“Fifi.”

I heard him call me by my childhood name, probably to get my attention. Still, I don’t answer and I can’t think of anything to answer to him. Malory doesn’t even have a childhood name. I guess I could call him pervert but of course I won’t. I promised myself that I’ll be really nice to him. That is, if he manages to keep his hands to himself. I heard him utter my name again only this time it’s followed by a soft nudge on my arm. I turned to look at him, removing my eyes from the green grasses and this colorful swing where we are sitting. “The flowers were lovely, thank you.” I smiled at him softly. “I don’t know if you’ll like the flowers I picked for you. Some of them were chosen by mom. I guess I just wanted to give something to you.” He laughed, paused for a while then finally stopped laughing. “I’m sorry you had to be here. I just wanted to talk to you, that’s all.” he said, making me stare at him. “Malory.” I touched his knee. “No, it’s fine. I was just thinking.” I said. “Don’t worry; I won’t do anything bad to you. I’m not like that, I still have my conscience.” I barely heard his whole statement and it sort of made me guilty of what I was thinking. “I wasn’t thinking of something like that!” I lied then slapped his knee. “I was just kidding. You just seem sort of distant and it’s hard to start a conversation with someone as distant as you are right now. It’s like you’re here with me, but your mind is with something else or with someone else…” I shot him a serious look. “What are you trying to say?” I raised my brow at him. “It’s nothing.” He shrugged. “Fine.” I said then didn’t say anything anymore.

You don’t wanna talk? Fine, I won’t talk.

I looked away from him then began to enjoy the swing. I felt like a child again. I sort of missed playing here at the Griffiths. I missed feeling air gently brushing my cheeks gently and the air blowing against my hair. I missed Mrs. Griffiths’ colorful variety of flowers, the tulips, the buds of roses…I could still remember begging Mrs. Griffiths to give me a flower. Of course, being cute as I am and being nice as she is she couldn’t resist me. I would always walk away from their house smiling with a flower on my hand.

“What happened to us?” I heard him ask. “What do you mean?” I asked him. “We used to be really good friends, but I guess we just drifted apart. Why? What happened?” he struggled as he tried to stop from swinging. “I don’t know, I guess after I got grounded because of the trouble you caused, I just didn’t feel like being friends with you anymore. I just hated you, that’s all.” I swung hard as I said those words. I tried not to look at his reaction. “You got grounded and being grounded means…” pause. “Not seeing your crush.”

I stopped swinging.

“Oh, sorry.” Ah, he knew about what happened to him, “I heard you guys dated until he left for France. How’s he now?” Sorry, I was wrong. Maybe he didn’t know after all. “He’s dead.” I turned to look at his reaction. Nothing. “He died about a month or two ago. I’ve lost count.” I said. “What do you mean?” he asked. “He’s dead! Don’t you get it? He’s not with us anymore. God, you’re so slow!” I stood up then began walking away. “Wait! Éliane! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to be really stupid and slow!” he tried to catch up with me. I stopped, then turned to him, “I was just acting.” I smiled at him. “But you’re still really slow.” I heard him laugh in relief. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know about his death.” he put his hand on my shoulder. “Nah, it’s okay. I know he’s happy wherever he is. Besides, I know I have to move on sooner or later.” I narrowed my eyes at the piercing sunlight. “That’s good.” He smiled too. “I know.” I answered.

“So we’re friends again?” he asked. I laughed at him then swept my bangs away from my face. “I guess, yeah, I guess so.”

“I’d like to tell something to you.” He paused, then looked at the swing, “But first let’s go back to the swings. It’s way too hot and bright here.” He smiled again. “Good idea. I thought you were going to let me die here.” I laughed then walked towards the swings, he followed then we sat together.

“What is it?” I asked him. “Promise me you won’t laugh because I swear if you laugh…” he trailed off. “Just get on with it!” I hit his shoulder, “Fine, but you didn’t have to hit me.” he said.

“Okay, here it goes. I’m—

I cut him off.

“In love with you?” I laughed. “Do you wanna hear it or not? And, no I’m not in love you. Why should I be?” he said. I felt blood rushing to my cheeks. God, I was so red. “Anyway, I’m…” he paused. He gulped air in, then out. “I’ve never told anyone about and I’ve tried hiding this for about three months. I’m—” I cut him off again with the word “a faggot”. “Do you mind? I’ve been trying to tell you something and you’re always cutting me off!” Another pause. God, when will he stop with all if these pauses? “H-h-how did you know? Was I that obvious?” he stood up then knelt in front of me. “Chill. It was just I guess. Besides, admitting to be gay and admitting the fact that you are already falling for someone are the only things that guys confess.” I told him. “Okay, so I guess I can be myself with you around.” He smiled. “So you invaded my room just to tell me that you’re gay? Does your mother know about this?” I paused, “Does your father know bout this?” I nearly squeaked. “Shush! Yes, I wanted to tell you this that’s why I invited you here. No, my mother doesn’t know. God, is that even a question? Of course he doesn’t know! Do you have any idea on what he’ll do to me if he finds out?” Wait, was he asking me? “He’ll accept you?” I smiled my little-girl-who-doesn’t-know-what-she’s-talking-about smile. He rolled his eyes on me then sighed. I stood up, took his hands then hugged him. “I know he’ll accept you. It might be hard for him at first, but yeah, I know he will.” I patted his back. “Thanks, Éliane and I’m sorry for the trouble I caused. I wasn’t thinking.” He apologized. “It’s okay, c’mon. If God, himself forgives us then why shouldn’t I? Right, my little gay friend?” I smirked at him as I reached up to his shoulder. “Yes, my little annoying friend.” He removed my arms then raised his pinky. “Oh c’mon, we’re not kids anymore.” I refused to take it. “C’mon.” he took mine then clasped his onto mine.

“Friends?” he asked.

“You’re so gay.” I laughed, “Yeah, friends.”

We smiled at each other then went back to the swings then tried to fly like how little kids do.

A/N: In case you haven't noticed, i haven't been updating. School has been quite harsh lately and writer's block has been dancing around my head like a tiny sissy girl. So here's chapter 17. I hope i didn't disappoint you guys:)) xoxo Mimi