February 2023... ( Emmas's POV )
For the first time in nearly six months, today I actually woke up in a good mood for once. Even despite the fact that I still remember too well every second of 2019. How could I ever forget the most golden, carefree year of my life so far. Of course I am quite hopeful for this year to be a vast improvement compared to the atrocious disarray 2022 had brought forthwith.
2020 was obviously a doomed year since the first month whilst 2021 lies on the neutral side. Calling 2021 'neutral' is quite an understatement, but at least it wasn't 2020. To me it seems as if 2022's pure intentions were to heap the same exact way that 2020 did, but this time in sleek disguise.
So far, these past three years haven't managed to live up to my personal favorite, 2019. Perhaps the lack of Heather's presence in my life could be why.
April 13th, 2019 is locked and sealed right at the back of the sheer, brittle crevices of my mind and also holds a special place in my heart. What I'm reckoning to foreshadow right now is the sacred day Heather and I met. It all smoothly unraveled like destiny calling upon two young soulmates, vividly meant to be and perfectly curated for each other.
~ f l a s h b a c k ~
" Hey Heather! I'm homeee from my first day at Bridgette Middle School! " Matilda called out to the intricate teenage girl standing right beside her room, holding up a broad book right between the palm of her hands. She seemed to be Matilda's older sister, who received an impressive amount of acclaim from what I've heard so far.
" Okay... " The teenage girl, known as Heather shyly mumbled. Her eyes seemed to be intensely glued to the pages of the book she's reading, rather than pay much attention to Matilda or I.
" You're probably wondering who my new friend is, right? " Matilda cheerily chirped, emphasizing the word 'friend'. She clasped her hands in enthralled excitement and coveted to introduce us. " Heather, meet Emma! Emma, meet Heather! "
" Oh, um... hi? " Heather timidly greeted, giving off extensive vibes that she's a well reserved introvert.
I unconventionally peered into Heather's room, astonished by the sight of My Little Pony figurines sitting right beside her closet. " Oh my gosh, is that Fluttershy? How adorable! " I squealed, failing to mind my own business and sprinted right into her room.
Heather sheepishly tilted her dainty glance towards my direction." Oh, I... don't judge me. I know fourteen is too old to adore something so childish anyways."
" Wow, it's like you didn't hear me at all. " I chuckled. " You're quite oblivious, you know? "
" Oh! " She lightly gasped as her eyes widened at the same time. " You like MLP? "
" Of course! " I exclaimed. " I'm pretty childish in the sense that I still love silly stuff from my childhood, like MLP or Disney. I get made fun of that all the time by friends and classmates. I hate it, but I guess it's well deserved for liking magical ponies who teach about the magic of friendship. "
" Yeah, that's exactly why no one other than my sister is aware of my fascination with MLP. " Heather solely admitted. " I'm kind of known as the Golden girl around here. I have a certain reputation to withhold. "
" Hey, that's okay. I can keep a secret. " I softly smiled as a form of consolation.
" Say, what's your name again? " She examined my t-shirt, sporting with a couple buttons with the words 'Taylor Forever' and the Speak Now album cover. Under the impression that perhaps that was in fact my name, she spoke up again. " When can I see you again, Taylor? "
How 'my thoughts will echo your name until I see you again' coded that sentence was. How adorable.... Heather presuming my name is seriously 'Taylor'.
" How about right now? " I offered.
" Sure! " Heather set down her Harry Potter book down on her desk and focused all her attention on me and only me. Perhaps this is the start of a timeless friendship I'll forever cherish for the rest of my life!
~ f l a s h b a c k o v e r ~
No one knows much about how Heather is doing now. In fact, no one knows how Heather is holding up. The only reason I know is due to the fact that I may have sort of stalked some form of social media of theirs and it seems like they're happy somewhere else.... somewhere without me in it.
I get so sick of myself of how I can't stop reminiscing. No matter what I do, I just can't seem to forget too well. I feel another song coming.... I think I'll call it 'Bittersweet, just like this feeling.
( 2nd Verse )
I've been an empty void before
No, it's nothing new
Oh, I've gotten used to surviving without you
But it's no life like it once was
When I was naive, couldn't depart wrong from right
Didn't comprehend real love
Depths of the waterfall, just crying
You were always there, back when you cared
I was your everything
Now I'm someone you've learned to live without
I bet you're better off now . . .
( Chorus )
Do you miss me? Like I miss you
Call it bittersweet, all so blue
Eternal misery for all I never told you
My waterfall, I love you
( Bridge )
Our small talk didn't last long
I know I made it seem
Like my life's complete
With you forever leaving
But it's not like that anymore
After your sudden departure
Ever since July 31st
Life suddenly became worse
For what it's worth
I still wish you'd come back to me
Present Day... ( Heather's POV )
Born and raised in that little town in L.A., it was like I once had an empire due to the way I was greatly perceived as the 'Golden Girl'. Constantly being praised for all my good grades and admired accomplishments, I was held up so high through their eyes. I used to be cheered on, up until I sacrificed my own mental health in order to always please others except myself.
Eventually, I couldn't handle all the substantial pressure placed in and I burst, falling down from the grace they expected from me. Years later after I've overcome the worst, no one wants to know me now...
I loathe visiting this small town that once was my home sweet home. The only reason I even bothered spending this Cruel Summer here is because Emma rarely has the chance of ever communicating with me in person. I know that it pains her, so I'll put in the effort. After all, she is my best friend; the one I love and care for the most.
I still don't comprehend exactly why Emma is even so fascinated by me, when all I've ever done these past few years is immensely let her down. She's the only one that doesn't look at me like I'm a monster.
After my foes and friends watched my reign end, you'd think that she'd move on the way that they did. Instead, she was determined to see me again, regardless of how long that would take. Trust me, I'm grateful for this third opportunity, but I don't think I deserve it. Not with the way I harshly ghosted her for two and a half years...
" Ahhh, you're finally here! " Emma beamed a smile, darting right towards me and helped out with my suitcases.
" Ems, you really don't have to help out with that. I'm sure that Drew wouldn't mind carrying them. " I suggested.
" Oh, but I'd love to carry them for you! " She broadly insisted, walking right beside me.
I hesitated to concur. " Well, I'd hate for you to do so but... if you insist. " I felt flattered by her willing generosity towards me. " So, what do you want to do this summer? "
Emma's eyes blithely widened as she spoke in a lighthearted tone. " Spend every second with you of course! "