Chapter 2

Two years later

"I don't want to go back to school! I would rather be home schooled!" I whined at Derek while crossing my arms in front of my chest, not backing down.

We were in his study, having a heated argument about me going back to school to finish senior year - surrounded by people. Yes, people.

For two years, he helped me without expecting something in return. He gave me everything. Cars, money, clothes, jewelry - you name it, I got it. But those things didn't matter to me. Derek was like a brother, best friend, and I could kick myself for saying this, but sometimes he was like a lover. I know it sounds crazy, but I couldn't help but think that way. But, he's 23 and I will be turning 18 next month. He wouldn't want to get involve with a high school girl. I was not good enough.

Derek breathed in a big sigh on the verge of giving up, "Reagan, this is your senior year. I don't want you to graduate high school with a bad memory. Who knows? Maybe this year won't be so bad."

I snorted, "Yeah right." then looked away.

He walked towards me then stopped a few inches away. He touched my shoulders giving me a stern look,"Reagan, I'm serious. You'll be 18 next month and I don't want you to be cooped up in this house. I want you to enjoy being a teenager."

"But I hangout with Cooper!" I defended.

He gave me a deadpanned look, "Really Reagan? When the two of you are together, all you guys do is cause trouble."

I gave him a sheepish look, "Uh well... hahaha." I said, laughing awkwardly.

He gave me gentle smile then reached out to caress my hair, "Look Reagan, it won't be so bad okay? Does this have to do with what happened two years ago? That's why you don't want to go back yet?" he asked me softly.

I looked down, "I don't know, Dee. I'm not ready yet."

He lifted my chin up, "It's going to be okay. I promise."

I scoffed, "Easier said than done."

He rolled his eyes, "Now go and get your stuff. You don't want to be late for school."

My eyes bugged out, "What? Now? Like today?"

He gave me a nervous look, "Uh, I forgot to tell you earlier so..." he trailed off, looking for an excuse.

"Whatever, Dee."

He chuckled then ruffled my hair, "You know me. I'm always about spontaneity."

"By the way, where's Cooper? He's usually here bugging the life out of you." I teased, ignoring his retort.

"He had to go out of the country for some business." He said, twirling a lock of my hair out of habit. That had me feeling a bit uncomfortable but I didn't mind.

I tilted my head to the side, "Why is it that you guys sometimes come and go most of the time?"

He shrugged, "That's how it is for us."

"I've been living with you for two years and I don't know what you do for a living." I asked curiously. I never got a straight answer and the last time I asked him was a year ago, when he went on a business trip to Denmark.

"Like I said before, I handle several businesses in several countries. If I tell you, I'd put you to sleep due to boredom." As usual, the response was always the same.

I gave him a playful glare, "Are you implying that I'm stupid?"

He laughed, "No. It's just that I don't like talking about work. It stresses me out."

I huffed, "Fine." I spun around then walked to the door. Before I turned the knob, I glanced over my shoulder to say something, "Well, I hope you're right about what you said a while ago, Dee."

He just gave me a look that said 'Of course I'm right'.

With that, I opened the door and walked out to get ready for school.

Heaven help me...

***************************

I was sitting in my silver Porsche 918 spyder trying to calm down. People describing nervousness as butterflies in your stomach (in a figurative sense) were so wrong. I didn't have butterflies. I have birds. Birds attacking every inch of my gut to the point of wanting to crawl under a metamorphic rock and die.

If I get out there, who knows what will happen? Will people remember me? Will they say 'Hey, is that Reagan? Bryson's ex who he dumped for Rebecca?', or I don't know. I have no idea.

But what if I see him? What would I do if I did?

Should I say 'Hey Bryson! Long time no see'.

Or, 'Hey! How's life being with the school slut?'

Why bother?

I couldn't really blame him. He was popular after all, and I was a nobody. So it's not a big surprise that he dumped me for someone better.

But you know what?

Screw it.

I breathe out a final sigh and got out of the car.

"Okay, Reagan. It's do or die. Just keep your cool." I said to myself.

I looked at the familiar building in front of me. It was still the same.The massive three story concrete structure still looked like a prison hole; plain and boring, with all it's grey paint . I scanned the crowd and so far, most of them were giving me curious stares. Can you really blame them? For someone who dropped out from the face of the earth does that to you.

I started walking, adjusting my backpack with my chin held high.

I surreptitiously darted my eyes left and right trying to check for familiar faces. I was hoping to see Ciara, my best friend. I felt guilty for leaving without a word. I was too caught up with my emotions that I had forgotten about her. I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. I will make it up to her when I see her again.

Near the school doors, I saw the popular group. I saw some familiar faces and new ones. But I saw one familiar red head which made my blood boil.

Rebecca.

She was surprisingly not with Bryson. She was clinging to a guy who looked familiar, but I couldn't figure out the name. She was the same old slut; Long fiery red hair, piercing emerald green eyes and pink lips curled into a seductive smirk. Her choice of clothing had downgraded to a kiddie size; micro-mini skirt and tank top that fell above her belly button.

She slowly turned her head then as if on slow motion, our eyes met. She squinted her eyes to figure out who I am, then her eyes widened, then turning into a glare.

But you know what I did? I just smirked right back.

That made her glare intensify.

I braced myself when I was now in front of them. With one final woosh of air, I smiled and started to speak.

"Hey, Rebecca. Long time no see."

She untangled herself from the guy and faced me, "I thought you died." She sneered.

I laughed, "Same old Rebecca. Aren't you happy to see me?" I asked, faking enthusiasm.

"Hardly. I thought you wouldn't come back after what happened." She said smirking.

I asked faking confusion, "What do you mean?"

She rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean."

"Oh! About you screwing my ex-boyfriend, Bryson?" I said cheerily. I meant that in a sarcastic manner.

Everybody in the popular group went silent.

"Yeah. That's right, Rebecca. Why the sudden prudeness when you can actually say it. After all, you are the school's whore." I said mocking her.

"Why you--" she started to charge at me but she was interrupted by a girl yelling my name.

"Reagan!"

I snapped my head and saw Ciara.

I smiled.

She looked older and her copper hair was longer now. Her hazel brown eyes still had that sparkle that I missed so much. She now have curves compared to that last time I saw her. At that time, she was complaining about having a straight body. Her skin was still pale. Other than that, she's all grown up now. Like a lady. After the shock wore off, she ran over to me and gave me a big hug.

"You big lug! You had me so worried!" She said while twirling me around like a rag doll. Dang! Is she on steroids or something?

"Ciara... Can't... Breathe..." I gasped from the tight hug. She gave me a sheepish smile and let me go.

"Sorry about that. I had so much to deal with, so I couldn't think straight." I told her apologetically.

She hugged me again, lighter this time, "I thought I'd never see you again."

I just chuckled and after a moment, she let me go. She took a good look at me and grinned, "Wow. Reagan you look hot. What have you been eating?" she teased.

I laughed a little and slapped her arms playfully, "Oh, stop it, Ciara. I'm not hot. I'm still the same old Reagan."

She rolled her eyes and smiled, "Seriously dude. You look hot. Like really really hot and I like your clothes and your hair!" she squealed then added, "It's like you came out of a fashion magazine."

I have to thank Derek for that. He insisted on the grooming part which I didn't need. UGH!

"Well, I have--" I was cut off by a voice which after two years, still send shivers through my body.

"Ciara! There you are! I was looking everywhere for you."

I looked over Ciara's shoulders and saw Bryson coming up behind her. He stopped and snaked his arms around her waist. He kissed her neck and Ciara sighed lovingly.

Ok. Hold up.

You know what's wrong with this picture?

I'll tell you.

I am looking at my best friend and my ex boyfriend. Together. Like couple together.

I wouldn't be surprised if Bryson was still with Rebecca but with Ciara? My best friend?

It felt like I have been stabbed in the back.

"Babe, where were you?" he asked Ciara while stepping to her side but still holding her waist.

"Oh um...I was..." Ciara said now sounding uncomfortable.

He frowned, "Baby, what's wrong?"

Ciara nudged her head to my direction and without hesitation, he turned his head to see.

I hold in a breath.

Bryson looked older and was still gorgeous. His dark brown hair was still styled in a faux hawk. His blue eyes seem to be darker now. Edgier. His muscles were tripled compared to his 16 year old self.

He looked different. In a good way.

When he saw me, it was like the world had come to a stop. His eyes widened and emotions were swirling around his eyes in a jumbled mess.

But the most prominent was regret.

And finally, after a few moments, he breathed out my name.

"Reagan."