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Lavender’s pov

“So, how do you know me exactly?” Alex asked.

“Junior year we shared a few classes, you were very popular since you came from London, ya know,” I said in a duh tone, remembering how he was the center of attention that year.

He was like the new kid to school, except he wasn’t. He was raised here in the town and left suddenly. 

Everyone and I mean everyone in town knew the Rivers except me.

And here I was with a total stranger who seemed familiar to me. He offered to walk me home, I refused, but this boy didn’t take a no for an answer.

“Not to lie, today was my first time to see you around.” He said, keeping his head straight on the pavement.

He put his hands in his pockets and sighed. “You know being popular sucks, when you are the center of attention you are expected to do your best. People always talk behind your back and treat you differently.” He glanced over at me. Our eyes met as I was looking at him. I stared at his blue orbs that held a lot of emotions.

I feel like I’ve seen those pair of eyes before. I thought.

He averted my gaze and focused back on the dark pavement. Silence fell between us and I felt awkward walking next to him.

“So, why were you wondering at my café without your gang?” I asked, changing the subject. He tensed up for a moment and shrugged it off.

“I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer that.” I bit my lip, embarrassed from the sudden tension.

“It’s fine actually…I can take it off my chest by talking to someone,”

“Well, I had a fight with my father and he kicked me out, I wanted some time alone,” He said with a tight-lipped smile.

He brushed underneath his nose and continued with a sarcastic tone. “After all, I’m not the golden boy as everyone thinks.” 

I wanted to say something, but he cut me off.

“Do you have a sister who is named Saph?” He asked, I nodded slowly, confused with his question.

He was changing the subject and I let it slip; I didn’t want to butt in his personal life.

But how did he know sapphire?

He scratched the back of his neck and smiled. “Rory is a huge fan of hers. It’s the third day already and these two are inseparable.” I giggled.

“Yeah, she told me they shared food and they have the same Barbie dolls.” He chuckled.

“They’ll have a great friendship.” He smiled.

“I agree.”

I was happy that she found a friend of the same age as hers on her first day at school.

I slowed down as I noticed my house at a distance.

“Thank you for walking me home,” I said as I stopped in front of my house. Alex glanced at the house, then looked at me with a smile.

“And I had a great company tonight with you, see you at school, sweetheart.” He winked at me, then walked away, turning around the corner out of my eyesight.

 I was standing outside the house, gaping my mouth open like a fish.

Did he just call me sweetheart?

But He wasn’t the person everyone assumed he was, aside from calling me a nerd at first, he was sweet. I shrugged it off and entered the house. 

I was welcomed with silence, as usual, I turned the lights on and took off my shoes. I walked to the kitchen to bring something to eat.

I stopped in my tracks when I noticed an opened letter on the kitchen table. Curiosity took over me and I grabbed the letter. It was from the hospital.

Breathe, Lavender. Your mother is okay. I reminded myself as I took the folded paper out of the envelope. I took a breath in and unfolded the paper.

I put my hands on my mouth and squealed with happiness.

I came late and didn’t join her celebration, my mother is finally cancer-free, tears of joy filled my eyes. I returned the letter to its place and turned the lights off. I headed to my room to plan a little party for the happy news. 

.................................

“Don’t tell me you slept on that uncomfortable chair again.” My mother’s voice woke me up from my peaceful sleep. I opened my eyes slowly and saw her putting the laundry by the door.

“I was studying late,” I mumbled, followed by a yawn. 

I rubbed my eyes and looked at her. “Well get ready now, it’s seven already, and I made you breakfast,” my mother said then left the room.

“Oh, and don’t worry about the café and Saph, I will do your check-ups and drop Saph at school.” Her voice came from the end of the hallway. 

Wait? What! I jumped out of the chair and stumbled on the covers, landing on the ground with a thud.

I got up groaning and ran after my mother.

“Mom, stop pressuring yourself, I will drive Saph to school and check the café, I will be a few minutes late to school,” I argued back.

“And I told you I’ll do it. No need to worry and stop arguing.” She said with a strict tone, she didn’t tell me about the results, I wondered why.

“Fine, I will call Timothy to go with you and that order because I love you and I’m worried about you,” I said with concern. She nodded, giving up cause she knew how stubborn I am. 

I sounded like my mom for a second, but I didn’t want her to pass out while driving or something. Sometimes chemotherapy makes her tired for days, and her last treatment was just a couple of days ago.

I ran back to the room and got ready for school. Twenty minutes later I went to the kitchen, and the scrambled eggs mom made. I took the rest of my breakfast and put it in the fridge; I noticed a note on the fridge.

I removed the magnet holding it and read it. “Head to the café after school and Timothy will pick up Saph, love mom.”

Something was up with her. My phone rang and broke my thoughts, I picked it up and Ruby’s loud voice blasted into my ears. 

“Where are you, woman!” I moved the phone away from my ears as Ruby yelled. 

I’ll be deaf soon, thanks to her. 

“Mom took the car and I will bike to school. I know Luna gave you a ride.” I said as I wore my shoes.

“You should’ve told us to pick you up.” Luna’s voice popped up. Guess I was on speaker.

“It’s okay, Lulu. You know I love biking.” I replied.

“Take care, Lavi,” Luna called out.

“And be careful,” Ruby added and hung up.

I took my house keys and headed to the garage; I brought my bike out and a safety helmet. My hair will be flat from this helmet but safety comes first right?

..................................

I reached school ten minutes late for my first period; I ran to the class and busted the door open, turning heads in my direction. 

“You’re late, Miss Anderson,” Mr. Gregory said as he fixed his glasses. He was the history teacher who hated everyone in this school except his niece.

I held my hand out as I bent down, catching my breath.  “I’m sorry for being late, I had a little accident this morning. Can I come in?” I asked, hoping to pass. 

“I know you are a good student, but no excuses for you. Please head to the principal office.” He said and shut the door in my face. 

I blinked at the closed door, not believing what just happened.

On the fourth day of school, I was kicked out of my class on my fourth day.

Let’s hope I don’t get detention. Who was I kidding? I'm differently getting one.

I bumped into someone on my way to the principal office, and it was his niece. She gave me a dirty look and entered the history class. I tried not to look mad about it, but I was furious, so I continued walking to the office.

I reached the principal’s office and her secretary told me to wait, so here I was sitting in front of his office. 

A few minutes later, two guys walked to the secretary. She raised her eyes from the computer screen and sighed. “You two again,”

“I convinced the principal to forgive you last time, this time he will punish you two.” She pointed at them and one boy chuckled.

“Just go sit there and don’t speak to each other.” She ordered and went back to her work. 

“Dude that was ep-“

The sentence was cut off by the other guy. “If we get suspended, I will be in a lot of trouble.” Both of them sat across my chair. 

I looked in their direction, realizing they were Alex and Jaxon. 

“Hello there, my lady,” Jaxon said, this guy literally flirts with any girl passing by him.

I rolled my eyes at his failed attempt at flirting and ignored him. I didn’t want any more trouble.

“I didn’t think you were the type who gets in trouble.” Alex chuckled.

“I was late to class, not much of a trouble, and what about you both?” I asked them, then I realized the spray paint on Jaxon’s hands. 

“Let me guess, you spray printed Mr. Gregory’s car.” I pointed out at their hands.

 Jaxon had the same history class as me, but he always got kicked out of the class and detention, I guess he finally took his revenge. 

A mischievous smile appeared on Jaxon’s lips. “Damn girl, the good observation you got there, but let me tell you something,”

He leaned in and whispered. “I also put a small surprise in his car.” 

“You two stop talking!” The secretary shouted. 

Jaxon retreated to his chair and glared at her playfully. She turned her head back to the computer screen and he chuckled.

“A Birdie must’ve told them, don’t you think,” I whispered back, and he sighed in response. 

If it wasn’t obvious Mr. Gregory’s niece is the little birdie, she wanted to go on a date with Jaxon so badly, but she isn’t his type plus guys like Jaxon have no type.

Simply, He didn’t want to go out with his history teacher’s niece and this girl didn’t take no for an answer and decided to ruin his year. 

“And what got you late?” Alex asked me.

“I had a little accident with my bike on my way here,” I said.

A speeding car nearly killed me this morning, but I drifted on time, which made me lose my balance and fall on the hard cement ground, cutting my arm open. I decided to treat my arm later and attend the first period.

I wasn’t lucky enough to pass through.

“You really need to check your arm because you’re bleeding like a lot,” Jaxon said with wide eyes. I looked at my grey jacket soaked with blood. 

After I got up and grabbed my bike, I saw the blood gushing out of my injury, so I tore a piece of my shirt and tied my arm to stop the bleeding, but I clearly failed at this as the wound was bleeding, soaking my jacket.

“No, Jaxon! Don’t faint and leave me.” Alex whispered and tried to hold him. It was too late, Jaxon fainted. The assistant came to see what happened. 

She shook her head and held her nose bridge. “I will not ask what happened, just take him to the nurse and Anderson go check your arm.”

Alex carried Jaxon, and I walked beside him, heading to the nurse’s office. “He weighs like a cow.” He complained. 

“I didn’t know that this tough guy could faint from the view of blood.” I laughed and Alex chuckled. After a few minutes of Alex’s colorful choice of words, we reached the nurse’s office. 

“Don’t tell me it’s Jaxon again, put him here, Alex.” She said, guiding him to the bed. 

Alex put Jaxon on the bed and she checked him, then sprinkled water on his face. He opened his eyes and got up with a tomato face.

“Dude, did I faint?” he asked, embarrassed by what happened.

Alex glared at him. “Well, thanks to you Hailey, I appreciate it. Let’s go, Alex.” Jaxon said and pulled Alex with him out of the room. He looked worried at me as Jaxon pushed him.

Hailey motioned to me to sit on the bed to check my injured arm, I took my jacket off and Hailey removed the white cloth that was red now. 

I think it needed stitches.

“Oh dear, this is bad,”

Hailey asked. “How did this happen?” So I told her what happened while she stitched it.

“You better go to the hospital in case of any concussion.” I tried to argue with her about not going to the hospital, but a Knock on the door cut me off and the door opened, revealing Alex.

“I will take her to the hospital, her mother is busy and she can’t use the bike either.” Alex offered.

He looked at me, waiting for my approval. I couldn’t believe he was eavesdropping. I gave up and nodded.

Hailey put a clean bandage on the injury, then I followed Alex to the parking lot. On my way, I remembered that he had a motorcycle, but found out he came here with a car. 

“I could’ve asked Luna to take me after school, but thanks,” I said as we got in his car.

“Yeah, and faint through the day, not happening.” He looked at me with a raised eyebrow. I swallowed my saliva and buried my face in my hair. He started the car and drove to the nearest hospital.

..................................

“Well, Ms. Anderson, you have no concussions at all,” Doctor Reagan said with a warm smile. 

“And about your arm injury, change the bandages every day.” He advised, and I nodded, thanking him. I left his office and headed to the hospital lobby. 

“What did the doctor say?” Alex asked.

I turned my back to look at him. “I thought you left already.” 

“What a gentleman I would be if I bailed out on you.” He smiled, showing his white pearl teeth. 

“Mr. River, I have no concussions and the hospital called mom, so I worried her for nothing,” I said as we walked to the parking area. 

“Thanks for waiting for me. You can leave now, I will wait for mom to come,” 

“Nah, I will stick with you until she comes.” He shrugged his shoulders. We reached his car, he leaned on the car. Silence took over between us, I looked at him. He seemed familiar.

He was staring at his phone, probably texting someone. Then he received a call. He declined the call and huffed with annoyance.

He lifted his head in my direction and caught me staring; I turned my head and looked at the parking entrance, trying to act natural.

“Take a photo, it'll last.” He teased me, I raised my eyebrow and snorted.

“Dude, you barely look handsome.” That was a big fat lie.

“Anderson, you broke my little heart.” He said with a straight face, but couldn’t keep it as he chuckled afterward.

In the corner of my eyes, I saw mom’s car entering the parking. She parked the car in an empty spot, then opened the driver’s door.

She cleaned the place with her eyes, looking for me. When she noticed me, she rushed between the parked cars to reach me.

“Oh my goodness, are u okay? And what happened?” She flooded with questions, concern was drawn on her features. 

“Mom, I’m fine, just injured my arm,” I said, and she grabbed me for a hug, I looked at Alex who was standing awkwardly beside us. Mom pulled away from the hug and rubbed my shoulder with a smile.

“Thank you for taking her to the hospital.” She smiled at Alex. 

“I had to make sure she was fine, Mrs. Anderson,” Alex replied, smiling back at mom.

“I can’t really seem to thank you enough, how about you have dinner with us tonight,” Mom offered. 

“I can’t Mrs. Anderson, maybe another time.” He refused politely. 

“What about a cup of coffee at our café? I insist.” Mom wasn’t giving up.

“I will see Mrs. Anderson,” Alex said shyly. 

Mom’s phone rang, and she huffed as she got it out of her bag. “See you around, Alex. Lavi, I’m waiting in the car.” She answered the phone call as she walked to the car.

“Ugh…Thanks for taking me to the hospital.” 

“Anytime, Anderson.” He smiled.

“See you at school,” I said awkwardly and walked to the car.

I saw Alex get in his car and drive off, then my mother opened her door again.

“Where are you going?” I asked.

“To make sure you are fine.” She said in a duh tone.

I groaned and covered my face. “Come on, let’s go.” She opened her door, and I got out of the car, following her back to the building.

My dear mother went to the doctor again to make sure I’m really fine. God, she wouldn’t believe the word ‘I’m okay’.

The doctor comforted her, and we finally left the hospital. We walked back to the car, and she drove off.

 I think we were headed home or the café; she didn’t tell me where we were going.

“So, who is your friend?” My mother asked with her eyes on the road.

“Alex River, we go to the same school,” I said, and her expression changed. 

Does she know him?

“River?” My mother repeated, knitting her eyebrows together.

“I think he is William’s and Samantha’s son,” she mumbled

Then she continued. “William River was your dad’s childhood friend, but after his death, he traveled to England. I never knew they came back to town.” 

That was odd, I never met them at the funeral and why did they leave suddenly, they even came back without telling my mother about their arrival.

“Samantha was my best friend too, but after they left, life got in the way and we stopped talking,” mom said with a sad smile drawn on her face. 

“But why did they leave suddenly?” I asked.

“William was heartbroken after what happened, he couldn’t stand to live where his best friend died, so he left.”

Me neither, living here brings so many memories of him. We filled every part of this town with memories we did together.

“Have I seen any of the Rivers?” I asked again. She glanced at me, then focused on the road again.

“You were little when you saw them, your father fought with William and they stopped talking for like five years. When they made up again, you were eight or seven. I don’t remember. And you spent most of your time dancing. So, you’ve seen them for a short time,” 

“Did I know Alex?” I was asking too many questions, but I needed to make sure I didn’t forget that family because of my amnesia.

If William was dad's best friend, then what happened to make them fight? And why does Alex look very familiar?

Mom looked tensed for a moment, then she spoke. “Not really, you saw each other as toddlers but didn’t see each other after that.”

After what she said now, Something was wrong with her story, a missing part. I will find out what it is.

“Well, how about we have a girls’ time like the old days,” she said with a cheerful smile, changing the previous conversation. 

A wide grin showed on my face, I nodded my head happily and she laughed at my childlessness. We agreed to go to our favorite ice cream shop. My eyes glinted with happiness.

Back in the day, mom and dad used to take me there after my dance practice. It was my favorite part of the day.

God, I miss him so much. I miss everything we did together and if I had a way to bring him back from the dead, I would use my chances. That night I was the one supposed to die, not him, Saph would grow with a father and Mom would have her soulmate.

“I’ll go bring the ice cream, stay in the car.” Mom said, and I nodded. She opened the door and walked across the street where the shop was.

I checked my phone for any messages and found many of them from Ruby. She must be so worried. I replied to her with I’m fine then her name popped up on the screen; I answered her call and distanced the phone in case she shouts.

“I was worried about you, how could you leave me with no clue of how you are doing or where you are.” Ruby barked at me angrily.

“Ruby, I’m fine, I got a couple of stitches and there are no concussions.” I tried to convince her I was fine.

“You could’ve told us to take you to the hospital instead of going alone.”

 Yeah, I couldn’t correct this part now.

“I’m fine now Ruby you could come by later and check on me.” I offered.

Ever since the last accident, Ruby always gets worried. It can be a lot, but at least I have a friend who cares.

“Fine, I will come by with Luna, and that new kid wants to visit. You left him with me today and he is giving me a headache.” She complained from Dustin, but deep down I know she liked him. 

“Treat him nice for me please, and he can come for sure.” A wince of pain echoed in my ear, I rolled my eyes at her aggressive treatment for Dustin.

“Okay, see you later, Lavi.” Ruby hung up, and I was left alone with the silence covering the car. 

I opened the radio and went through the channels until I settled on one, playing the viral songs.

Later, Mum came back, and we ate our ice cream, then she drove me home. 

I stood on the front porch and waved to her as she took off. When she was out of my eyesight, I headed to the front door and opened it, walking inside the darkroom.

I took off my shoes and yawned on my way to the room, deciding on taking a nap.

After I got into my room, I changed into comfy pajamas. I threw my tired body on the bed and closed my eyelids slowly, drifting to the darkness gradually as it welcomed me with open arms.