Remembering Us

Chapter 1: The New Beginning

Chapter 2: New Beginning

Aaron's POV

"I do!" Trevor, one of my friends said happily to the priest.

It's hard to say that 3 years ago, I was at his shoes standing in front of the altar with the love of my life beside me. Thinking all the could haves and should have happened before.

"You may kiss the bride!" the priest said calmly while Ashley jumped for joy and kissed Trevor as much as she could. Trevor was more than happy to receive it, they both ran towards the huge entrance, waving at everyone reminding them the reception then jumped in their limo.

"Hey man, you Aryt?" Jacob said patting my shoulder.

"Yeah man, just tired I guess." I said calmly. I actually don't need to lie about it. Ever since I ran away from the altar, I tried my best to work harder than before keeping myself busy to forget the stupid mistake I made but whatever I do, it just kept on coming back to me.

I felt the same pang of pain in the church here at the reception. Everything and everyone seemed so happy. People are dancing having a good time and here I am sitting in one of the chairs watching them enjoy the party.

I just can't sit here watch them all day, so instead of being lonely I walked towards my car and went straight home.

I arrived my house feeling tired, stressed and lonely. I removed my tux leaving only my boxers on and lay down my bed while I stare at the ceiling.

If only I said the two words, two words that could have change my life. If only I chose that path, maybe I'm happier than I am now. Hell! I'd probably be the happiest man alive, but no I had to run.

It was just few weeks after the wedding to be when I realized what I just did. I ran away just because I was confused, scared that if I put this further there's no turning back. I thought everything through, thinking about Natalie all the time. Seeing her face when I turned away from her, it's like the glow and beauty I saw was ripped off her eyes and all I see was hope.

I tried to do the right thing after my realization, but I guess I was too ashamed to face her. I was not worth of her time hell I don't even deserve her to feel my presence.

Instead, I changed all my contact details. Everything to avoid her, keeping in mind that this is the right thing and still hoping that someday she'll forgive me.

And just as I was about to sleep, I tried to gather all the faith I got and prayed that someday she'll forgive me and take me back.

I woke up to the sound of horn beeping outside the window. I stood up checked the time, 10:34am wow, I slept that long. I checked the person who was disturbing my sleep and saw a black mustang at my parking space. "Jacob." I muttered.

Jacob is my cousin, he's one my group of 5 friends including me. 2 of us are married and one is engaged. Kyle was the first who got married, to Rianne 5 years ago and having a happy life, Trevor was the second to Ashley yesterday, Jacob is engaged to his beloved Angel. So it's just me and Mike left.

I put on a shirt and sprinted out of my yard towards his car.

"Sup men? What do you want?" I asked, feeling groggy for a while.

"Hey, you said you'd help me find new books and DVD's for my collection?"

I scratched the back of my head, "Right, Aryt! Just give ms a sec, I'll just change clothes." I ran towards my room changed into a stripped polo and a pair of jeans. I grabbed a bagel and run back to his car.

We did our ritual handshake and drove off to city. "So.." Jake said breaking the silence. "Why'd you leave early?" he said. And as usual I had to lie. "I got got tipsy and suddenly felt tired so I sobered up a little then head off home." I said, trying to give a convincing voice.

He nodded and continued back to his driving. He said that We'll meet up Mark and Kyle at a local books and CD's shop.

We got out of the car and pushed the door open to enter the shop. It's quite big, full of books, CD's, DVD's, etc. People are scattered, but you can only count a few.

Mark, Kyle and Jacob started looking at each section, I started looking at the book section checking if there's an interesting book that I could give Jake. Jake is really into books an CD's he'd rather have them instead of clothes. Although he doesn't really need to cause he h dresses cool.

I checked row after row, when I saw a familiar figure sitting down at the reading section. She, I presume cause she looks feminine, only sits by herself without anyone on her side. I shrugged it off and started checking again different titles from the book rack. As I got closer it finally hit me that I knew her.

I walked across to where she seats and glance to see a better view of her face.

"Nat!" a high pitched voice shouted across the room.

"KC, Shh! Ever realized that people reads here." Natalie said.

Natalie, as in my Natalie. I heard her sweet and calm voice again after 3 years. I just stared at her with all the emotions I could gather.

I saw her friend walks out towards the book shelf, I gathered up all the courage, energy an power that I have. She didn't seem to notice me walking towards her cause she really caught up to her book.

I stood up at the back of her chair, debating if I should call her or tap her back to gain her attention. As I was about to talk she stood up and turned around towards my direction and bumped into my chest. It feels so right to feel her touch again and the familiar heart beat is back with it's high speed rate, she looked up and I smiled.

She stared at me for a second and I was about to frown when she spoke. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking!" she said calmly and apologetically.

I looked at her confused, and she gave me the same expression. It seemed like she doesn't know me or something. Just then she smiled and said Okaaaay? Then walk off.

I finally found my voice and said, "Natalie!" she stopped at her tracks abruptly then slowly turned around to face me with a confused expression.

"I'm sorry, who are you? And how'd you know my name?" she said curiously.

At first I thought she was just kidding but when her expression didn't change I said "I'm Aaron, don't you remember me?"

She tried to think deeply, but said "I'm sorry, no." she walked towards me and asked, "You might be one of those people I don't remember. Sorry." she said again with the apologetic look.

I was about to ask her why, then her friend just jumped out of nowhere. "Nat!"

"God, Kace you nearly had me given a heart attack!" Natalie said putting her hand on her chest.

She chuckled, "Sorry, well who's this?" she said pointing at me.

"He's.." she looked at me, and I reached my hand over "..Aaron, nice to meet you, Uh.." I trailed off seeing Nathalie nod. "KC" she said while she reached for my hand to shake it.

KC turned back to Nat, "Nat, you're books are ready you can get it at the counter." she said.

She glanced back to me, "Well nice seeing you again, I.. guess?" she said then walk towards the counter.

"So, did she remember you?" she asked in a very concern voice, I look at her and shook my head no. I frowned just as I remember her expression awhile ago.

KC must have seen my frown, "Hey, I'm so sorry if she doesn't remember you. It's just she had an accident few years back, she was at coma for about 4 months and when she woke up she doesn't remember anything at all.." I looks at her wide eyed. "But on the bright side, she's alive and it's not only you she doesn't remember." she continued

"Are you her umm.. Friend or something?" she asked, "Yes," was all I said.

"Hey, Kace ready?" she asked while fixing her books from the paper bag. KC nodded slightly then Natalie glance on me.

"Well nice to meet you again Aaron. I was actually hoping we could catch up but we're kind of in a hurry. Bye!" she waved goodbye while walking towards the door going out.

I just stood there quite shock and notice that my friends has the same expression as me at the right corner of the room.