Memories That Fade Like Photographs

The next day at school was terrrible, but luckily I got through. Everyone knew by now, and that was the most terrifying thing. People make me sick. What they said was a bunch of bull that meant nothing to me.

“Did you hear she murdered her parents.”

“It’s all her fault. If it wasn’t for her it would’ve never happened.”

“She should’ve died with them.”

All of if made no sense. It all hurt till the moment someone stuck up for me. Surprisingly, the voice came from Lisa.

“Shut the fuck up. Like you know what she’s been through. Leave the poor girl alone.”

I looked at her shocked, but I mouthed a thank you for helping.

She nodded her head with a slight smile and then walked aways.

Maybe she’s changing, but who knows? This could bite me in the ass one day. I thought as I grabbed my things to leave school.

Alex decided to drive me around today, since everyone else had already left. In the car he said he was taking me out on a date. I rolled my eyes and we left the school to go to a small diner close by.

Once seated Alex finally asked, “How are you?”

“I’m fine.”

“No, your’e not.” He stated flatly.

I sighed, “The rumors are still bugging me, but I’m not going to let it get to my head. No one really knows what happened.”

He smiled, “That’s good. You have no clue how many asses all of us have threatened today. It was crazy.”

“You guys don’t have to do that.”

“But we did. We care about you Luc and we want you to know that we’re there for you no matter what.”

“Thank you.” I smiled, but then I remembered about Lisa. “You will never guess who stood up for me today.”

“Who?” he asked.

“Lisa. Some girl was telling her that I lived a wonderful life and then went crazy physco on my parents. I guess she got annoyed and told the girl to shut up and then continued to say that she doesn’t know what I’ve been through.”

“Lisa said that?” he asked in disbelief.

I nodded, “Yeah.”

“Wow.” He said amazed.

“I know, I felt the same way.” I said as our waitor came. He took our order and then left. Throughout the entire date Alex and I talked about things that interested us. Most of it we had in common and I’m glad we learned more about each other.

He also told me about a new song he can’t wait to show me and we then talked about Homecoming untill he started getting nervous about it, which confused me so I told him that he’ll be fine because it’s just going to be him and I. Plus our friends who will probably make fun of us the entire night. But other than that, the night will go perfect.

After eating, Alex decided to take us to the park. Instead of doing what the little kids were doing we went straight for the swings. I was the first to sit down and was confused when Alex didn’t sit down next to me.

“What are you doing?” I laughed as he stood behind me.

“I’m going to push you.”

“Alex, don’t do that.”

“Too late, I’m doing it.” He said as he started pushing me.

Once he stopped pushing me, I took over and kicked my legs back and forth to get higher. Alex took the swing next to me and started doing the same thing.

“I bet you I can go higher.” He teased.

“I bet you can’t.” I retorted.

After swinging our highest for awhile, we couldn’t decide who was going the higher. So instead we decided to jump off the swings.
On the count of three we both made a leap off. We laughed as our feet hit the ground and we tumbled towards the ground. I rolled onto my back still laughing as Alex hovered over me with a slight laugh.

He smiled sweetly once our eyes locked and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“This is the best date I’ve ever been on.” I told him truthfully.

“I’m glad I made it that way…” he paused as his face became serious, “You’re beautiful, Lucy.”

I can tell that I started to blush, but I didn’t hide it from him because I wanted him to know how he made me feel.

“Thank you, Alex.”

Without saying anything back, he hesitantly leaned down to kiss me. I lifted my head and gently cupped his cheek when I kissed him back.

There was something strange whenever I kissed him though. Even when we slightly touched I could feel it. It felt strange, but it made me happy in a way I couldn’t describe.

The butterflies in my stomach grew in population with each kiss and my heart would beat faster with each breath. He just has this effect on me that I’ve never had with anyone else.

Maybe my thoughts are right. Maybe I am in love with Alex? But I’m too scared to see what if I’m right or if I’m wrong.

We pulled apart quickly at the sound of thunder. Once it sounded again, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“We should probably go. As much as I’d like to relive the first time we kissed, I’d really like to stay dry this time.” I said once my laughter calmed down. He nodded his head and then helped me up. We walked back to his car while playing with each others hand as we held it.

The car ride was silent but comfortable. When we pulled up onto my driveway I sighed quietly and looked at Alex. He took my hand and kissed each of my knuckles before holding it.

“You’re pretty amazing, you know that?”

I smiled, “You’re pretty amazing too.”

“Do you need a ride to school tomorrow?” he asked.

I laughed slightly, “If you want to drive me that’s fine. I’ll just let Rian know.”

He nodded, “Yes, I want to drive you. Actually, I want to drive you every morning.”

“Alex, you don’t”- he cut me off by kissing me.

“But I want to. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” he said as he pulled away.

I smiled, “Alright. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” He smiled back.

I got out of the car and walked up to my porch. Once I had the door open I waved goodbye to Alex and went inside. It was awfully quiet when I got inside. I could’ve sworn I saw Aunt Kay’s car out front.

“So are you just going to stand there or are you going to sit down and spill the details?” Aunt Katherine’s voice rang through the room.

I jumped and held my chest, slightly feeling as if I had a heart attack.

“Geez Aunt Kay. Could you be any quieter?”

“Actually yes.” She smiled.

I rolled my eyes and walked in further to take a seat on the love seat in front of her. She was all smiles but I couldn’t quite place why.

“What are you so happy about?” I asked.

“Oh nothing. It’s not everyday when you watch your niece kissing a boy in his car as he driver her home.”

“You were watching?” I asked feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Yes! Now, why didn’t you tell me you and Alex are dating?!”

“It’s only been our third date.”

“You two haven’t labled each other boyfriend – girlfriend yet, have you?”

I shook my head, “No, we haven’t and it fucking sucks.”

“Why?” she asked.

“I, uh, I have really strong feelings for him.”

“Like?”

“Like when we kiss, my stomach feels like a butterfly population wanting out, I feel a bot of lightning shoot through me with the slightest touch, and my heart beats faster than anything when he’s around me.” I said breathlessly.

She smiled, “You’re in love with him.”

She said it so simply that it was as if I’ve told her before.

I shrugged my shoulders, “I’m not sure. But if I am, I don’t want to tell him that I am because we aren’t even official and I haven’t even known him for a year.”

“I understand, but when you know, you just know. I can tell you right now that he love you just as much as you think you might love him.”

“How do you know?”

“The way he looks at you, Lucy.” I could see the stars in his eyes from here when he stares at you. He glows every time you walk into the room and he perks up at the sound of your voice or when someone mentions your name. I may not be around as much, but when I am that’s what I see. He’s had it bad since the day you two met.”

I smiled, but didn’t say anything about it; I trust her judgment.

“So how has school been? Your principle told me about Ross.”

“It’s been good. A few rumors but nothing I can’t handle. I have my friends with me and that’s all I need… I told Alex yesterday, him and the others.”

“That’s good. How did they take it?”

“Pretty well. They said if I ever needed anything that they’ll always be there for me… Alex stayed after they all left.”

“I know dear, he stayed for dinner remember?” she smied.

“He told me about his brother… Tom.”

Aunt Katherine didn’t say anything, she just smiled and nodded.

“That’s what you meant earlier, right? That he has something hiding like I did? It was his brother.”

She nodded, “He went through a rough patch. All he had after that was his music. He wouldn’t talk to anyone.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, but soon his friends got through to him but he wouldn’t talk about it with anyone. That’s why I told you that if you told him, he’d tell you. He trusts you Lucy.”

I smiled, “I trust him too.”

She nodded, “That’s good… Now, I’m going to head to bed. I’m off for two weeks and I’d like to rest up.”

I laughed, “Goodnight Aunt Katherine. And thank you… for everything.”

She got up and kissed my forehead, “Your’e welcome dear. Sweet dreams.”