→ Erica 

"Have a good day at school."

'I'll try, mom."

Finally, it's Friday, and here I am walking to school. Oh my God, I couldn't sleep last night after what happened. Was he serious about what he said last night? "I'll continue to help you out and be respectful." Was he serious about that, or was he just playing nice since his sister was there? I hope he was being honest. At this point, it's better if he fakes it all rather than not talking to me at all. Then again, it's not like he can avoid me since we all have the same classes. I guess what's troubling me is what he said after that. "But when we were outside of school. You're a leech to me. Nothing more." Just what did I do to cause you so much pain? Was it because no, it couldn't have been. He never was around for that because he went on vacation. Maybe it was.

"Ouch."

"Oof."

Oh my God, I just ran into Aaron and Andrea. It couldn't have gotten any worse. But as usual, it did because I was on top of him. And I think, oh what is this? It's so stiff and rigid. One, two, three, and oh, these are bigger. Huh, does he have a mole here? Weird. This part feels scruffy, and this part is toned. I think.

"Can you stop molesting my brother's body?"

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to run into you or anything. I just…"

"Ugh, and here I thought Valerie was worse."

"It's fine accidents happen, although it was a little weird of you touching me like that. It was the first time anyone's done that, and it was my fault since I was walking too fast and not paying attention."

"Yeah, see, I told you to slow down. That corner is how my one friend got her ankle twisted."

I can't believe I just felt his abs and pecks and part of his neck. So that means the thing I thought was a mole was his nipple.

"I don't need anything from the peanut gallery."

And he and his sister are casually arguing as if it never happened. Why am I not surprised?

"Ouch, let go of my cheek. That's my ear. Ok, ok, I give. What was the last one for?"

"That's for listening to our conversation last night. Sorry about that last night, and it was only supposed to be just us two."

"Um, no, that's alright."

It's strange. Aaron seems different than last night. I guess he kept his word about what he said. But he's so good at acting it's scary. I don't remember him being like this, and I thought I could pull a fast one on him last night. It might be more complicated now that I'm seeing it. Seeing is believing, after all. Then again, he's hard for me to read. But I'll try asking a question. 

"Hey, last night, I was trying to ask you something important. If you have time to talk, that would be good. We don't have to be in the homeroom for another thirty minutes."

"Fine. Andrea, can you head up by yourself?"

"Really?"

"Please, can you go?"

"Alright. No making out."

"Seriously?"

"What? Can't I have a little bit of fun? She probably wants more than you. Or you probably do and are just denying it."

That little fox. Just what does she know? 

"Come on. Erica, let's go somewhere privately. If we're late, that's fine, and I have a record."

Right now, Aaron just grabbed me by the arm, and I led me to God knows where. Just looking up to him is something else. I mean, he's tall, and I can feel his hands on my bare arm. It's so strong, warm, and a little sweaty. You've grown, Aaron. Like, I wonder what other parts of you have.

"Hey, Erica, are you listening?"

"Oh, yes, I am. Sorry, my head was in the clouds."

"That's alright. Now talk."

Ok, that "now talk" was dark for a moment. Aaron is earnest, and it still amazes me how he is like that. 

"Alright, where do I even start?"

"I don't know, you tell me. You're the one that asked to talk."

You were always a little smartass, Aaron.

"Last night, I came over to ask if you remembered me. You did. But I also want to know what I did to you. And does it have to do with anything about the "liking" part?" 

"You know how I know this is bull? Because you immediately said you wanted to start a new slate. So, therefore, you know what it is. If you want to talk to someone, at least be honest upfront. I'm leaving."

I am so tired of him not giving me a chance, and I am not getting a chance to explain myself or have a normal conversation. And not a damn chance to get an answer. 

"Stop! Just stop! Stop treating me like crap, alright? If you're mad, then at least tell me what I did wrong so long ago that I hurt you. Or I'll never know how to take accountability for it or properly apologize."

"....."

He stops. Please turn around. He moved again, and please turn around. He's not stopping. Fine, I'll tackle you like I used to. Maybe then you'll wake up. 

[E: Tackles]

"Oof."

"I'm not getting off your back until you tell me what I did. It's just you and me now, and We-we used to be so close. You remember, right? 

"....."

As I lay on his back, I began to think about the past. The past that we shared, the dreams we told one another, and the friendship we shared. But within all that, I began to feel something forgotten. I felt guilty because I was starting to think it was me that'd forgotten something. I'm thinking, wait, what's this? Oh, I can feel his back muscles with my chest. Without thinking, I reached over and touched his shoulders. I squeezed it and thought, how can anyone get this tone?

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I got curious for no reason at all. But I'll still lay on you until you tell me."

"Please, Erica, stop rubbing your chest on my back."

"My chest?"

Holy cow, when did I start doing this? But his back was so muscular. What a great body he must have. 

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright, but can you please get off me? I'm starting to get uncomfortable for no reason."

"Sorry, wait are you going to tell me?"

"I don't want to, but what choice do I have. I don't feel like getting tackled again."

"You don't have to if you don't wanna."

"Seriously? Which is it?" 

"Ok, ok, I want to know. But I'm staying on you until you tell me."

"Fine. Alright, because you promised me way back that we'd go…."

→ Aaron

"Aaron William Wheeler, what are you doing?"

"Mother? This-this isn't what it looks like."

Unlike dad, mom will act sweet, but she'll tear me apart. The good thing is she's reasonable, sometimes. 

"Don't mother me. Get to school right now! I don't want another call while I'm at work again."

"Here, I'll get off your back for now."

"Thanks. Wait, mom. What are you doing back early? You're not supposed to come back till March 4th, and it's only February 15th. Wait, where's dad? No, what is going on here?"

"We decided to come back early. Your father will be home later tonight. And oh my God, Erica, Erica Earhart?!"

"Hi Mrs. Wheeler, it's nice to see you again. Although it's been five years, ha-ha." 

And here, things couldn't get worse. I was seriously hoping my mother didn't recognize her. But the worst part is, why am I crouching? Oh, I see. Do I hate her or like her? Which is it?! Well, my head is saying absolutely no. But this part of me screams yes.

"Ouch, Mom, that hurts."

"What did I tell you about getting lost in your mind when I'm addressing you?"

"Mom, you were talking to her so…OUCH, that's my ear, mother!"

"Get to school now."

"But…"

"Now!"

"Alright, come on, Erica, let's go."

"She stays. I want to talk to her for a moment."

And things just got worse. This day is going to be another long one. Well, I'm glad no one was around to see "that" scene. I wouldn't want any rumors to go around in school, and that's the last thing I want there. 

"See you in English class..."

"Ok."

→ Erica 

"So, what did you want to talk about, Mrs. Wheeler?"

"Did your father put you up to this?"

"Excuse me? What about my father?"

"I received some information about your move to school. And I noticed you're in the same classes as Aaron, all except the homeroom. I'm asking, does your father have connections with the school?"

"Oh, I don't know. I was wondering the same as well. Please know I'm not up to anything. It's not like it was back then. I never wanted to do anything to Aaron; you must believe in that part. And I only know Aaron went to this school because of the EETs."

"I understand. So, it doesn't appear you know anything after all. Sorry for coming strong towards you there."

"That's ok. Aaron is your son, after all."

"Just so you know, Erica, I never doubted you, nor has my husband and I ever not believed you. On the other hand, my son is the one you need to convince. You both are almost adults, and five years of a grudge or whatever it is needs to be dealt with by those parties involved."

"Thank you for…."

"Don't thank me yet. Last night, however, I cannot have another repeat. I wasn't sure who you were. A hooded figure was opening our gate and walking to the house."

"Sorry."

"That's alright. You and Aaron always impressed me with how you could remember things well."

She was talking about me showing up at their house late at night. I still remember the passcode to the gate after all those years, and I forgot they have surveillance cameras around their home. 

"I understand, and I apologize for that."

"It's alright. Please give Aaron some time and don't go so hard on him. I'll be talking with him tonight about his behavior from last night. That was uncalled for and rude. Was he like that during school yesterday towards you?"

"No, actually, he was the opposite. He treated me like he had never met me before. It was quite nice and reminded me a bit of the old days. But with us a little more closely."

"Did he say he forgot?"

"Um, yes."

"That little...alright. I must go; it was nice seeing you again. And you're welcome to the house anytime regardless of what Aaron says."

"It was nice seeing you as well, Mrs.Wheeler. Thank you."

"Likewise. You should get to school and still have ten minutes till homeroom."

I waved as she rode off. For a second, I thought she would tear me a new one. But I feel much better now. I feel amazing because I've won the parents over. Now I just need to get him. Aaron, you just wait. 

→ Aaron

*Achoo*

"Feels like people were talking about me."

I still can't believe I went off on Erica last night. 

← Last night

Like we usually do since our parents are always away. I helped her with her assignments and grilled burgers for dinner. Did I mention I examined them? Later, she went to do her own thing while I studied downstairs. While enjoying my night, I get a text from Erica. Of all people, it had to be her. I mean, come on! My mother is texting late at night, telling me I forgot to close the gate or garage door. When I know, I did. It was better than having her calling me and scolding me for no reason. She'll probably look at the tapes later from the security cameras. Maybe I should see the playback.

EE_… Are you able to come outside for a moment? I'm at your house.

[~~~]

Are. You. Serious. 

"Ahhhh!"

"Hey, are you ok down there?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Andrea. I just got surprised."

"Weirdo."

Holy hell, I screamed so loud. I wonder if she heard me. That's if she's outside. Wait, she knows where I live? Well, of course, she does, I mean. Hold on one second. How does she know where I live? Let me check the security feed in the other room. 

I quickly go downstairs and make my way to a small but large enough room to fit three king-size beds. I know, to me, it's small because most of the rooms in our house are much more significant. I'm not a fan of the basement, by the way. Alright, let's see if.

"Ah, I should probably text her, so she doesn't think I'm asleep. "

AW_… Um, I'll be down in a moment. 

EE_...Alright.

[]

Afterward, I played back the tape and noticed something familiar. So familiar that I was disappointed in myself for not remembering. For not remembering that leech. When I played it back, I saw Erica enter the number 413414 on the keypad by the gate since our family doesn't associate with our other families. 

Only my mom, dad, Andrea, and I know that code. A long time ago, someone and I came up with that code when our house finished building. One person was there, and her name was Erica, Erica Earhart. My best childhood friend.