouch."

"Oof."

Oh my God, I just ran into Aaron and Andrea. But worst of all I'm literally on top of him. And I think...oh what is this? It's so hard and rigid. One, two, three, and oh these ones bigger. Huh, does he have a mole here? Weird. This part feels scruffy and this part is toned. I think…

"Can you stop molesting my brother's body?"

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to run into you or anything I just…"

"It's fine that accidents happen, although it was a little weird being like that. Definitely a first. Anyways, it was my fault since I was walking too fast."

"Yeah, see I told you to slow down. That corner is how my one friend got her ankle twisted."

I can't believe I just felt his abs and pecks and part of his neck. 

"I don't need anything from the peanut gallery."

And he and his sister are just casually arguing as if it never happened. 

"Ouch, let go of my cheek. That's my ear. Ok, ok, I give. What was the last one for?"

"That's for listening to our conversation last night. Sorry about that last night. It was only supposed to be just us two."

"Um, no that's alright."

This is really strange. He seems different than last night. I guess he kept his word about what he said. But he's so good at acting it's scary. I don't remember him being like this and here I was thinking I could pull a fast one on him last night. It might be harder now that I'm seeing it. Seeing is believing after all. But I'll try asking a question. 

"Hey, about last night I was really trying to ask you something important. If you have time to talk that would be really good. We don't have to be in homeroom for another thirty minutes."

"Fine. Andrea, can you head up by yourself?"

"Really?"

"Please can you go?"

"Alright. No making out."

"Seriously?"

"What can't I have a little bit of fun? She probably wants more than you. Or you probably do and are just denying it."

That little fox. Just what does she know? 

"Come on Erica let's go somewhere privately. If we're late that's fine. I have a record so it will be the norm."

Right now Aaron just grabbed me by the arm and I lead me God knows where. Just looking up to him is something else. I mean he's so tall and I can feel his hands on my bare arm. It's so strong, warm, and a little sweaty. You've really grown Aaron. Like, I wonder what other parts of you have…

"Hey, Erica, are you listening?"

"Oh, yes I am. Sorry I was in a train of thought."

"That's alright. Now talk."

Ok that "now talk" was really dark for a moment. Extremely serious. It still amazes me how he is like that. 

"Alright,  where do I even start?"

"I don't know, you tell me. You're the one that asked to talk."

"Last night I came over to actually ask you if you remembered me. Obviously, you did. But I also want to know what I did to you? And does it have to do with anything about the "liking" part?" 

"You know how I know this is bull? Because you immediately said you wanted to start a new slate. So, therefore, you know exactly what it's about. If you actually want to talk to someone, at least be honest upfront. I'm leaving."

I am so tired of him not giving me a chance. Not giving me a chance to explain myself. Not giving me a chance to have a normal conversation. And not a damn chance to get an answer. 

"Stop! Just stop! Stop treating me like crap, alright? If you're actually mad then at least tell me what I did wrong so long ago that I hurt you. Or else I'll never know how to take accountability for it or properly apologize."

"....."

He stops. Please just turn around. He moved again. Please just turn around. He's not stopping. Fine, I'll tackle you like I used to. Maybe then you'll wake up. 

[E: Tackles]

"Oof."

"I'm not getting off of your back until you tell me what I did. It's just you and me now. We-we used to be so close. You remember right? 

"....."

As I laid on his back I began to think about the past. The past that we shared, the dreams we told one another, and the friendship we shared. But within all that, I began to feel something was forgotten. I felt guilty because I was beginning to think it was me that's forgotten something. I'm thinking…wait what's this? Oh, I can feel his back muscles with my chest. Without thinking I reached over and touched his shoulders. I gave it a squeeze and thought how can anyone get this tone?

"Oh my God I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to do that. I got curious for no reason at all. But I'm still going to lay on you until you tell me."

"Please Erica, please stop rubbing your chest on my back."

"My chest?"

Holy cow when did I start doing this? But his back was so muscular. 

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright, but can you please get off of me? I'm starting to get really uncomfortable for no reason."

"Sorry, wait are you going to tell me?"

"I don't want to, but what choice do I have. I don't feel like getting tackled again."

"You don't have to if you don't wanna."

"Seriously? Which is it?" 

"Ok, ok I want to know. But I'm staying on you until you tell me."

"Fine. Alright, so the reason is that you promised me way back that we'd go…"

→ Aaron

"Aaron Williams Wheeler, what are you doing?"

"Mother? This-this isn't what it looks like."

Unlike dad, mom will act sweet, but she'll definitely tear me apart. The good thing is she's reasonable, sometimes. 

"Don't mother me. What else does it look like? Get to school right now! I don't want another call while I'm at work again."

"Here, I'll get off your back for now."

"Thanks. Wait, mom. What are you doing back early? You're not supposed to come back till March 4th and it's only February 15th. Wait, where's dad? No, what is going on here?"

"We decided to come back early. Your father will be home later tonight. And...oh my God Erica, Erica Earhart?!"

"Hi Mrs. Wheeler, it's nice to see you again. Although it's been five years ha-ha." 

And here things couldn't get worse. I was seriously hoping my mother didn't recognize her. But the worst part is, why am I crouching? Oh Aaron I know why because that Erica gave you a boner. Ugh, do I hate her or like her? Which is it?!

"Ouch. Mom that hurts."

"What did I tell you about getting lost in your mind when I'm addressing you?"

"Mom you were talking to her so…OUCH, that's my ear mother!"

"Get to school now."

"But…"

"Now!"

"Alright come on Erica, let's go."

"I want to talk to her for a moment."

And things just got worse. This day is going to be another long one. Well, I'm just glad no one was around to see that scene. I wouldn't want any rumors to go around in school. That's the last thing I want there. 

"See you in English class.."

"Ok."

→ Erica 

"So, what did you want to talk about Mrs. Wheeler?"

"Did your father put you up to this?"

"Excuse me? What about my father?"

"I received some information about your move to school. And what I noticed was you're in the same classes as Aaron. All of them except the homeroom. What I'm asking is, does your father have connections with the school?"

"Oh, I don't know. I was wondering the same as well. Please know I'm not up to anything. It's not like it was back then. I never wanted to do any of those things to Aaron, you have to believe in that part. And I only know Aaron went to this school because of the EET's."

"I understand. So it doesn't appear you know anything after all. Sorry for coming strong towards you there."

"That's ok, he's your son after all."

Just so you know Erica, I never doubted you nor have my husband and I ever not believed you. My son on the other hand is the one you need to convince this. You both are almost adults. Five years of a grudge or whatever it is needs to be dealt with the ones involved."

"Thank you for…"

"Don't thank me yet. Last night however I cannot have another repeat. I wasn't sure who you were. A hooded figure opening our gate and walking to the house."

"Sorry."

"That's alright. Both you and Aaron always impressed me how you could remember things so well."

I think she was talking about me showing up at their house late at night. I still remembered the passcode to the gate after all those years. I forgot they have surveillance cameras around their house. 

"I understand, and I apologize for that."

"It's alright. Please give Aaron some time as well and don't go so hard on him. I'll be having a conversation with him tonight about his behavior from last night. That was uncalled for and rude. Was he like that during school yesterday towards you?"

"No, actually he was the opposite. He treated me like he never met me before. It was actually quite nice, it reminded me of the old days a bit. But with us a little more closely."

"Did he say he forgot?"

"Um, yes."

"That little...alright. I have to go, it was nice seeing you again. And you're welcome to the house anytime regardless of what Aaron says."

"It was nice seeing you as well Mrs.Wheeler. Thank you."

"Likewise. Now, you should get to school, you still have seven minutes till homeroom."

I waved as she rode off. For a second there I thought she was going to tear me a new one. But I feel much better now. In fact, I feel amazing because I've basically won the parents over. Now I just need to get him. Aaron, you just wait. 

→ Aaron

*Achoo*

"Feels like people were talking about me."

Still can't believe I went off on Erica last night. 

← Last night

While my sister and I had the whole night to ourselves. Like we normally do since our parents are always away. I helped her with her assignments and grilled burgers for dinner. Did I mention I grilled them? Later, she went to do her own thing while I studied downstairs. While enjoying my night I get a text from Erica. Of all people it had to be her, I mean come on! Honestly,  I rather it be my mother texting late at night telling me I forgot to close the gate or garage door. Then having her calling me scolding me for no reason. 

EE_… Are you able to come outside for a moment? I'm at your house.

[~~~]

Are. You. Serious. 

"Ahhhh!"

"Hey, are you ok down there?"

"Yeah I'm fine Andrea, just got surprised."

"Weirdo."

Holy hell I screamed so loud. I wonder if she heard me. That's if she's actually outside. Wait, she knows where I live? Well of course she does...I mean. Hold on one second. How does she know where I live? Hold on second let me check the security feed in the other room. 

I quickly go downstairs and make my way to a small, but large enough room to fit three king-size beds. I know, to me it's small because most of the rooms in our house are much larger. I'm not a fan of the basement by the way. Alright, let see if…

"Ah, I should probably text her so she doesn't think I'm asleep. "

AW_… Um...I'll be down in a moment. 

EE_...Alright.

[]

Afterward, I played back the tape and noticed something familiar. So familiar that I was disappointed in myself for not remembering. For not remembering that leech. When I played it back I saw her enter the numbers 413414 on the keypad by the gate. Since our family doesn't associate with our other families. 

Only my mom, dad, Andrea, and I know that code. A long time ago someone and I came up with that code when our house finished being built. One person was there. Her name was Erica, Erica Earhart. My best childhood friend. 

So that's why I called her a leech in front of Marcus. That's why he said we seemed close. We were probably giving off a vibe like we've known each other for a long time. It all makes sense now. My phone number, she already had it. My name and everything she knows about me. She already knew. While I forgot. And to top the cherry on top. She was the first person I ever liked and only one. That's why I was feeling the way I felt and I was so confused. But what was that from before? Before I could feel the pain that she was hiding, like something more in her past. I need to…

"Damn, I got caught up in my own head." 

But there is a reason why I forgot you, Erica Earhart. Why I completely unconsciously forgot because I never wanted to deal with that pain you put me through. And I remember exactly what you did to me that day. Did you think you could just show up here? Hell no, I have a few words for you.

Finally, I manage to make it to the door. Deep breaths, just scare her away and don't give her a chance to talk. Don't let her get the upper hand. She's in your territory now. Damn, I feel like an animal ready to defend my homeland. 

"Hello."

"Hey, Aaron. I wanted…"

Now!

"So you decided to come to my school after all these years."

"What are you talking about?"

Oh, the nerve on this girl. She wants to play that game. 

"But the whole day I kept thinking. It's not a coincidence we had the same classes, part of the Gifted Program, and my teacher asked me specifically to show you around. I was nice and respectful. " 

I bet my money her father has something to do with this. He probably has connections at the school. You were always daddy's little girl, weren't you? Listening to everything he says. 

"So you do remember? The whole time you were pretending as usual."

What the hell is that supposed to mean? I forgot because it was so traumatizing. I forgot to save myself from pain. You don't…

"Pretending? No, seeing you immediately made me think and feel things again. But the whole day I kept thinking, who is she? Why do I feel like I've met her before? Then it hit me. Middle school, no it goes back even farther."

All the way back to when we're kids. If it wasn't for you, your needy dad always needed something to profit from our family. 

"Look, the things that happened are in the past alright. I just wanted to start a new slate."

"New slate? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing more than a leech. That's what you've always been."

Both you and your father. 

"So is that what you're calling me now after all this time. Spreading names about people is really nice."

"...."

Spreading name? What does she mean? Wait, she couldn't have heard us. We were…

"Just like you and your friend Marcus in the locker room."

So she heard us after all. I wonder what else you heard. First, a leech and now a stalker. Go figure both go hand and hand. 

"Marcus? Oh, so you think he and I are friends.  You'd be wrong. He's trash."

Nothing, but pure trash. I can't wait till he tries something else.

"Excuse you."

I might as well tell you more names. 

"Your leech. Valerie is a bitch. Jasmine is a trustworthy friend. And me and the boys, well, were teammates. "

Nothing more and nothing less.

"So that's how you've categorized everyone huh?"

Do you want to know my real feelings about that school?

"No, everyone else in that school only cares about status or themselves. Hence there are some good ones. I've got a good list of names in my head."

And you're definitely not one of them. 

"So you profile people now? You really have changed from when we...you used to be.."

When we were kids? No…

"Weak, pathetic, unpopular, or as you once said a nobody and easy. But just like everyone now, you never knew who my family was. You started to treat me harshly when you found out about how powerful my family was."

"That's not true and you know it."

Lies.

"Then what was it, Erica?"

Are you finally going to let me after all these years? I wanted to forget, but now I still want to know.

"I-I started to have...well the reason I treated you like that back then was...because I..."

Huh, why is she shaking? Is she scared of me?

See? You yourself can't even tell me why. Just like that day. Oh, don't worry I'll continue to help you out and be respectful. But when we were outside of school. You're leech to me. Nothing more. And don't even think about telling anyone at school. After all you and your family like that nice house you're living in right? Yeah, I know about that."

"Aaron please just…"

Time to finish this up. I'm just getting angrier. 

"I'll be taking charge of both my family's companies after college. Tell your family to enjoy the next four years. Get off my property...leech."

→ Now

And that was that. I just need to get home early to delete that footage. I don't stumble on it. I'll definitely be grounded or rung out like a towel by her. Sheesh, I can feel the chills down my spine. Speaking of chills, Andrea gave me a bad case of them after I saw her watching from the windows. I didn't say anything because I didn't want to be out there longer than I needed to be. 

[Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong]

Damn. I missed homeroom. Looks like I'll have to head to the office to tell them I'm actually here. 

End of Episode 9