Young Writers Society

Two Years Ago: Michael

(Note: This chapter is meant to be read while listening to the song it's named after. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R17ahSKpxWc

Nightcore version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l0oNDims7o )

September 19

I woke up to another text. It had been over two weeks since she had first texted me, and nearly a week since I’d finally texted back. I’d fallen asleep texting Annie the previous night-- we had a lot to catch up on.

The new text was another song title. We’d always done that….before. I looked at it. Simple Plan, of course. What else did you expect? It was her favorite band. At least that hadn’t changed. Which reminded me….

Michael: “Aren’t they coming to play near you in a few months?”

Annie: “Yeah, why?”

Michael: “Are you going?”

Annie: “Are you kidding? Of course! Liam got me tickets for my birthday.”

Liam, huh? That name sounded familiar-- had she mentioned him to me before? Back then? Oh! Now I remembered….

Michael: “Liam….Isn’t that the guy you were always talking about?”

Annie: “I was not!”

Michael: “Let’s see….’Omigosh! He’s soooooo cute! But he’s too popular to ever notice me. Michael, what do I do?’ Sound familiar?”

Annie: “I never, ever said that. I have never in my life used the word ‘Omigosh!’ and I would never use the term ‘sooooooo cute’ to describe anyone. Besides, if anything, I would’ve called you Mika.”

Michael: “Don’t call me that. Maybe you didn’t say it in so many words, but you’re avoiding the question. Is it the same guy?”

Annie: “Yeah.”

Michael: “So are you two going out now or something?”

Annie: “Yeah. We’ve been together for about seven months.”

Michael: “That’s a long time.”

By high school standards, at least.

Annie: “I guess. Whatever happened with your ex, anyway? Did you two ever get back together?”

Michael: “Are you kidding? Not in a million years. After what happened, I was done with dating. I haven’t gone out with anyone since.”

Annie: “Really? Well, now you’re in college! You can go out and do things on your own time. Meet a nice girl. Fall in love. All that good stuff.”

Michael: “But the only nice girl I know is already taken…. :(”

Annie: “You’re funny. But seriously, make some friends.”

Michael: “Sure. Whatever you say.”

Annie: “Hey, Mika?”

Michael: “Don’t call me that.”

Annie: “I missed you. I missed this. I missed….us.”

Michael: “Yeah.”

Annie: “Mika?”

Michael: “Don’t call me that.”

Annie: “I’m so glad we’re friends again.”

Michael: “I got that. I’m glad too.”

Annie: “It’s getting late. I’ve got to go get ready.”

Michael: “Alright. Talk to you later!”

I got dressed and checked my schedule and groaned. I had an 8 AM lecture, and then my schedule was clear- until 2 PM, when I had a whole bunch of lectures, one after another. I wouldn’t get home until nearly 8 PM. College was weird.