WHISPERS FROM THE PAST

Y'S

alled out fr

my dad said with a teasing grin. He noticed the perpl

l today," Dad added, still grinning. I tur

been sure Dad would give me an earful if I eve

. how did he ge

Dad said, as though reading my mind. "It wasn't hard to f

tified. My cheeks burn

?" He pouted. "I was just a little hurt when I

" I asked, feigning seriousness as I walked past hi

oung, young lady. I still turn heads when

en carrying trays. She gav

old ladies' heads, I

out laughing-

I approached, a

ar. It's on the kitchen counter,"

ou! Bye!" I called, grabbing Bria

d just be a nuisance if he came

kfast, sir, ma'am,"

ore next time," Dad replied wit

he have to embarrass me like that? Still, I c

teased as he opened

houlder and feigned anger. "I will

od lightened when I inhaled the fresh, fruity sce

ted he'd been surprised by how welcoming and laid-back Dad w

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

stomach with both hands. We had just arrived at school, but the questionable

I planted a quick kiss on his cheek a

frantic. My stomach twisted painfully with each step. Just a little further. I slowed

h

The impact knocked me back, and my backpack s

t as the "brick wall" bent down to retrieve my bag, I

it, and in that moment, the world seemed to shift beneath me. The b

a traitorous,

ing blue, flecked with hints of silver that glimmered like moonlight on wate

ection softened his sculpted features, adding a rugged edge to his beauty. His hair, a tousled mess of dark brown waves, c

urve that hinted at secrets I suddenly wanted to know. They twitched up

ugged his chest just right. His jeans, snug and casual, accentuated the slight

spice, sharp yet warm, curling into my senses and settling deep.

smirk deepening, amuse

voice low and smooth, like velvet brushed w

rs lingering for half a second longer than ne

he disappeared around the

hell w

name, a memory-anything. But his fa

ed a feeling inside me. A strange,

d with someone who wa

netic, like a current of electricity crackling beneath my skin. I barely knew the guy; he was a stranger. And yet, in that fleeting moment,

can't feel this way. I already have som

myself to breathe, to push the memory of his deep blue eyes out of my mind

just as Miss Ellen strode into the room. Did I forget t

ed through the classroom chatter. "We have a new stud

kpack, feigning disinterest as footst

I hea

, ever

t sent goosebumps racing across my skin. My fingers froze mid-moti

unwillingly, I

The stranger f

outh twitched into a faint smile, and the air left my lungs in a sharp, si

Oh, I'm

ice resonant and self-assured. "I'm pleased t

that seemed to command attention without trying. The room was utterly still

e was tall-maybe even tal

Right

rt thudding against my r

ll was happ

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

EN'S

olic strains of Yanni's *Only a Memory* floated through the air, wrapping me in a cocoon of quiet introspection. Sudd

r number flashing on the screen. My pulse quickened

el

n's voice, calm yet straine

, sitting up strai

ief

We're terribly sorry to inform you that

e room. My mind went blank

attering onto the floor as I shot to my feet. Keys. I needed my

od, let h

prayer echoing in my chest li