C H A P T E R      T W O

Abi's POV

No freaking way.

I looked into the boy's eyes and saw the same deep, lively gray from years ago.

It has to be him.

He was staring back at me. His head was tilted slightly, with a similar expression to mine, taking it all in. Gosh, he looked so cute, like a pondering puppy.

"Chris?" I managed to say without stuttering.

His eyes grew wide as he grinned from ear to ear. He nodded to confirm.

I grinned back. This day couldn't possibly get any better.

"Abi!!!" He cheered, his arms pulling me into a hug. His warmth welcomed me, like an old friend. Which was exactly what he was. I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him tight. I breathed in his familiar scent of pine trees, letting it snake itself into my nostrils, comforting me.

"Chris! I can't believe it's actually you!" I whispered, still awakening myself from this dream-like reality. We released each other from our long awaited hug, overjoyed to be in each other's presence.

Then I snapped my head toward him. "how long have you been in Texas, hmm? You are explaining everything right now, Howlman!" I ordered. "Actually, we gotta get to class, but later!"

He nodded in agreement, still grinning like an idiot.

We walked in together, late. Being late was one of my pet peeves, but this moment was an exception. In this moment, I walked side by side with my best friend again.

I used to live in Reston, VA. The place where I was welcomed into this planet. When I was born, so was Chris, in the room next door. A few months before, but still. Turned out we were neighbors as well. We played together as babies, toddlers, and kids. I remember the excitement of wandering through the miniature forest we called our backyard, the smell of pine sap, fresh earth, and the crisp air. How it felt so calm, yet alive. We loved it. I loved it.

But then when we were eight years old, my family and I moved here, to Austin, Texas. It was the second saddest thing ever, losing my best friend. I cried, longing to be with him again, to hear his sweet, bubbly laugh again. It took awhile, but I met Dallas, making it easier.

We walked into class and sat down. Everyone's eyes darted in our direction, looking at us as if we were Jesus himself.

"Sorry, we're late." I managed to mumble, glancing towards the teacher..

He nodded, accepting my apology. "Ms. Syger and Mr. Howlman, I presume?"

Uhh... well, that's one way to say it.

Chris nodded for us.

"Well, we just finished introducing ourselves. Why don't y'all finish us off?"

We looked to each other and shrugged, smiling. Gahhhhh, I'm way too happy right now.

I stood up.

"Hey, my name is Abigail Syger, but y'all can call me Abi." Chris giggled when I said y'all. Guess he isn't used to it. I held in my own giggle and continued. "My favorite color is purple, I play the viola, I love animals, and I enjoy playing sports."

The teacher, who had Mr. Rousef written in the board next to him smiled. "That's very nice, Abi. Questions for Abi anyone?"

I looked around and saw three hands up. Two girls and a guy.

"Blue shirt." I said, nodding at the girl. She was really pretty, with auburn hair and freckles.

"Charlie Puth or Shawn Mendes? Who's your favorite cartoon character? What's your favorite sport? Wh-"

"One question each, Robin." Mr.Rousef ordered.

She pouted. I laughed at her amusing energy.

I then started answering her many questions.  "Ok, first of all, dude, how I even supposed to answer that? There's no way I could choose between Charlie and Shawn. They're both amazing musicians and I look up to them both."

She smiled and nodded. "She's a saint."

I grinned and continued. "My favorite cartoon character is Jerry from Tom and Jerry, and my favorite sports are basketball and track."

Robin gave me a happy grin, and nodded in satisfaction. "Cool!" I loved this dork already.

Next, I motioned towards a boy in the back of the classroom. He had on a yellow Nike shirt and navy blue athletic shorts. His hair was short and black, and he had brown skin.

He aimed a smile towards me which quickly turned into a smirk. "Sup, I'm Caleb. Do you have a boyfriend?"

I chuckled, half amused. "Nope."

He had a cheeky grin plastered on his face, as the girl sitting next to him kicked him from under the table.

"Oww, Erinnnn that hurt!" be whined.

I laughed, pointing at Erin. "Erin?" She was the third hand up.

She wore a white crop top with a sun symbol in the corner, along with a pair of denim shorts. Her cropped black hair framed her fair face.

She nodded, her expression blank, except for her eyes. They had a sense of adventure in them, a bad girl vibe to her. "Any siblings or pets?"

I choked on my words to this question. Siblings.

My head started spinning, filling itself from events of the past. No. Not now.

I squeezed my eyes shut to counter the pain, but it barely worked.

Chris's POV

I was unbelievably happy when I saw Abi. I mean, we haven't seen each other in seven years!

Everything was going smoothly until that question popped up. Abi's one weakness. That only her family and I know about.

She looked like she was in so much pain, lightly clutching her head, with her eyes squeezed shut.

I had to do something.

"I'll go now!" I said boldly.

Abi turned to me, relief painted on her face.

"Thank you." she mouthed.

I nodded, with a reassuring smile.

I introduced myself, answered any questions that followed, until the bell rang.

Next period was lunch. Finally.

I love food. A lot. And right now, I was starving. But Abi comes first.

I waited until we were out of earshot.

"Hey, You okay bestie?"

She nodded slowly to answer, inhaling a deep, quavering breath. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Ok, that's my cue.

I sighed, and pulled her into another one of my famous hugs. "Not being okay is totally fine" I reassured her.

She sniffled, burying her face deep into my chest.

"W-why did he have to leave me Chris?"

I rubbed her back softly. Abi was one of the strongest people I know, and seeing her on the verge of tears like this, it broke my heart.

"I wish I knew."

A/N

Hey guys!

Early update ;)

Thanks for reading!

Here are pictures (In the order written)of Robin, Caleb and Erin:

Again, thank you so much for reading :)

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