I wake up lying in the middle of a forest. As soon as I wake up, pain shoots to my head; nice, killer headache. I sit up so I can take in my surroundings.

I see my leg with a piece of broken glass jabbed into it. I carefully take it out and punch the ground with all my pain. I see a scarf, grab it and tie it around my injured leg.

I look around; broken pieces of a car everywhere...rubber, glass, metal, stuff I don't know the name of. Where am I? I rub my head a bit and stand up.

I walk around looking for a sign, or a clue to where I am, but I can't remember a damn thing! I've been walking for at least five minutes already when I hear a car. I step out of the way, not wanting to get even more injured.

The person driving stops when they see me. He gets out and walks over to me, "Need a lift?" He asks. My head is spinning so fast, I can barely make out what he's saying or how he looks. "Yes. Please." I say, and right as I do, I pass out. I guess the scarf couldn't hold up long.

************************

I wake up and squint my eyes considering there is a bright light shining in my eyes. "Aaron, she's up!" Someone yells right by my ear. I look up and see a girl sitting next to me.

"Just in time. I made lunch." Says a guy entering with a plate full of food. "Where am I?" I ask sitting up straight. Aaron and the girl look at each other, then look at me.

"Hi, my name is Sophie Black, and this is Aaron Keith. You passed out three hours ago, and Aaron brought you to my log cabin. You have been asleep ever since." Sophie introduces.

"Will you go by Jane Doe, or do you have a name?" Aaron attempts a joke, cracking a smile he asks, "Too soon?" "Alexa Roberts, I think." I say not sure. "What were you doing in the forest?" Sophie asks. "I wish I knew." I reply.

"Do you want some food?" Aaron asks sitting at the edge of the bed. "Not hungry, thanks." I yawn. "You have to eat, you lost a lot of blood." Sophie says and hands me a hot dog.

I take it and eat up, "Thanks." I thank Aaron. "So, you don't remember a thing?" Aaron asks, conversationally.

"Only thing I remember is my name and that my friend was taking me to go see someone. But I'm not even sure of that." I reply. Something is burrowing at the back of my leg, I put my hand there and find that there is something in both my back pockets.

I pull it out to find my wallet and a small book. I open my wallet and there is like five bucks in it, and a free coupon for yogurt. I close it and open the book.

It says, Lex's Journal, on the front page. I flip through, only to find scribbles about adventures I've had.

************************

I open my wallet before I fall asleep again, but this time I find an ID behind the five dollar bill. All it really says is my name, my birth-date, and my job experience. Alexa Roberts; 8th of May, 1996; Photographer.

I put it next to me, close my eyes and fall asleep. I wake up the next morning at 6:30 am, Aaron is sitting at the edge of the bed texting.

I sit up straight, "Aaron, I'm fine. You don't need to keep watch on me. " I say. "

Don't worry, I wasn't. I know your fine, I was waiting for you to wake up. Me and Soph are going on a tour of Cali, we were wondering if you'd like to come with?"

I get a sudden flashback. I need cotton candy before I get on that ride. I look up and say, "Daddy, can we go for the cotton candy? Please?" He nods his head, Daddy's never been much of a talker. But when he talks, it's worth it. Now, I'm eating cotton candy while waiting in line for the Ferris Wheel. It's my fifth birthday! It's my fifth birthday!

I snap out of my flashback by Aaron saying, "So would you? Like to come with us? Alexa?" He asks. "What? Oh...yeah, sorry. Yeah, I would." I say and then ask, "Umm, do you know where I can get a job? I won't be able to buy anything with five bucks."

"We can look into that, while we drive around." He replies. "Cool, thanks." I say.

"You can borrow some of my clothes, and I'm sure we have another towel here somewhere if you would like to shower." Sophie says. "Sure." I reply.

"So, Alexa, how come you don't remember anything?" She asks.

"I would tell you if I knew. It's kind of like Amnesia hit or something. Or, like, you know that episode in Pretty Little Liars, where Emily drank something and then the next morning every time she saw something specific, she would get flashbacks of something that happened. Maybe, that's my case." I say referring to an episode of Pretty Little Liars we watched yesterday night.

"Oh, that would be cool. But, you know, also sad, considering, it's taken a toll on your entire life." She replies frowning. "Yeah, I guess." I say.

********************

Four months later

Four months passed now, it's June, and Aaron and Soph have become two of my closest friends. Well, my only friends.

I am going for an interview at some photography business tomorrow. I'm busy hanging out with Sophie while Aaron is cooking us some dinner.

"So, Lex, you've been here for months now, aren't you worried about your family?" She asks. "I am, but I'll wait until next year so I can just explore Cali a bit more." I reply.

"Food's ready!" Aaron yells from the kitchen. We get off my bed and head to the kitchen. As I walk in, the smell lingers and I can't help but to smell it.

I have got to say, Aaron is good at what he does. "So Aaron, are you going into a culinary school?" I ask. "I just finished college. I was mastering the culinary arts. So, I'm kind of done learning about it. Right now, I'm working part-time at Delia's Diner." He replies.

"Hey. Not fair, you forgot to mention your crush on Gracie..." Sophie says elbowing him slightly. "Sophie. I don't know what you're talking about." Aaron glares at her and I laugh.

"So, this Gracie girl, why haven't I heard of her before and why don't you just grow up and ask her out? This isn't middle school." I ask dishing up some lasagna.

"He doesn't want to 'hurt' their friendship, and I guess because Aaron doesn't like to talk about it." Sophie replies laughing.

"Sophie. What are you talking about?" Aaron blushes, glaring at her again.

"So, when do I get to meet Aaron's not yet girl?" I ask. "Never." Aaron says. "Please?" I ask. "I'll introduce you two tomorrow. You'll love her. I know Aaron does." Sophie says as we all sit down at the table.

"Sophie." Aaron replies. I laugh and nod my head, "Cool. Stop being so shy, Aaron, we all have crushes."

"Oh yeah, who's yours then?" He asks raising an eyebrow. 

"I've been here four months, and you two kept me isolated from the world. Do you really think I have one?" I ask. "We all have crushes." Aaron replies annoyingly.

"Whatever," I roll my eyes, "So, Soph, who's your crush?" I ask. "M-me, I-I don't have one." She replies biting her lip.

"Yeah you do; Logan." Aaron smirks and Sophie's eyes widen, "I-I don't know what your t-talking about."

"Who's Logan?" I ask stuffing my face with another bite of lasagna. "This guy Sophie likes. She met him on her last year of high school." Aaron replies.

"Awe, high school romances!" I say and Sophie sinks down in her chair. "Yeah, they are pretty close." Aaron replies. "Can I meet him tomorrow too?" I ask.

"Absolutely not!" Sophie says. "Yeah, I can tell him to meet us at the diner." Aaron rolls his eyes. "Sophie, your secret is safe with me. After all, who am I going to tell?" I ask.

"Okay, but as soon as you have a crush, you have to tell us." Sophie says and sits up. "Deal." I reply. I take my last bite and wash my plate, then we all head to our rooms to sleep.

****************

"Lex, wake up. You have your interview remember. Come on, Lex, wake up..." I open my eyes and Aaron is shaking me awake. He's wearing a blue shirt and sweatpants.

I yawn and sit up. "I'm awake, I'm awake." I say.

"Get ready for your interview, Lex." Aaron rolls his eyes and runs a hand through his hair. "Can't get ready, if you aren't going to get out." I raise an eyebrow and gesture to the door. "What? Oh yeah, right. Sorry. Don't fall asleep again. I'm going to get ready. I'll drive you there." He replies and leaves.

I roll my eyes and shut the door behind him. Then, I head over to my closet.

We went back to the place of the accident and found like three duffle bags, with a tag saying 'Lex' It had some clothes, my phone, and my tooth brush. I was probably going to a sleepover or something.

I grab my floral shirt and some dark blue jeans. Then I bend down and pick up a pair of blue converse. I go take a shower and pull on my clothes.

My phone starts ringing, "Hello?" I ask. "Is this Kate McAllister's friend?" The person asks and I recognize the voice immediately.

"No Aaron, it's me, Lex." I laugh. "Oh, hi Lex. Sorry." He replies laughing. I end the call and put the phone in my back pocket. Wait, Kate McAllister? I ask myself, remembering the name.

I close my eyes and get yet another flashback. "I have a weird feeling about this trip, Kate." I say shifting uncomfortably in my seat.  "Lex, just be friendly with them, and they'll be friendly with you. You already have one thing in common with them; me." She laughs. "Your right, Kate. But, why do you want me to meet them?" I ask. "Just because, You guys will be great friends, I'm sure of it." She replies. I roll my eyes, "You say that all the time, about everyone you make me meet."  "Whatever, just be yourself." She smiles.

I open my eyes and Aaron is looking at me weirdly. "What?" I ask.

"Do you always close your eyes for five minutes when you're nervous?" He asks, smirking. "No, I-I had flashback." I roll my eyes at him.

"Right. Well anyway, let's go." He smiles.

*********************

I walk into the cabin smiling, "I can't believe it!" I say. "I told you you'd get it." Aaron replies. "I know but that doesn't keep me from being surprised, okay?" I ask.

Aaron nods laughing. "I'm so happy for you!" Sophie shouts running from her room. She's about to hug me but she trips on the rug and falls, becoming best friends with it. I run towards her, "You okay, Soph?" I ask.

"Mhm." She mumbles. Aaron and I help her up, laughing.  She hugs me and screams, "You got it!" I hug her back. "Well, since you got it, let's re-sched. our plans to right now." She says with big wide eyes.

"I'm cool for it if you are, Lex." Aaron shrugs. "No, I'm super busy right now." I reply sarcastically. "I'll call Logan." Aaron says heading off.

"And I'll call Gracie. See you in a few, just gonna change." She says going to her room. I take out my phone and look at my camera roll. It's full of pictures of the life I used to have.

And....maybe...like five or ten of Aaron, Sophie and me.

I sit on the couch while I wait. It doesn't take really long, five minutes later Aaron is back and plonks himself next to me on the couch. "So, is he coming?" I ask. "Yup. He said he's on his way." He replies sighing. "You okay? You seem kinda down." I ask poking his arm with my finger.

"Yeah, I was just thinking how your family must feel, knowing that your missing." He says looking at me worriedly.

"Don't worry, I'm sure they are fine. I just want to explore Cali some more. I'll be searching for them next year, which by the way is in a few months. So, it won't be that long." I reply.

"Lex, next year is about 3 months away, are you sure?" He asks.

"Yeah. But I know I'll probably be bombarded with questions when I return." I smile slightly, rolling my eyes.

He laughs, as Sophie returns. She's wearing a yellow shirt and jean shorts with knee length boots. She put her hair into a braid as she was walking towards us.

"Is that what you're wearing, A?" She asks. "Which A?" I ask, with one eyebrow raised, "Plus, don't say A, I'll just think of that creep from Pretty Little Liars." I say.

"Aaron?" She asks. "Yep, why?" He asks. "Go change. You look too laid-back." She replies. He's wearing a green shirt and dark jeans.

"I am laid-back. Let's go." He replies grabbing the keys. Sophie squints at him. I laugh and yell, "Shotgun!" Then I run to the door, open it and run to the passenger seat.

I climb in, after Aaron unlocks it. Sophie pouts and gets in at the back. Aaron locks the cabin and then climbs into the driver's side.

*****************

We head into the diner and sit down at a table near the back, by the window. "Gracie, we're over here!" Sophie shouts as a girl walks in from the backdoor.

She smiles and walks over to us, Aaron sinking slightly in his seat. "And who is this?" She asks sitting next to Sophie. "This is the girl I told you about, Alexa." Sophie replies.

"Oh! Hi, Alexa. I'm Gracie." She says, smiling.

"I know, Aaron can't stop talking about you," I smile, glancing at Aaron's blushing face. He stays quiet, I guess he's wondering what Gracie will say.

She raises her eyebrows, "Aa-" 

"Hey, guys. Is this Alexa?" A guy asks sitting besides me. Yay, what fun, two boys at my side! Whoopee! I think sarcastically.

Sophie and Gracie are in front of us, across the table. "Yeah, that's me." I smile. "I'm Logan." He introduces.

Sophie's blushing like mad, she quickly picks up a napkin to hide her face. She puts it down and Logan asks, "Something in your teeth there, Soph?" "Hilarious Logan." She rolls her eyes. "So, Alexa, what brings you to Cali?" Logan asks.

"Um...I'm not exactly sure, I think it was a car." I say and Logan and Gracie laugh. "She's got a sense of humor." Gracie says to Sophie. "Actually...she wasn't trying to be funny, she literally isn't sure." Sophie replies. "Huh?" Logan asks.

"Yeah, I was..um, found? I guess." I reply, having a hard time explaining.

"Dude, I found her standing on the side of the road, asked if she needed a lift, she said yes and passed out. Took her to the cabin and she doesn't really remember much, besides the flashbacks she gets when she sees something or hears something familiar." Aaron explained.

"That's so cool!" Gracie smiles. "No, it really--it isn't." I shake my head. "How come?" Logan asks. "I don't remember anything, besides the basics." I reply.

"Basics?" Gracie asks.

"I remember my name, age, and what I used to do. I remember everyday things like talking and walking and all that, but I don't remember anything else." I answer. "Oh, um, sorry." Logan apologizes.

"No, you didn't know, it's fine." I smile. "So! Can we help find your family?" Gracie asks flatly. "Uh...Yeah, I guess." I reply. "When do we start?" Logan asks.

"Next year, I just--I want to explore Cali a bit more, before I have to throw my family in the equation." I say. "That's cool." Logan nods his head.

"So, does anyone want anything to drink or eat?" Aaron asks.

"Banana milkshake, please." Gracie replies. "Me too!" Sophie and Logan say almost simultaneously. I laugh, "Just get me what your having, Aaron." He nods his head and walks to the cashier.

Sophie whispers something to Gracie who seems shocked, pulls her head away and nods at Sophie. I look at Logan and he shrugs. Then the girls look at me, "Sidebar."

"Okay..." I reply, getting off my seat and they pull me away from the table. "Do you have a thing for Aaron?" Gracie smirks.

I've never thought about this, do I? "What?! No!" I shout in a whispery voice, "Why would you even think that?"

They look at each other, "We just thought, you know, because....never mind, we don't really have a valid reason, we were just wondering." Gracie says apologetically.

I laugh, "It's alright, do you?" "Umm...I'm not sure." Gracie replies.

"How could you not know?" I ask. "I haven't really thought about it, but, I'll think about it and tell you guys when I know, kay?"

We nod our heads and head back to the table where the boys are drinking their milkshakes. Logan stands up so I can get back to my seat.

"So what was that all about?" Logan whispers to me. "Not exactly sure." I lie, whispering back. He rolls his eyes and sits back up straight.

Yum, caramel milkshake. "My favorite." I say my eyes wide, slurping on my straw. Aaron chuckled, "I knew you would like it." I smile.

"Why the pout, Lex?" Sophie asks after five minutes. I make a fake tear drop, "My milkshake--it's--it's really done." They all begin laughing.

"We can get you another one..." A waiter says coming around the corner, and with that we all laugh harder. I slow down, "No..it's fine, I was...I was just kidding." He nods his head and walks off.

"Okay, it's been nice meeting you Alexa, but my shift starts in ten, so I gotta go." Gracie smiles and heads off. "Yeah, I'd love to stay and chat too but my tournament starts in half an hour." Logan informs. "Tournament?" I ask. "He skates." Aaron tells me.

"That's so coo-" I say but get interrupted by a flashback--yet again.

'Go Tommy!' The crowd cheers. "Bro, keep it up!" I shout as Tommy does some kind of flip and heads over to me. "Thanks, sis. Where's Kate?" He asked. "She went to get us some drinks. Tommy, you've got to stop drooling over my best friend." I smirk. "I do not like Kate." He squirms. "Oh, yeah you do." Tommy's best friend, and Kate's brother, Max, says appearing behind him. Tommy sighs, "Whatever." A second later, Kate hands us our drinks and asks, "What were you guys talking about?" "What-w-we-we were just talking about skating." Tommy replies glaring at me and Max.  I laugh and Kate is looking at me like, 'Inside joke again?'

"Hello? Lex, you alright?" I hear Sophie say and I open my eyes.

"Alexa, you dozed off, are you alright?" Logan asks.

"Another flashback, Lex?" Aaron asks as he sees my eyes open.

I nod my head. "What was it about this time?" Sophie asks. "My brother drooling over my best friend at one of his um...skating tournaments." I reply.
******************
How do you guys like the first chapter of my very first book?? Let me know what you think by commenting!