WELCOME BACK

Riverdale High School, ten years ago...

I arrived early at school. Since my classmates are not yet around, I put on my earphones and listen to some music. I sat there listening with my eyes closed.

I crossed my arms and begin humming. I must have been humming quite loudly that I didn't hear someone enter the room.

Suddenly, I felt someone taking off the earphone on my right ear making me annoyed.

"What the heck? Who..." I was about to scold the person who took my earphone when I recognize him.

Dale Coleson was sitting in front and has put the other earphone on his left ear listening as well.

"I didn't know that you like slow rock," he said as he handed back my earphone. "Sorry for startling you."

I took my earphone silently avoiding his gaze.

Dale is our class president and one of the top students in school. He's also good-looking which made him quite popular. Most of the girls in school have a crush on him, including me. While others blatantly try to get his attention, I tried my best not to show my feelings for him. High school girls can be so mean at times.

"Aria can I," he was about to say something but he wasn't able to finish his sentence as students started to pour in.

"Nevermind," he said before picking up his bag and went to his seat.

...

"Shouldn't I get to have 'It's nice to see you again' reply from you?" The guy said with a twinkle in his eyes.

I feel my jaw dropped. Never in my wildest dreams that I would see the guy standing in front of me... ever...

He still look the same as I remembered him.

"When did you came back?" I mouthed out, my throat suddenly feels parched. I can feel my heart beating fast.

I tried avoiding his gaze but I didn't get the chance because he turned my face towards his and looked me in the eye.

He didn't say anything. He just smiled at me raising his right eye brow.

I cough to clear my throat. "Welcome back, Dale," I said. Luckily I refrained from stuttering.

He smiled again at me making my knees weak. I take a step back to break from his hold.

"I need to go," I said hurriedly. I turn away from him and pushed my cart forward.

"Aria, wait!" He tried to stop me but I saw someone has blocked his path.

I didn't stop walking and didn't dare to look back.