Memory After Memory

Chapter 3

He was there, right in front of me. He looked just as shocked to see me as I was to see him. Maybe he was even more shocked. Viney smirked, finding amusement in our shock. She must have planned this...somehow. 

"Julian?" His name just slipped out. I couldn't control it. I surprised myself with how natural it felt. Just saying his name gave me a warmth I was totally unprepared to feel. It actually threw me off entirely, but I kept my cool.

The glimmer in his eye confirmed it as he came over and wrapped his arms around me. "Amy! I was on my way to visit you before Viney texted me."

I knew it. I looked over at Viney, her smile still on her face, proud of what she did. If there was any disappointment there, it wasn't there anymore. I really couldn't help but be proud of it too. Something felt familiar about this, but 16-year-old Amy completely disagreed. I guess I still couldn't grasp that I'm 24 now.

Julian let go and took a step back to give me a little space. "So, how's your first day out?"

"It's okay so far." I replied with a hint of truth. I was a little suspicious of Viney's behavior, but I kept that to myself. "I can't complain about it, since it's better than a hospital bed."

Julian nodded. "I hear that. In celebration of your release how about we all crash here? We'll have a few drinks and-"

"No." Viney him cut off. It was a quick cut off too. "No drinks. I don't mind crashing, but no drinks. I don't drink...anymore."

I was taken back by her cutting him off. "I'm sure it was just a suggestion. We don't have to do that."

Julian nodded. "Yeah. I have to ask though: if you were just fine with it yesterday-."

"That wasn't what you thought it was."

"Okay, Viney, why are you being weird?" He crossed his arms. I was curious too but I stayed to the side, letting them hash this one out.

"I'm not acting weird!" Viney said defensively.

Julian relaxed his face and closed the front door. "So then what's your deal? Yesterday you were talking about having drinks tonight after work anyway and suddenly you don't drink anymore? What's going on?"

"Nothing I just-..." She trailed off. She took a moment to think, then took a deep breath to calm down. I could feel the tension shifting as she took a deep breath. "Don't worry about it, alright? If you guys wanna have some drinks, I'm cool with that. I just don't feel like drinking tonight anymore. Work was exhausting so I might hit the hay early tonight."

We both nodded. And with that, she left the room, going into her own.

Julian and I exchange glances, both of us equally confused as to what just happened. I shrugged to silently answer the unspoken question. Julian looked at Viney's room, then back at me. "You got a room we can chill in then?"

My mind raced with why that sounded like a bad way to ask, but I trusted him. I always have since 1st grade. I nodded and he followed me to the room Viney gave me. We sat on my bed and I couldn't help but look over. His body was fit, put together by toned muscle. Even his face screamed sexy. I kept my mind at bay the second that thought appeared. You're not dating him. Stop that.

He must have felt my staring and looked over. I blinked to try and hide it, but he instantly knew. "A picture lasts longer." He joked.

My face got red and I let out a short chuckle at his stupid joke. "Whatever."

Julian chuckled. "So, how are you feeling?"

I took a minute to analyze my thoughts and how I felt. "Honestly, I don't know. This is a lot to take in, all this change. It's crazy to me."