Forgotten

Chapter One

I'm just finishing up studying for AP American History when my phone chimes with an incoming text message. Since my brain is pretty much fried and my eyes are just on the verge of crossing, it feels like the perfect time to take a short break. Afterward I'll need to start thinking about my upcoming art project. But I love art so that doesn't feel like work at all.

Grabbing my phone, I glance down at the screen.

It's Callen, my boyfriend.

Even before Callen and I started going out three years ago, we'd been friends. Best friends.

What r u doing?

Stretching out across my bed, I type in a quick reply. Homework

A moment later his reply pops up. Want to come out and play?

Smiling, my brows slide together. Come out and play? Is he serious? What r we going 2 play?

His response- A game

I glance from the blue illuminated screen of the phone to the window on the other side of my bedroom. Even though it's only seven, night has fallen blanketing everything in a thick, rich velvety darkness. Not that I'm actually considering his proposal, but I type in a quick answer wondering what he has in mind.

Where?

As soon as I press send, his response pops up. Backyard

Still holding my phone, I go to the window before pulling back the thin gossamer curtain to glance out into the surrounding darkness. I'd thought for sure that I would find him standing there with a silly lopsided grin on his handsome face but he's not. The patch of grass below my second story window is surprisingly empty.

Searching the back of our yard which butts up against a small patch of dense woods, I don't see any obvious signs of movement. There's nothing but stillness and silence. For just a moment, a strange little shiver ripples through me and I feel an odd ache over my heart. Automatically my hand rises to gently rub at the spot.

It's kind of bizarre, but for as long as I can remember, I'd get this weird little pain over my heart. It doesn't hurt (not really) and it doesn't happen very often. Just every once in a while. A few years ago I mentioned it to my mom and ended up in the pediatrician's office the very same day. They took a few x-rays and ran a whole bunch of other tests but nothing definitive was ever diagnosed. I think the doctor assumed it was all in my head or that I'd made it up for attention or something lame like that. Like I enjoy being poked and prodded and x-rayed.

Staring out at the darkened woods, the strange ache intensifies.

I have countless sketches of the forest in my art portfolio. Sometimes I set up my chair in the middle of the yard wanting to capture exactly how the golden sunlight filters down through the ever changing canopy of leaves. Especially now, during the fall, when the trees are just beginning to glow with brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges before floating down to carpet the forest floor with their fiery hues.

I can't help but wonder- is he there now? Waiting for me?

As futile as it is, I continue sifting through the darkness with my eyes. But trying to find him is almost next to impossible. The idea of ditching my studies for a few silly moments of fun with Callen bubbles up within me because that would feel normal. Like something we used to do when we were kids.

And I miss that.

I miss how easy it all used to feel between us.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I'm pulling a hoodie over my head and grabbing my phone. Leaving my bedroom behind, I type a quick reply.