Forgotten

Chapter 6

**Chapter Title: Sweet Dreams and Salty Breezes**

I couldn’t believe I actually saw him—I felt utterly giddy as we checked out. While we were getting the last few things, I kept glancing around, hoping to catch another glimpse of him, but I wasn’t that lucky. He must have left right after we spoke.

My head was so far in the clouds I didn’t even notice we were done at the register until Liara bumped me. I looked at her, confused, and only then saw the cashier waiting for me to pay. She looked nervous, probably wondering if we were playing a prank. Teenagers with two overloaded carts full of snacks, drinks, party favors—it probably looked suspicious. I smiled slightly and handed her my card.

She took it reluctantly, almost like she expected it to be declined. It’s not the first time that’s happened. Not that I’m a big spender, but occasionally—like on my father’s birthday—I buy expensive gifts tailored to his tastes. He only likes the best. Other than that, I usually only use the card for clothing, reviews or replacing something essential. In the early days of Lyssa and my father’s relationship, she used to take me shopping often—“bonding time,” she called it. The result: way too many clothes.

After we loaded everything into Liara’s car—stacked tightly in the boot and backseat—we got in. I waited, already anxious, for her to bring up Jacin. I smiled just thinking his name. Jacin. I finally knew it.

“I honestly thought you were insane, chasing after some guy you bumped into once,” she said as she pulled out of the parking lot. “But wow, you actually saw him again! What are the odds of that? I have to admit—he’s pretty cute. Those shaggy curls and those blue eyes? You weren’t exaggerating. The two of you were adorable. And the way he asked for your number so he wouldn’t lose you again? Swoon.”

I was blushing furiously by the time she finished. I guess we were cute—well, he was cute, and I was just awkward and shy. I still couldn’t believe it had happened. I wanted to talk to him right now, but I knew Liara wouldn’t allow that, so I’d have to settle for texting him later. I’d never texted a guy before. Then again, I wasn’t even sure if “guy” was the right word. He felt more like a man.

“I just... I want everything to be perfect now,” I said, starting to panic. “But not too perfect, you know? I mean, he already calls me ‘Princess.’ What do you think? Do you think he likes me as much as I like him? What am I even going to wear?”

Liara burst out laughing. “It’s so funny seeing you like this. You’re always so calm and practical, and now here you are—full-blown crush mode. You’ve never even cared about clothes before. This is going to be so much fun to watch.”

Her laughter was probably at my expense, but honestly, I didn’t care. I was too jittery to be offended.

We got to her house and unloaded everything into the garage, sorting it into “day” and “night” piles. Drinks went into the freezer, and the rest into labeled bins. Her parents were leaving as we arrived, and I watched as they hugged her goodbye. I missed that—being a family. My mom’s hugs, my dad’s laugh... I couldn’t even remember the last time I heard him truly laugh. I would give up everything to have it all back.

Inside, Liara brewed coffee for herself and tea for me. I started making sandwiches—salami, perinaise, lettuce, tomato. I snapped a quick photo for my review blog. A lot of my food content is inspired by dishes I’ve eaten out. We brought everything to the dining room along with our schoolbags. We wanted to finish all our homework tonight so we wouldn’t have to worry about it on Sunday, when we’d both will be drained. I don’t drink, but socializing wears me out just as much.

We finished eating and working quickly. We always stay on top of our assignments. Some people only do the homework due the next day, but I prefer to finish everything in advance before I forget. Afterward, we watched a few music videos, but I couldn’t focus—my thoughts kept drifting back to him.

Eventually, it was time to head home. Liara dropped me off at the gate and waved as she drove off. I pulled out my backup phone—Lyssa’s favorite little leash—and walked inside. She was already waiting for me.

“I just love how your father grounds you,” she said sarcastically. “You can come and go as you please. The beach? Really? It’s ridiculous. You’ll never learn if you aren’t punished properly. I’m going to tell him I should be in charge of your punishments from now on.”

That would be a nightmare.

“Are you upset because my grounding wasn’t harsh enough for you?” I asked, holding my composure. “Because honestly, I didn’t even do anything wrong—and you know it. You just wanted me to get in trouble, and you got your way. So why not just back off? I’m following every rule my dad gave me. Here’s my phone.” I handed her the fake phone and started upstairs.

“You’re just a spoiled brat. One day, Daddy won’t be there to protect you.”

I ignored her and went to my room. After putting down my bag, I took a long, hot shower. I needed to calm my nerves. I planned to send Jacin a cute goodnight text—just something small so he’d know I was thinking about him. Then, I’d make myself some chamomile and lavender tea to help me sleep.

I slipped into fluffy pajamas and flopped onto my bed, phone in hand. I hesitated before unlocking it. Just a short text, I told myself. But before I could even begin, my phone lit up with a message:

[I’m so happy I found you again. I gave myself until today to find you, because I’m starting a new job on Monday. I don’t know how I would’ve stopped looking for you. It’s strange—I don’t even know you, but I felt like I missed you.]

My heart skipped. I reread it over and over, butterflies going wild in my stomach. I did something I never do—I hugged the phone to my chest and kicked my legs like a love-struck i***t. I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt.

Another message came in:

[I dreamed about you every single night. In my dreams, I could never reach you. It just made me want to find you more. I just wanted to know your name—I didn’t want us to be strangers. I don’t even know how this happened. I was sure I didn’t like you at first. It’s funny how attraction works. I’m texting this number not even knowing if it’s really yours, Princess. For all I know, you gave me a fake number just to get rid of me. Somewhere, someone might be reading this and laughing at how ridiculous I sound.]

I couldn’t believe it. He’d been dreaming about me. Missing me.

I smiled and texted back:

[When are you going to stop calling me Princess? If you dreamed about me, surely you don’t still think I’m a spoiled brat.]

My heart pounded as I waited.

[So it is you. Nah—you’ll always be the Princess who spilled coffee all over me.

I grinned. Two can play at this game.

[Maybe you’ll always be the guy who manipulated me onto his bike.]

[You enjoyed it. I still remember how tightly you held on to me.]

I blushed. I remembered too—his strong back, the rush of wind, the adrenaline. Everything.

[That was because it was my first time on that death trap. Besides, I was terrified.]

[I think you just wanted to be close to me.]

The nerve. But he wasn’t entirely wrong. I typed quickly:

[Guess we’ll have to test that theory next time I ride with you.]

[Fine by me. I might just speed up so you hold on even tighter.]

I laughed out loud. He was flirting. I was flirting. And I liked it. I’d never felt this way before. He brought out a side of me I didn’t know I had.

[I fully intend to.]

As soon as I sent it, I panicked. Was that too much? I slammed a pillow over my face. I was spiraling. The phone dinged again, but I was too nervous to check.

Eventually, I peeked out, took a deep breath, and forced myself to look—just as Lyssa’s heels clicked down the hallway.

She slammed my door open. “What are you doing?”

“Just lying in bed. Trying to fall asleep.” A complete lie.

She dropped the fake phone on my desk and left. I grabbed my real phone from under the pillow and finally checked the message:

[You better ;) Goodnight, Princess. You need your beauty sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow. Just let me know what time, and I’ll be there. I can’t wait to see you again.]

I melted.

I quickly typed a reply:

[Goodnight, my Knight. I can’t wait to see you too. I’ll let you know about the time tomorrow. It was really nice talking to you. Sweet dreams.]*

Then I plugged in my phone, rolled into my pillows, and closed my eyes—wishing with all my heart that tomorrow would come faster.