Memory Documentation

chapter twenty two | documenting the same but different

The rest of the day carried on just how Chris said it would – the same but different in the most amazing way. The mundane routines of the day carried on but were riddled with tell-tale signs of our new relationship. No hiding, no holding back. Occasionally, a few mutual classmates would notice the subtle shift and ask us. Our response? "Yeah, we're together now."

The streak of "aw, that's great!" and "good for you guys!" came to a screeching halt as an unfamiliar boy came striding towards us after school to ask the same question. Instead of holding me close as we confirmed our relationship, Chris let go and stepped in front of me, putting space between me and the boy.

"Yeah, we're together. What about it?" I shivered immediately at his tone – low, cold, and full of steel. This was nothing like I've heard from him before. Not the boy who was the definition of cool, calm, and collected.

The boy was taller than Chris, with a long mop of curly red hair and small lips that turned upwards in almost a manic smile. "Wow. Wait 'till I tell Bridgit about this."

My eyes widened as I connected the dots. Bridgit's twin brother.

Chris shrugged. "Go ahead. Or don't, since it's not her business anyway. Oh, right! I guess you're too dense to understand the concept of boundaries, since you like to cross your sister's all the time by being a freak and sending me pictures of her and Daniel."

"Just thought you'd appreciate the updates. Are you telling me you don't?" the boy mocked.

Chris shook his head. "Lay off already. I'm tired of your shit, Tony, and I'm done with your harrassment. Do us all a favor and focus on your own life rather than mine or your sister's."

A crowd of students were beginning to form around us, some already taking their phones out to record the action. Tony gave a nonchalant shrug in response. "I could. But it's a lot more fun to fuck with you, though."

I blanched as Chris stepped forward and said, "How 'bout I fuck you up instead? I know you like to bark, but you couldn't land a bite if you tried."

Tony straighted. A flare of determination. A challenge accepted. "So confident you'll win this time? How 'bout we test it?"

Before I could take my next breath, a chorus of screams erupted around us as Tony closed the distance and shoved hard against Chris's chest, into me. The both of us collided hard into the lockers behind us, and I let out a cry as I slammed against the knob of a locker. Pain exploded down my back, taking my breath away, and I fell to my knees with tears springing to my eyes. A roar of students shouting filled the hallway, and when I looked up, my vision zeroed in on Chris pinning Tony to the floor. I blinked, and there was Cooper, Bryson, and Philip. Cooper caught Chris's raised fist before it could make an impact on Tony's face. Bryson pulled him up and back a couple feet. Philip put himself between him and Tony, shouting to Chris a warning of possible expulsion if he were to continue. Marissa slid down to her knees by my side and I could vaguely hear her asking me if I was okay over the crowd of students either egging the fight on or telling them to knock it off.

Cooper gestured wildly back to me, and Chris whirled. His eyes widened with concern seeing me hunched on the floor. Immediately he began to make his way towards me, but behind him, Tony scrambled to his feet and shouted, "I'm not done! I'll win this time!"

He started charging towards Chris again – absolute fury on his face – when another student broke from the crowd and grabbed him by the arms, pulling him backwards with a fierce tug. I recognized her immediately.

"Enough, Tony! Leave them alone! " Bridgit screamed, her matching red hair wild across her face. She practically matched her brother in height and possibly strength as Tony struggled to keep his balance against her unleashed fury. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she shouted, emphasizing each word with a pounding fist to his chest. "God, Tony, just leave me alone! Stop fucking causing trouble and just worry about yourself for once!"