Epilogue 2
“Do you think we'll always be best friends?” Brittany's question is now a faded memory from the summer before freshman year. If I could, I would've prepared myself for the inevitable truth: no, Britt, unfortunately, these days, we don't even talk.
Once we hit fifteen, you'll try out for cheerleading for the “Mighty Panthers” and eventually make Captain. I, on the other hand, will find a new group of friends. A couple of guys who do nothing but spend their free time at the skatepark and listening to new music on our homemade mixed CDs.
You remember the skatepark, don't you? It's where we used to spend most of our summer vacation, wiping out while trying to go down the half pipe. Teaching you how to ride on a skateboard is one of my favorite memories.
Do you think of me still? Am I on your mind like you are on mine when you're practicing your cheer routines, or when you're laughing with your boyfriend and your new best friend Lauren at my expense?
Does your heart break a little when you see me walking in the halls without you?
Mine breaks a little more every time I pass you at your locker. Why don't you look at me anymore?
How easy is it for you to sit diagonally from me in history class and not say a single word?
If you want me to be completely honest, Britt, it fucking sucks.
Every morning since the first day of senior year, you've sent small glances towards my desk and quick smiles as you slide into your seat, but it all changes when your new group follows in after you. Do they know we were once inseparable?
It's coming up on Halloween. Surely, you remember how we used to celebrate.
The infamous horror movie marathons, carving jack-o'-lanterns, and laughing at how bad our designs turned out.
Do you ever recognize the candy we used to stuff our faces with on the grocery store shelves?
What seemed like millions of pieces we collected while trick-or-treating barely made a dent in our oversized pillow cases.
Does it hurt too much around this time of year to know that you threw me away for the popular kids?
Don't worry, you'll see me soon. Only you won't know it's me, stalking in the shadows.
You and your friends will have no idea that I'm the clown who is hiding around every dark corner, watching you jump from cheaply made animatronics and bad makeup jobs.
I'll make myself known to you; at the end of the night, when you think you're safe, I'll be there waiting in the end to hear how beautifully you scream.