Anthony Williams

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"Can you go fetch me some groceries? Here's the list. Mom.", I read the note aloud. Geez. 

I got out of the house and started walking. Unconsciously, I arrived at the bridge while she suddenly popped out on my mind. Recently, I randomly think of her. Then I stared far into the shore. Why do you just recently appear in front of me so suddenly? I approached her but this time, she wasn't crying. She smiled the moment our eyes met.

"What brings you  here?", she asked.

"This is a public beach you know.", I replied.

"I know but it's rare to see you here.", she said. 

"Do you always come here?", I asked and she nodded. 

"I just unconsciously arrive here sometimes. Sometimes I come here when I want to.", she said. Both of us were silent at that point.

"This place sure speaks a lot.", I broke the silence. She looked at me with a questioned face.

"I mean, it's where we used to play, right?", I told her.

"Yeah. It brings back so many memories.", she said with a smile on her face. Somehow, us being together right now, I didn't hate it.

Waves gently crashing against the sand. My foot slightly wet from the water. She took off her sandals and went in the water.

"Wait! You'll get wet!", I told her.

"Come here! The water feels great!", she said. As she walked, she lost her balance. I quickly took off my shoes and ran to her. I caught her just in time.

"Geez! I thought I told you to be careful!", I said. I let out a giggle and pulled both our bodies in the shallow water. I was so shocked and I looked at her. She was laughing. My heart...

"Now we're wet. Look at what you - "

"Thank you for the note you wrote on the sketch."

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Celine Garcia

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"Thank you for the note you wrote on the sketch.", I said. His face was surprised and I could see a faded shade of red on his cheeks.

"I wasn't the one who wrote it!", he denied.

"Okay. If you say so.", I smiled at him. He was a bit flustered. I don't know why but he looked cute. I've not seen him fluster before since all he showed me was how he...

"Are you okay? You became quiet all of the sudden.", he asked. I shook my head and I stood up.

"Let's go back. We're wet. Ah! I have to do the groceries. Mom's gonna be so angry. But I'm so wet and my house is quite far from here.", I said.

"Let's dry ourselves at my place.", I suggested and he looked at me.

"That is...if.. you want to...", I said.

"Fine.", he said without looking at me.

"I'm sorry if I got you wet.", I apologized. Then he placed his hand on my head. My eyes widened as I remembered and saw his child version do the same thing to me eight years ago.

"It's okay. Let's go.", he said. We were walking together to my place. He was walking behind me until we arrived. I unlocked my door and I let ourselves in. 

"You can place your clothes in the dryer.", I said. I went inside my room and changed. When I came out, he was sitting on the sofa without his clothes on. I lent him my towel.

"Cover yourself with this."

"But this is yours."

"It's okay. Since your clothes will take some time to really dry out, I'll do your groceries for you.", I said.

"Are you sure? You don't need to.", he said and he sneezed.

"It's fine. It's to atone for pulling you in the water.", I replied. He gave me the list.

"I'll be back right away."

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Anthony Williams

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She went out. It's amazing how I can somehow talk to her normally now. I looked around her small apartment. Does she live alone? I went to the kitchen and I looked for something to drink. I opened the cabinet to grab a glass but what I saw was something horrific. All sorts of medicine inside differently sized bottles. I grabbed one and it said anti-inflammatory. What the hell are these for?! I got anxious and scared. Are these hers?! I returned everything inside and sat back on the sofa. What the hell is going on?! I looked around and I saw a picture of the two of us from eight years ago. That woman... 

"I'm back!", she called out and she saw me holding our picture.

"Aren't they adorable little kids?", she asked. I placed the picture back from where I got it and faced her.

"Are you sick?", I directly asked her. She paused and looked hesitant to answer. 

"You found it... my mom's medicine.", she replied.

"Huh?"

"It's hers."

"Does she live with you?", I asked.

"Y-yeah. We share one room together.", she replied. 

"Where is she?", I asked.

"She's at the hospital having her check up.", she replied as she placed the groceries on the table. I sighed. Somewhat I felt relieved. For a second I thought those were hers. 

"Did you think it was mine?", she asked and I nodded.

"I'm perfectly fine but my mom isn't. Wait, could it be? Am I imagining things?", she asked.

"W-what?!", I asked. She chuckled.

"Were you worried about me?", she asked. Her question took me by surprise and I got flustered.

"N-no I'm not.", I replied. 

"Okay.", she said.

"I better get going now.", I said as I got up and changed.

"Alright." I took the groceries and headed towards the door. She opened the door for me.

"Thank you...for today.", she said. She's been thanking me lately.

"No problem.", I replied. Both of us were just standing there, looking down.

"S-see you at school?", I asked. I slowly lifted my head and she smiled.

"We will. Bye."

I arrived home and I gave the groceries to my mom. I went up straight to me bedroom but she knocked on my door. I opened it.

"Don't forget to take your medicine. I found this inside the bags. If you bought that don't forget to take it with you.", she said as she gave the medicine to me and closed my door. I opened the box and it said for colds. I remembered that I sneezed and now I have a cold from the time we got wet. 

"Don't catch a cold.

                   -Celine-"

That woman... seriously... stop making me all flustered.

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Celine Garcia

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Right when he turned the corner, I closed my door and fell on the floor. It hurt so much. My head. The aching isn't stopping. I need the medicine. I rushed to the cabinet and I drank the medicine. Laid down on the sofa and my vision was a bit blurry and I was dizzy.

"Not now, please.", I said to myself as I silently cried myself to sleep.