Forbidden

"I Have a Bad Knee"

I opened my mouth to scream.

However, a hand covered my mouth.

I froze. Oh no.

"Please, please don't scream, Brin. I'm not going to hurt you," a deep voice said.

How does he know my name?

I quickly turned around and looked at the stranger. 

He towered over me with his 6'5" frame. He had messy brown hair and friendly green eyes. He was sporting a Nike hoodie and khakis along with Vans. 

His hands were up as if he was surrendering.

I cocked my head to the side, "How do you know my name?"

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, and answered, "How can I not know you, Brin? We've been best friends since the 2nd grade."

I studied him. He seems harmless, so I shrugged my shoulders and continued making my way to my destination.

"Hey wait up!"

I turned to look over my shoulder and said, "Keep up."

He finally caught up with me easily. 

Curse his long legs.

He reached for my hand, but I quickly snatched it away.

Hurt registered across his face for a couple of seconds and then it was gone as if it weren't there.

"Best-friend?" I asked.

"Yeah!"

I looked at him skeptically, "Why weren't you at the hospital?"

He stopped, "The hospital? What?"

How did he not know?

I cleared my throat, "Yeah, the hospital. I got into an accident."

"I-I honestly did not know. No one told me. I recently just got back from Colorado. Oh my gosh, Brin, are you okay?"

I nodded. There was no use for words. I really wasn't okay, but he didn't need to know that. 

I suddenly halted and turned back into the direction of my house. 

"Where you going?", he called out.

"Back home."

He hesitated, "Brinley, I'm really sorry. You know I would've been there."

I simply nodded, "I'll catch you later, stranger."

~

I lied. I really didn't go back. I headed downtown instead. 

The streets were decorated with Thanksgiving decorations.

Hmm. It must be that time of the year again. 

People were walking up and down the sidewalk minding their own business. I passed by an antique shop and froze.

"Come on, Dad! Hurry up!" I yelled.

"I'm coming, I'm coming. You know I'm getting old, and I have a bad knee." he said, his face clear with amusement.

I chuckled, "Oh hush up, old man. We all know you can still play on the court."

He finally arrived inside the store. Today was Mom's birthday, and we were looking for a present for her. 

Mom completely adored antique things. She collected them like crazy. She tried to get me into it, but I just never understood her love for it.

We both walked around the store looking for the perfect gift when something must've caught my Dad's eye. 

"It's perfect," he whispered.

We both looked down at the oddly shaped object, and I agreed with him. 

I groaned. What was that? Must be another flashback. 

I shook my head and resumed walking until I found a little cafe on the corner of the street. 

Opening the door, a bell chimed signalling that a customer had entered. 

"Hello, how many?" a friendly face asked me.

"Uhm, just one please." 

"Alright, come this way please."

I followed her into the corner of the cafe and took my seat. 

"What would you like today?"

"Just coffee please," I said to her.

"One coffee coming right up!"

A couple minutes later she arrived with my order.

I was quietly sipping my coffee when the bell chimed and he walked in.