chapter 7

I feel the need for quick recaps is no longer necessary. But I'll continue them for a bit longer since I am telling a story. Currently, I'm at the school office waiting. Quite busy for no reason. When you're late to school, you have to go to the school office and let them know you're here. Then receive a slip from them and take your homeroom teacher. Did I mention that my homeroom teacher is actually my first-period class? That's right my homeroom is on the fifth floor of all places. 

After I received my slip from the office I made my way to each floor one by one. Just as I was reaching the steps to the fifth floor I ran into Jasmine. I told you if it's not once, it's twice a week. 

"Well, well,  what do we have here?"

"Oh dear, I have been caught. Whatever will I do? Please don't punish me." 

"Are you mocking me, Aaron Wheeler? If you are, that's not..."

"No, I'm just admiring your beauty. I wouldn't want such a beautiful girl to get her hands dirty now."

"You-you think I'm beautiful?"

You should see her face. Red as a tomato. She is so gentle when this side of her comes up. I tell you, I do tease her all the time. But the best part of it is getting to see that innocent and gentle smile. I'm so glad she's one of the good ones. And each time I see a smile like this, it makes me think of that day. That day I couldn't protect that smile. I made a promise that day when I visited her at the hospital that I'd never let anyone hurt her again.

"Yeah, I think your beautiful Jasmine. And I'm not joking or making fun. I'm being serious. I'm glad we are friends and I hope that we can continue to be after we graduate."

I walked past her making my way to the fifth floor. I imagined her standing there speechless, but…

"No way I'm not falling for that. Where is the smartass high and mighty Aaron? What have you done with him? You seem different."

The nerve this girl has. Can't she take my kindness and leave?

"Come on now I'm being serious alright. Trust me."

She looks at me strangely while turning her head to the side a few times. After what she said, I even started to question myself. Strangely enough, I've never said those types of words to a girl really. So I definitely saw where she was coming from. I just hope...huh? Her face suddenly changed. She seems so worried now. Are you worried about yesterday when I left? Oh, I need to stop using my gift. I try to avoid using it all as much as I can. Probably why I haven't mentioned more about the EET's and The Gifted Program. I don't feel it's important right now.

"Are you doing alright Aaron? Yesterday you seemed annoyed and a little mad. Did something happen with your family?"

"…."

"Oh, I'm sorry I know you never like talking about them much here, but I figured I'd asked. You just seem a bit different today."

So clever you are Jasmine it's no wonder your IQ is ninety-nine.

"I um…"

"Honestly, I'm just checking up on you."

"I appreciate that I really do. But you don't have to worry."

I continue to make my way up the stairs without looking back at Jasmine. I mean what else was I supposed to say? "Hey, the reason I'm like this is because of the new girl in school who turns out to be my childhood friend. And the weird thing is I don't know whether to hate or like her." If I ever told Jasmine that, it would probably break her heart. I mean Jasmine has been trying to get with me for a long time and then suddenly someone new just comes in. Who happens to have a better upper hand than she does. Do I have feelings for Jasmine that I'm not aware of? I've never felt like this before, so conflicted. I'm so good at keeping my emotions in check, but now I feel a change is coming. Whatever it is I hope my life stays somewhat the same. Well, it's time to start my day again. I wonder what it's going to be like today. 

I walked into Ms. Jones's class. Now, how would I describe her? She's tall, young for a teacher, and looks like she used to be an athlete. I say basketball or volleyball. Yeah, the whole year I never bothered asking, I like a mystery.  She's an extremely nice lady, although a bit on the weird side. Hm. Doesn't seem like Erica is here yet. Come on Aaron, the first period still hasn't started. Dang, I really am out of it today. 

"Aaron, is there a reason you're late to class?"

I didn't bother answering and just handed her the note. I'm not chatting with her today. I forgot to mention one thing. She may be really nice, but she's extremely strict. Which reminds me of my mother, but on the bright side of things, I'm so glad they haven't met each other. 

"No reason. I was just running late after I ran into my mother on the way to school."

"Alright. Well, we have about two minutes until the first period begins."

As usual, I like to sit in the back of the classroom, but in homeroom. I am in the center row, way up in the front. Sucks, because I can't tell who is looking at me. Which is ok with me, since I sit in the back for the actual class. 

What is this? I feel something in the air. Is there someone else in the building beside Erica and me? No, what if…

"Ms. Jones, may I please be excused?"

→ Erica

I wonder if Aaron made it to school alright? Knowing him he probably was bluntly honest about why he was late. Still, I can't help thinking that I might actually have a chance to finally explain myself after all those years. Five years to be exact and it's been long enough. 

"Still, I wonder what is going to happen when I visit him at his house tomorrow unexpectedly?"

"Who are you visiting tomorrow?"

"Excuse me?"

"Erica right? I'm Dave, Dave Singer. We have third-period together."

"Oh, I vaguely remember you. It's nice to meet you, Dave."

Oh my god, his breath stinks so much. He definitely was smoking in the bathroom or outside. Huh? He wants to ask me what relationship Aaron and I have. His body language he's giving off suggests that. He also has an irregular brain wave. I need to stop using my gift since Aaron is in the building. I don't want to…

"Erica, there is someone here to see you. And you might as well get your things since the bell will be ringing soon."

"Alright, Mr. Adams. Sorry, Dave, I have to go. We can talk later in our third-period class." 

"Looking forward to it."

Well, I'm not looking forward to it. I only said that because I was being nice. This guy is definitely going to try to get with me, it's obvious. Anyhow, I wonder who it could be?

→ Aaron

Of all the people she had to have Mr. Adams as a homeroom teacher. I only came here because I felt something was off. 

"Aaron? What are you doing here?" 

Oh for the love of God why did it have to be her?

"Um, hello Jennifer."

Jennifer Fisher, the daughter of my gym teacher. Remember when Erica and I went our separate ways? I said, "I hope she doesn't run into that entitled girl." Well, this is her. I guess when your dad is the brother-in-law of the principal. You feel like you have a lot of power. This is the true definition of status. She's untouchable. If only they knew who I truly was. I wonder what they would think then?

"Don't um me Mr. Popular. Just because you are doesn't mean you can skip classes. I don't care if you are the smartest. If anything you should be a role model at the finest."

"So serious and blunt as usual."

I really don't have time for this. She's another hallway monitor.

"I've heard the same about you as well, so don't try to play that instant act with me. Now, I'm only going to ask you this one more time. What are you doing here?"

Dang, anything I say she'll think I'm lying. Even if it is the truth. And just why are your hands on your hips? That stance reminds me of my mother. Eee I just got a chill up my spine, something at home will be coming later. Screw this, I just want to get out of this situation. Someone save me!

"He's with me. He's going to take me to my first-period class."

I'm saved!

"And you are?"

"Erica. Erica Earhart. I'm a new transfer student."

"Oh, it's you from gym class. You got lucky this time Wheeler. I'm not as lovey-dovey as Jasmine when she's the hallway monitor. Excuse me."

I just watched her walk off. Really? Does she have to walk with so much waist work like that?

"I hope you're enjoying the view."

"Excuse me? I was not staring at her like that."

"I'm sure you weren't."

"That's not even…"

"Why did you come to my classroom? And why did you ask for me?"

[Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong]

"That's the bell for the first period, we should get going. I can't be late again."

"Did you ever answer my questions? I asked you why…"

"I heard you. But we can't talk about things here, not around other people. Come to my house an hour after school."

"Well, I was planning on coming tomorrow anyways. Wait, you're just inviting me as if nothing happened? What is going on right now? Wait, are you even Aaron?"

"My mom said you're welcome to come over anytime right? Well, it's not like I can stop her or you. Might as well get it over and done with."

"Were you listening to our conversation earlier?"

"No, but you should have a good guess who was."

'Someone else? But who could it be...huh, Andrea! She really is sneaky."

"Yeah…and what else do you think she saw?"

"What did she see? Oh, God."

Her face got so red after she immediately figured out what I was hinting at. Yeah, turns out my little sister never went to school as I told her to. She stayed far away hiding and listening. Then she decides to send me an entire video of our convocations. I also failed to mention I watch those in the bathroom earlier hence why I was super late for homeroom.

→ Fast Forward

For the rest of the day, Erica and both hardly talked because she was too embarrassed and probably thinking about what I was going to say to her. Nothing interesting happened in school. Valarie seemed to be avoiding me more often which is understandable. When the brother of his sister finds out she was the one that bullied his little sister. A story for another day of course.  Jasmine on the other hand seems as if she wants to say more to me, but each time Erica is next to me. I could feel her emotions, they started to make me feel like I've done something bad. Again feelings I've never felt before. I just don't know how to handle them. So what do I do? I shove them down and leave it alone.

After school, I met Andrea by my locker as usual. Talked a little bit with JD and Mike. We fast-walked in the crowded hallway, with her close to me as she could be. I'd have to say, she probably is the shortest person in this school. I have yet to see anyone shorter than her. It might be because I'm tall that everyone seems shorter to me.

"Are you doing alright?"

"Why do you ask that Andrea? Mom is going to ring my neck when I get home. I can feel it. I should have never lost my cool that night. I tried to be tough and all bad and look where I am. I've never felt so confused within my own head before until she came. I just couldn't believe I got blindsided. I should have known."

"You mean you saw her and immediately started falling in love with her without knowing why. And when you figured out why you tried to get rid of her the best you knew."

"Something like that little sister. But what confuses me the most is what no one seems to be asking. Why now? Why after five years? Why so late in the year? And I never remember Erica being smart. I've heard of her name but never thought it would be the same one. They have the same last name so I figured it was just a coincidence. I never thought about it really all those years during high school or for the EET's."

"So what are you saying?"

"I feel like Erica is Erica, but also not Erica. And each time I'm around her I feel like someone different each time. I can't remember. It's like on the tip of my tongue, but I can't figure it out."

"There is much more to her story than we are being told. I'm sure mom and dad will tell us something when we get home. Although at the same time, I feel from here things will get more confusing. You remember what I told you about what mom said to her about her dad?"

"You mean asking her if her dad put her up to it?"

"Yeah. We should probably start with him. Aaron is she worth it?"

"I'm not sure Andrea. I just met her yesterday or more like got acquainted with her again after five years. Even now it seems this story is moving quite slow, yet fast. Besides, we only have a few months of school till I go to college. Even then I feel a lot will happen in those few short months."

" I see."

We walked until we got home. I took a few good deep breaths to prepare myself for my mother's bickering. The moment Andrea and I got home she told my sister to go up to her room. And that she was grounded for two weeks. She had me stay downstairs.

"We need to have a chat young man."

"Mom I know what you're going to say, but first Andrea didn't have anything to do with this. She doesn't deserve to be punished for anything."

"Sit and be quiet. She's grounded because she doesn't know how to keep out of people's conversations. As for you, I'm still figuring out yours. Now, what was the reason you flipped out towards Erica?"

"I don't know."

"Yes, let's play the game of  "I don't know."

"It's not a game. I just remembered her from five years ago that's all. And how much of a leech she was."

"Don't you ever call her that name again. Do you hear me?!"

"Yes, mother."

"If you didn't have your head up your ass all the time. You would actually understand the situation."

"Then what is the situation? No one seems to be telling me anything. Yet I'm being treated like the bad guy."

"Have you given her a chance to talk to you?"

"I invited her to come over today, so isn't that giving her a chance?"

"I'm talking about the other night! Stop getting smart and making excuses with me. When she comes over I want you both to have a long talk. Do you want answers from the past? Well, she has them. And a lot of it involves her father. What you choose to tell her about yourself and the secrets that you keep about our family is up to you. I know your feelings are complicated, but sweety that doesn't give us the right to treat people badly. No matter what they've done to us in the past. I'm not saying that you have to let it all go or deal with it. I'm just saying sometimes you need to think why they acted the way they did. And I know you must be going through some things right now, your my son and I know you very well. This is all new to you and you can't use the same methods for real-life situations."

"...."

My mother and I sat there quietly. I took everything that she said with heart. But soon after I decided it might be best to go to my room. 

"Aaron where are you going?"

"Well, nowhere since she's coming here. So the obvious place is my room mother."

"Excuse me, is that the proper way you should be talking to me?"

"No, I'm not sitting around for a pep talk or a correction of my actions. Until I find out the answers that you speak of. I have a right to feel the way I do and you know it." 

"...."

"I'm heading upstairs. She'll most likely text me that she's here."

"Alright."

 I got to my room and shut the door quietly. The last time I slammed it, I got grounded for a month. As I laid on my bed, there was one thing on my mind. Why should I even consider Erica's feelings? I'm the victim here, our family is. Leeches. And just what does her father have to do in all of this? Our fathers were old business partners nothing more. She will always be a leech and nothing more. No, that whole family is the definition of a leech. Whatever she's going to tell me is most likely something to cover her ass. She always was good at coming with excuses on the spot.

→ Erica - Earlier After School

Finally, the study hall has ended. My last period of the day with Mr. Nelson. Aaron was quickly out of the room. He looked like that one kid in class that had to be first for everything. It was quite a sight.  I tried to hurry after him, but he was moving so quickly almost as if to avoid running into someone. Most likely me. Although, I could hardly talk or look at him today in our classes. At lunch was the worst since we sat right across each other. That's right I still haven't found my own table yet. Oh my god, why did Andrea of all people have to see us like that? She probably thought I was a pervert after feeling her brother up and down. But his abs and chest were just…

"Aaron, are you coming to practice today?"

"Yeah captain ya coming?"

Looks like JD and Mike are by his locker. Huh? It's Andrea and somehow she pinpointed me out of everyone in the hallway. Why is she looking at me with those eyes like that? Huh? Why are you grabbing Aaron's arm? Is that her way of saying don't touch my things? More like don't touch my brother. Well, you'll see tonight.

"No, sorry Mike and JD I have to get home to do something before my mom gets home. Well, that's the plan at least."

"Come on. I know practice isn't mandatory anymore, but we still have one last competition."

"I know, but this is really important. How about next Friday?"

"That works for us. JD lets go, we don't want to miss our ride."

"Alright then, have a good weekend Aaron."

"Same to both of you."

"Come on Andrea lets go."

"Coming."

She-she just stuck her tongue at me! How rude, does every sibling hate me in that family? You just wait till later. Well, on the bright side of things at least I don't have homework over the weekend. I should probably start walking home. I was waiting a few extra minutes that way Aaron and Andrea could get ahead of me. We basically take the same way home until we get to that split way. I don't mind walking home alone, it's nothing that I'm not used to. Oh yeah, I'm supposed to go across town to pick a book from my grandparents for my mom.

"Ugh, why do I constantly forget these things that are so...ah I don't know!"

→ Erica - Later That Night - Present 

Finally, what felt forever. I made it home.

"Mom, I'm home."

"Your mother isn't here at the moment she went out with some girlfriends of hers."

"Huh, Dad? What are you doing here? I thought mom picked you up from the airport to take you to your hotel?"

"She did. Then I decided to come here for a bit."

"Why?"

"What do you mean why? To see you of course."

"What makes you think I wanted to see  you after all this time?"

"Come on sweetheart it hasn't been that that long."

"Dad, it's been three years since I saw you. What makes you think that I'm excited to see or even want to see you?"

"Come on, don't be like that. I'm taking a lot of time out of my schedule to see you. The least you could do is act excited."

"And you sound thrilled that you took time off. I'm leaving."

"Where are you going? Do you realize how late it is right now?"

"It doesn't concern you. And don't you think it's a little late to start trying to be a worried parent? When and if mom gets home tell her I'm sleeping over at a friend's house. I'm not sleeping under the same roof as you."

→ Aaron - Present 

Erica was supposed to be here hours ago. Looks like she is a no show, which means it's time for some research and gushers. On nights like these, I have to say being down in the dining room with the lights dimmed. Absolutely amazing and thrilling. Makes the gushers taste ten times better. Nothing could ruin this moment at all. Huh, someone just opened the front door. Did she just walk in without knocking or texting?

"Dad? Wait, Erica?"

"Aaron, your father is home."

"Hey."

"I can see that dad, don't state the obvious. And hey yourself Erica."

"My son is so smart."

"Hey!"

 "Ha-ha. How was your trip and ride home?"

"Long, hard, and stinky. I had to sit by this crazy old lady on the plane. She kept taking the armrest and later she fell asleep on me. All I could smell was her breath."

"Here let me help you unpacked."

"Thanks. Erica, you don't mind waiting in the dining room do you?"

"Not at all."

"So this lady dad, was it halitosis or bad breath?"

My father and I get along really well. And like me, he's extremely smart. Right now we are just chatting about his day while I help him unpack.

"Hey isn't that the same thing? Don't try to pull a fast one me kid."

"Just checking, ha-ha."

Where's your mother?"

"She went in the shower about two minutes ago."

"You don't say."

Remember I said before they show a little too much love? Well, this is going to be a long night. At least for them.

"And Andrea?"

"Probably watching TV or computer games."

"You're right today is Friday. Did she have homework?"

"Just history, but I helped her."

" That's good to hear. Here I'll handle the rest. Why don't you go down to the game room with Erica?"

"Alright."

Strange, my dad didn't seem all surprised with Erica being here. I wonder if they were talking outside before they came in? If so, I wonder what was said? I also love how my parents are so calm about letting her in the house this late. Wait, why does she have her bag here? She's not thinking of sleeping over, is she?

End of Episode 10