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Chapter II

Chapter 2

A m a n d a 

(Linda)

I don't recognize the person staring back at me. Perhaps because it's been years since I've since her, or because she turned into someone I didn't want. All I know is that her once light brown hair is completely black now. Her hazel brown eyes a shade of blue due to the contacts she's wearing. She looks thinner, which makes sense, she never truly eat before. Shes also wearing makeup, something she never used apart from mascara, but at least it helps hide the dark bags under her eyes. 

Amanda

Even after a full week with Brenda and her parents, I'm still not used to looking like this, much less responding to a different name. But what was to be expected. It's not like I'm going to be received with open arms, much less with smiles and a welcome back how are you type of gesture.

Still,  I shouldn't feel the need to hide. I'm innocent. I've always been, but everyone else doesn't seem to believe that, and with evidence stacked against me and news flowing around about what happened. I can't really blame them.

During this past week, I was able to catch up with Brenda, driving to places we used to hang out around town. Memories resurfaced, which made both my heart ache and throb at the same time and with that, it brought images at night. Some pleasant while others left me wide awake wondering about the what-ifs.  

I also couldn't help but notice the new shops, the restaurants, as well as old ones which most are not in business anymore. It's like everything I once knew turned into something I can't recognize. 

In such little time this town changed and so have I. 

-

I make my way downstairs, my newly red book-bag resting on my shoulder, and spot Brenda by the couch, putting her textbooks into her own while her parents are getting ready to leave for work.

Nervousness takes over as I reach her, and judging by the look they give me. They sense it too.

"Amanda-" I suck in a breath "-we can call the principle and tell them to expect you next week instead." Mrs. White says, reaching for her phone that lies on the table.

I shake my head "No, I can handle it. I already missed two months of this semester. I don't want to miss more." Not a complete lie, I might as well get this over with- take this chance I was given and perhaps...perhaps find the answers I need.

***❣️***

"I'll get your schedule. Wait here." We stand in the hallway, and already I can feel eyes on me  "Don't take long." I plead. She nods and makes her way down the hall, some eyes following her before settling back on me.

Maybe I should have waited.

 I give those a small smile and wander off, surely Brenda will find me- it's not like I can get lost. 

Throughout the walls and lockers, there are announcements posted all over- football games, soccer games, cookouts for the different clubs active and the schedule for band practices. 

 I hadn't realized where I was heading, but my legs seem to, and it all becomes clear when I spot the locker, his locker. The only one with medals he's won from competitions, photos that cover most of the it with little red peaking through, and a tiny cross with a date that's still stuck in my head, along with messages on sticky notes from his close friends.