It wasn't meant to last forever, and it certainly didn't mean we'd end up as friends in the end. But sometimes, on those long days by the docks I let myself think back to when we were each others everything and things like "forever" was a possibility.

I: Inexplicable in Every way

I still remember the first time we met, I hated you. You were so young and yet, inexplicably, people couldn't get enough of you. Your presence was electrifying, magnetic even. Everywhere you'd go people would smile right along with you and simply laugh at your antics. Even if you were misbehaving the people would only say "Oh that Derrick, there's nothin' you can say to that boy to make 'em straighten up".

But it was never said in a mean or judgmental way, no, they've learned to accept you and your ways. You almost seemed like a king in our little town. I thought you were spoiled and that they ought to give you a lesson, boys like you were dangerous and I did my very best to stay out of your shining light, not to stare into those green-brown eyes, not to be tempted by your mischievous smile and shaggy brown hair.

No. It was impossibly, unthinkable, unfathomable.

I use to think myself silly when our gazes would meet. It was never more than for a second so I was sure I must have been dreaming. I didn't think you knew who I was until grade four when you stopped by the library. I should have known it was a bad omen. After all, you didn't read, you had no interest in books and when forced you'd crunch up your face and try and get someone to do your assignment. Even still you walked in that late afternoon as if you always came to the library, I think I should have hid better but now that I think back on it, it probably would have been pointless.

Your footsteps echoed on the old floor boards and for some reason I was holding my breath. I felt like a cornered rabbit as you went through all the isles looking, touching, and owning a space that was suppose to be alien to you. As you walked about I found myself getting agitated, this was my personal spot and you were invading. If I was different person I'd confront you head on and make you leave, but then again the library didn't belong to me, so I couldn't stop what was going happen next.

"Noli when are you gonna stop readin' them books and come play with the rest of us?" Those were the first words you've ever spoken to me.

I didn't answer. I didn't understand. There you were leaning over the table, looking at me with those big deep eyes of yours waiting…as if we've sat and had this conversation time and time before.

"What did you just call me?"

I thought your smile couldn't get any wider and you proved me wrong, your eyes got this twinkle in them and I thought you might be sick with some new eye disease because they just got brighter. "Noli. It's your nickname."

My temper flared and I bit the inside of my cheek, took a breath and calmly said "My name is Magnolia, and never, and I mean never, in my 11 years has anyone called me anything but my given name. I suggest you do the same." I would show you who the boss was. I wasn't going to let you get away with insulting my name. But instead of getting mad or walking off you did the next worst thing. You laughed and ruffled by hair. And I was appalled.

"I know your name Noli, I've always known your name." You said the last part in a whisper I barely caught it. But what you said after made my face turn red like my hair, "If you don't stop hiding in your books though you're gonna miss the big picture."

"What's the big picture?" I asked as you slowly made your way towards the door.

You didn't answer though, you were already gone and I was left with this curious feeling inside. It was a bad thing to feel curious because of what Derrick Riley said. It was a bad thing to suddenly want to play with the other kids in class. And it was especially bad thing to suddenly be thinking of his smile and eyes looking into mine and wishing he'd stay a little longer.

Hello everyone, thank you for reading!

I haven't written in a couple of years and so I thought this might be the best way of starting up again. This is going to be a short story, so you know how this is going to go. I wanted to write a short romantic-of sorts drabble. I say romantic of sorts because it is still undecided whether or not this will have a happy ending. However, I am a great believer that loves conquers all, but my muse may have other plans.

So leave some feedback if you'd be so kind :)

Sincerely DW