I walked away from my guy Bestfriend, heading towards my house when he said, “Jamie!” and I turned around. I walked back to him, “What?” I said, curiously. “You’re color blind.” “I know!” I said, annoyed. I was color blind. “You’re not going to ask why?” “How come then?” I said, rolling my eyes. His tone was sincere but I second-guessed it. “You don’t know his intentions!” “You’re being cryptic, like kdrama subtitles, please spit it out!” I hissed. “You remember Levi? The guy you’ve had a crush on since third grade?” He asked, chewing his lip—_he’s nervous. _ “Yes, I do,” This time I looked up, and locked eyes with his. “He wanted to date you as a dare. He’s been trying to for the last 3 weeks, I overheard him. That’s why I called you color blind, you can’t see his true colors, and I’m worried you never will. He could take your life and you’d still love him for it.” I looked at him, something in his eyes was unrecognizable. “Sab?” When I said his nickname, something inside me churned—it felt intimate. “Is this true?” “Yes,” he said, his breathing unstable. Suddenly his arms are wrapped around me, and I can’t help but sink into them. “I’m sorry,” Tears are streaming now. “Why are you apologizing?” He says, almost in a whisper. “Because I have been Colorblind.” I sit in his arms for a couple of minutes, then pull out, still holding his arms. “You like me don’t you?” I ask, smiling through my tears this time. “I like you Jamie,” He said confidently. “I’ve been stupid this whole time.” “How?” He asks. “I thought he was the one I liked, but it was you.” He was smiling now, and so was I. “I’m sorry it took me this long to find out,” tears streaming down my face. He wiped my tears and wrapped me in his arms again. So this was how it felt to be in his arms. He’d hugged me before, but this time felt different. I felt completely safe and warm—like I wanted to be in his embrace forever.
I started to stammer. “What was I saying?” I ask, rubbing my achy forehead. Suddenly two eyes stare at me, my girl best friend and my boyfriend. “Are you okay?” She asked. “The doctor said this would be a side effect from the surgery,” My boyfriend said. “What surgery?” I pleaded. Silence. “What surgery?” I demanded this time. “Do you not remember?” He asked. “No.” Both of their eyes started to water. “Please tell me what’s going on.” “You just went through brain surgery a couple of days ago and you’re starting to lose your memory.” My eyes widen in surprise. What are they talking about? My health’s great. I focused on a golden labradoodle on the other side of the field when I heard whispers. “I think she’s starting to forget. She didn’t even know about the surgery.” Alex—my boyfriend said. “What if she forgets?” My best friend—Rory—Said. “We’ll figure it out when if it goes there. For now, she’ll be going to her treatments, hopefully, she’ll get better.” I turned my head around. “Why so secretive?” I joke, my smile poking out. “Nothing, we’re just concerned for you, but you’ll be fine,” Rory said, her bright smile soothing me. “Can we go get boba?” “Anything for you sweetie,” Alex said. We headed to get boba.
Boyfriend prospective - “What was I saying?” She asked, rubbing her forehead. She seemed out of it, always looking around, only halfheartedly focused on me. I worried what was going on in her head. What if she was slowly forgetting me? “Do you think it’ll get worse?” Her best friend asked. “I hope not. I’ll be praying though. We have to stay strong for her.” Rory started to cry. “She’ll be okay I promise,” I said, wanting to comfort her but knowing my limits. As we rode in a taxi to get boba, I noticed Emily started to forget things. She couldn’t find her phone, she even looked for her glasses. “Honey?” “Mhm,” She looked up at me for a split second, then looked away. “You didn’t bring your glasses?” “Oh! Found them,” she said, then smiled as she put her glasses on. That put me at ease. She wasn’t fully forgetting anything. “Oo! That boba looks great!” “I’ll buy it, get whatever you’d like,” I said. “Don’t worry I can pay for yours,” Emily said to Rory. “It’s okay I brought money.” “No! I’m paying,” Emily’s playful smile melted me. Even though she wasn’t looking at me, I remembered when she was well mentally. “Are you trying to be funny?” She said, with that playful smirk. “Yes, did it work?” “Hmm… lemme think…. Sure.” I laughed. “Are you going to the theme park?” “Yeah, want to be my date?” “I’d love to.” We held hands off into the sunset. As per usual. “Are you okay?” Emily asked me, bringing me back to reality. “Great.” “Okay good,” She touched my face, “You look distracted.” “Only by you my love.” I could hear Rory giggle behind us. “You guys are making me feel so single even though I have a boyfriend!” Rory joked, poking her head in between us, then disappearing again. We all sat down. “Hey, my rides here I got to go, take care of Emily for me?” “Will do,” I replied. “Bye, Rory!” Both girls hugged, then she was on her way. “This Bobba is so good!” She sung. “What flavor?” “Strawberry, here try mine,” she held up her drink to me. “That is good!” “I know right!” I let her try mine, “Mine is my favorite, but yours is good.” “You know that trend where the boyfriend has better taste and the girlfriend always steals her boyfriend's stuff? I think my taste is better! I’m the one exception to this trend.” “I think so too. How do you have such a knack for this stuff?” “Grow up eating a lot of junk food, and you find yourself figuring out the best combinations.” “Like this?” “Yes. Like this one.” “Mhm,” She smiled. “Let’s go walk around the park.” We walked around the park with our boba, the nice smell of flowers tingling my nose.
-Emily’s perspective-
Holding his hand felt right. Although you know that feeling you just want to be held by them, although you somehow just can’t get close enough to be satisfied? That’s how I felt. I wrapped my hands around his side as we walked, and he leaned into me. “You’re so beautiful,” He said, moving my hair out of my face. “You’re so handsome, how did I get so blessed?” “I don’t know. You deserve the world you know? I don’t think I deserve you, but I’ll try to make it worth your while.” I felt the blush roll through my face, bolling my body temperature. “You deserve better too, so I’ll try to be better for you.” I hope I’d remeber how well he treated me. What if I forgot about him? Or about my Bestfriend?…
“Here,” He said, handing me a s’more. “Thanks,” I flashed my teeth at him. It smelt delicious. “Do you always come here?” I ask. “Not all the time, but this view is incredible, so I find time to sneak away and come here.” “Is this where you’ve been the whole time? I thought you were cheating on me.” “Never,” He smiled sincerely, then reached out to grab my hand, intertwining our hands together. The sunset painted a pretty picture of warmth, the Gold, pink, and purple beams of clouds covering the sky. This day was the color Gold. The warmth of his bundled body next to mine, his hand intertwined with mine, and the wonderful sunset, I felt alive. “Thank you for taking me here.” “Your welcome, was it as gorgeous as you imagined?” “More so. I expected just a pretty view but this was spectacular.” “It’s so pretty.” He said, while obviously looking at me. I smiled, then had a train of thought, “We should make matching bracelets the colors of our eyes.” “That sounds wonderful.” “Really?” I ask, squinting at him, hoping he’s being serious. “Yes. In fact we can head back if you’d like and make them now.” I smiled, “You trickster! I want to stay here longer please,” I pleaded like a child. “Okay, let’s stay here longer.” “Yay!” I squealed, then rested my head on his.
So we stayed there in our Gold day for longer. 🌟🌟
TW: pedophilia
“I know you're watching me,” I say through the two-way mirror. “Congrats,” The speakers announced. “You were the first to figure it out.” This place is sick. They wanted me to change in front of the mirror. “Because you guessed it, you may go to the next round.” I wanted to leave this place, I didn’t even know how I got here—but all I knew was that I was stuck. I ran up to the boss, I finally had enough and screamed, “Why did you do that?” I pulled forward but was stopped by two strong arms pulling me back. “This isn’t over.” I grit through my teeth, my lips in a fierce grin. The boss smiled at me and I wanted to punch that flirtatious smile of his and make it history. “You’re going to regret this,” I said, getting myself together and trying to intimidate him. “Oh dear, I’d love to see what you’re thinking of doing.” If I didn’t have men pushing me forward, someone would have died, and it wouldn’t have been me. “Are you okay?” My friend Elena asked. “No, that jerk! He saw the girls changing! It was a freaking two-way mirror. He’s sick.” Her face turned freakish, I could tell she was freaking out. “It’s going to be okay,” I said, trying to calm her down. “But! That’s not okay!” Her fists balled up. “Trust me, I’ve tried that and his bodyguards wouldn’t even let me at him.” “Why would they want their precious boss hurt? Or worse.” She mocked. “I know. It’s ridiculous.” From that day forward we promised we would shut this thing down, and then escape.
“Did you hear?” “What!” My Bestfriend—Jesseca—pleaded. “Your crush is switching schools, to yours!” I exasperated. “Oh my gosh! How did you find out?” “You remember James friend?” “The dude that Lillie’s friends with?” “Yes!” “Oh!” She squealed, and I joined in. Another guy was right behind me and I accidentally bumped him. “Sorry,” we said in unison. That clued an awkward laugh. My cheeks flushed pink. “I’m Jenna,” I held my hand out, flashing my teeth. “Oliver, nice to meet you.” He returned a smiled towards me. I felt Jesseca’s eyes on both of us. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but can I have your number?” “Sure,” I smiled, then swapped phones with him. My eyes widened, “Oh, sorry, this is my bestfriend Jesseca.” He shook her hand politely, but his gaze stayed on me. Stop making me blush Mr Oliver! __ Silence pursed the air. “Where are you from?” Jesseca asked, squinting at him. “Oh, I live in Germany.” My heart sank. I live in New York. “I live in New York….” This beauitful and kind stranger named Oliver, lives across the world!!!! Ahhhh! My future husband lives way too far. I giggled. He titled his head in confusion. “Oh sorry!” “Awkward,” Jesseca’s whispered in a singsong voice. I shot her a look. “What do you like to do for fun?” He asked. I suddenly realized he had a German accent! Oh my, he was perfect. “Reading, hanging out with this one,” I pointed to Jesseca and she waved, “I like to travel as well. Anyway what about you?” “I prefer being spontaneous over being inside, you know, traveling, visiting new places, hanging out with friends. Although, I do like myself a good cup of coffee while reading a book on my baloney.” “You have a baloney?” I asked curiously. He laughed lightheartedly, “Yes, I see all the best sunsets.” “If you were my travel guide, you could persuade me to visit anywhere! If you say anything about sunsets, count me in.” “That’s good to know. If you let me take you out sometime—_we’ll figure out the distance issue—_Then I’ll add sunset to the list. “How long have you two been friends?” He asked. “Oh, well, 15 years.” “Wow, a long time.” “She’s known me for so long that I see her as my sister. This one here knows every single thing about me. You can quiz her if you’d like.” “I have good memory,” She smirked. “Okay, what’s her favorite icecream flavor?” “Chocolate chip.” She answered confidently. “Correct.” “Favorite movie or drama?” “Gilmore girls.” “Correct,” I said, Again. “Worse relationship she’s been in?” He asked. “None, she’s never been in one.” “Nicely done,” I high-fived her. “Wow, she really does know you.” “Yea, I could do the same thing for her.” “I bet!” “Jenna you could do it in your sleep.” “I probably could,” I smiled. Instead of feeling left out, Oliver seemed delighted and indulged in the conversation. “Do you have any siblings?” I asked Oliver. “Yes, two, one girl and one boy.” “Is it a loud house?” “Not really actually, they prefer the silence for whatever reason. Although whenever we get together it can get very loud, especially on game night.” “I’d love to see that.” I chimed in. “You would.” He smiled again—Like sir? Please stop! You could cook eggs with that smile. After talking a while, our plane was called and we had to leave. We were bound by distance, but something about him intrigued me. I knew this wasn’t the last time I saw him… I don’t know how though.
I walked into the attic, when I started hallucinating. “Daddy!” Young me screamed, then disappeared. “Please don’t leave me,” I Begged sitting on my bed. The hullucinations stopped abruptly. “Please,” I cried out, my hands on my head. This house was haunted by all the memories. Suddenly more memories played in my head. “You don’t deserve this!” Dad said, ripping up my school paper award. “But—Butt—“ I cried. “Come here,” His voice—My husband—penetrated my thoughts, His arms wide. I ran into his arms. “It will be okay,” He said, gently running his hand through my hair. This gesture comforted me in ways words couldn’t explain. “I can’t keep this house,” I said through my tears and hiccups. “Then it’s sold. But are you sure? Will you miss this? This is the last thing from your parents.” “They died, they would want me to let them go.” “But do you want to let them go? Are you ready?” He gently pulled me out of the hug so he could see me. “I don’t know.” I blubbered. “Let’s go get some coffee.” “Okay,” That brightened me a little bit. I needed to leave. I really wanted to leave and sell this house. I never really belonged in this house.
The town was covered by the dark night clouds, my friends and I just went to a karaoke bar and they drank—but I didn’t like drinking… so I left. Just a young adult women walking the streets alone, not a good idea… right? I left feeling peaceful—but also couldn’t help but doubt my security. I tried speed walking home, it worked well—until a dark shadow lingered behind me. Someone was following me. _ __ I called my Bestfriend, “_Hey Jared. Are you busy right now? I need to be picked up.” “No, I can come. I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” She was heading here. She knew my code— Jared—when I was in danger. The dark shadow still followed me until a black car arrived—my Bestfriend, and she must’ve brought her boyfriend.
••••••
I must’ve looked like a creep. I thought. I was just a girl trying to follow another girl to keep her safe and myself safe. I was freaked out, walking alone. Her friend must be picking her up. Suddenly someone shouts, “Who are you?” I come out from the shadows. Their eyes widen. “Do you need a ride home?” The girl I was following asked. “Please, I’m honestly scared.” I felt ridiculous following her… it was a bad idea trying to meet my ex boyfriend at the karaoke bar, he didn’t even show. Tears streaming down my face, “I’m sorry if I scared you.” I called out. “No worries, it’s okay.” “Are you okay though?” She asked, her friend nodding. “Well. I was supposed to meet my ex boyfriend at the karaoke bar. That’s why I followed you home, I was scared walking alone. My ex stood me up—“I was interrupted by my tears. The girl asked if she could hug me—I said yes, and both girls comforted me. “I know this is random, but I have a good feeling about you. Would you like to come over? You look like you could use some icecream.” “Yes please,” I said in between hiccups.
And that day, we had icecream and watched Gilmore girls. I met some of the kindest people that night.
_The end. _💕💕
I open my eyes, but I’m not in my room anymore… Someone comes up to me, “You have ninety seconds to hide, if you are found, you die, good luck.” I start to panic but the stranger says, “I’m serious, you got this.” Then gently laid his hand on my arm. Wiping tears from my eyes, I run in the opposite direction. At this moment, I felt like I was running forever. I found a spot—a small cupboard—one prop to being small. “We have found the first hider, we will only be eliminating two. If you get caught, there will be consequences.” Someone over the speaker said. A gun sound rang out—and I covered my ears, I silenced my cries and focused. I can’t die. I don’t even know what’s going on. What about my baby sister home alone? I have to survive. I balled my fists up and slowed my breaths—my eyes still blurry. After 20 minutes I hear the buzzer. Someone else was eliminated. I’m safe. _ _Tears of joy escape… until… “Our boards are requesting we find two more hiders.” I felt a knife push on my chest. What about my sister? Was she safe? Gunshots sounded, which made my silence impossible, and tears sprung from my eyes. Shut up Eclacie! They’re going to hear you! Suddenly, I don’t know why, but I ran. I ran and ran and ran. “Get back here!” A guard yells. But somehow I make it out of the fence when I black out. When I wake up I’m in a hospital bed. “Do you remember anything?” “About what?” “About the games? About me?” A guy asks. “I thought that was a dream?” “It wasn’t.” The guy was the same guy who assured me the first time. He was there with me. That was real. “You were that guy?” I ask, clearing the fresh tears from my cheeks. “Yes.” A sob arises from his chest, and he grabs my hand. “Do you remember me?” “Who are you?” “You’re boyfriend.” I heard a doctor whisper, “She forgot.” Forgot what?
Every “Ocean’s Heart,” day—which is what we call a beach holiday—our whole town comes together, we bake cookies, bring food and random trinkets to play with… and each house has a bowl, you can write whatever you want it in. This year, all of my friends and family, gathered around eating cookies and started to write our letters for my bowl—for me to read. Each house had a bowl, assigned to each person. My friend group of 3 girls—including me, sat together in a wide circle with others. “What if you have a love letter?” Mia—my redheaded best friend—whispered. “OO! Maybe from Josh?” Aurora, my other Bestfriend chimed in. Aurora was the model in our friend group, she looked like she’d be on a famous TV show—oh wait—she was.
“Shhh.” They were being too loud—or I was too paranoid.
Later that night, our trio had a sleepover, and we looked at all of them. “I found it!” Aurora said, pointing to the sky and jumping up from the ground. “Lemme see!” I pleaded. The three of us gathered around. “I’m glad I met you. But I can’t be friends with you anymore…. I found a girlfriend. I know you’d be glad! Now you don’t have to deal with me anymore! So I wanted to tell you this way, that way you had time to think. Let me know when you see this.” _Signed Josh. _ Tears rush down my face. “Honey,” Mia says, as both girls wrap me in a hug. “I just can’t believe this. I thought—that maybe he liked me?” “That jerk! He played you!” Aurora cried. “I can’t believe it,” Mia mumbled, hand on her chin. My tears started blurring my eyes. “Why do I care?” “Why do you care?” Aurora whispered kindly. “I like him,” I said, finally admitting it myself. “You just now realized this?” Mia said softly. “Yes. But he has a girlfriend!” I halfheartedly say, with false jazz hands. “Let’s look through these other notes.” After a couple of minutes—and a couple, “Hm,” “Ha!” “Hmmmm,”s, Mia finally threads the silence. “Look!” Mia said excitedly. “What?” I wipe my tears. “A love note.”
The boss—Alex—and the maid—Alecia—both Bestfriends tried to hide their feelings, but tension always bubbled up. “Sir,” Alecia said, walking into his office. “You can have a break.” Alex said. “Thank you,” She bowed. “Why don’t you come sit?” Alex’s friend said flirtatiously. “Yes, please, sit.” Alex chimed in. “Okay,” She adjusted herself onto the seat. “This is my maid, Alecia.” “You sure this is your maid? She looks like a model.” His friend said. Alex squinted towards his friend. His another friend scoffed, “More like a horse than a model.” Alex’s Jaw flexed and a scowl appeared on his face. “You must be going,” Alex said, pushing his friends out the door. “But we just got here.” “You’ve done enough, I don’t want to hear any more.” Alex scoffed. “Tell your maid that she can call me.” “She will not. She has a boss.” “Not for that,” His friend looked back at Alecia and smirked. “Be on your way.” Alex commanded. “Okay,” His friends both did as he said.
“What’s wrong with what I said?” “Why would you insult her?” “Because, she works for you. Why does it matter to you?” “Because your being a jerk!” Alex groaned. “Leave.” He hissed. “You didn’t answer my question.” A grin appeared on his friends face. Alex gave his friend a nudge towards the walkway, his other friend just watching.
••••
Alecia couldn’t help but cry. Normally she was thick-skinned, but today, tears pursed through her. Alex walked through the door. “Are you okay?” He pleaded. “Yes,” She said hoarsely. “They were just jerks, I’m sorry.” “It’s okay,” She waved it away. Tears still trickling from her face. Alex wrapped her in a hug. Alecia received the hug, and wrapped her arms tightly around him, sobs abruptly pouring out. “I’m sorry. I’m here. There is nothing to be embarrassed about.” Alex whispered. Alecia felt safe in his embrace, but what would workers say if they saw them? “What about your workers?” “I’m comforted a friend, it doesn’t matter.” That should’ve comforted her, but instead, _she cried more. _ _ _In time would he like her? Or would she always be the friend? She couldn’t help but wonder.