Everything had gone black. I didn't know how long I had been out back then but I knew it must have been awhile because I started stirring my entire body felt kind of sore. The first thing I heard was the heart rate monitor in my eyes. I cracked my eyes open for a minute but had to close them because the sunlight coming through the window hit me. It burned for a while but once I got used to it. I opened my eyes and sat up straight. It was difficult as my body was stiff as I hadn't moved for quite a while. Looking around the white tiles private hospital room Marcus had gotten a room. It was nice and clean. The light wasn't too bright but they did a good job of keeping the room lit

I wanted to say something but my voice had been very hoarse to the point of not even me recognizing what I was saying. I stayed silent until the door opened. I looked at the person in front of the door and tried to smile. 

The person on the other hand froze, losing their grip on the basin of water they were holding dropping on the road. 

"Alexander," Elizabeth said. I could tell she didn't quite believe what she was seeing. I tried saying something but I still couldn't speak more than annoying groans.

"HE'S AWAKE!" she yelled rushing out of the room and town to halls to get the others

Shortly after Ben, Sam, Wendy, Emily, Gwen, Anthony, Marcus came rushing in with Mom, Amanda, and Elizabeth leading the charge to my bed. I was amazed how all of them were allowed in the room at once

"Oh my god. You're finally awake" Mom said crying heavily 

"You, loser do you have any idea how worried we were. Do you think you're some kind of hero?" Amanda said crying just as heavily. It was a shocking sight and it pained my heart. I wanted to console her though at the time not knowing why she was crying. Unfortunately, I still couldn't speak so I hugged her tight before I motioned to my throat

"I think he's trying to tell us something," Sam said

"I think something's wrong with his throat," Anthony said

"Water." Ben figured it out

"He wants water," Marcus said leaving to get some water and he added some salt to it.

When he got back Elizebeth fed it to me so that I could speak. While not perfectly you could still understand what I was saying

"What...happened?" I asked confused.

"You don't remember?" Elizabeth asked

"No. I don't remember anything. Where am I?"

"You're at Silverhill Private Hospital. You've been here for the past seven weeks" a doctor said walking into the room

"Hospital? Why am I at a hospital?"

"You had an accident young man. You hit your head multiple times while you were going down a flight of stairs"

"Doctor, why doesn't he remember anything?" Mom asked

"Ma'am your son took quite a fall. It wouldn't be strange for him to suffer some minor brain damage"

"Brain damage," she said scared

"You don't need to be scared. I think this is nothing more than a temporary loss of memory" the doctor said in a soothing tone

"If there are any other symptoms. I suggest you bring him back for a checkup" the doctor said before turning to me

"Now son what is the last thing you remember?" 

"The last thing I remember? Um...I think it was...Wendy. I think we were talking about her brother or something like that" I said

"Wait I also remember going to talk to Elizabeth," I said 

"Okay. It seems that only a few hours have gone missing" the doctor said

"That's good to hear doctor," Mom said

"Anyway. I think we should give the family some time to catch up. Everyone, please follow me outside" The doctor said

"Actually doctor. I have to go get something for my son. Amanda do you want to follow me?" Mom asked

"Okay Mommy," she said

"Someone has to stay with him," the doctor said

"His friends can stay," Mom said

"Will that be a problem?" Marcus asked

"No. As long as the Mother doesn't mind. But I'd prefer if only four of them stay here"  the doctor said

"I'll stay," Ben said

"Me too," Wendy said. Elizabeth staying was unquestioned so now everyone had to figure out who the last spot was going to

"I think I should leave," Gwen said, "I have an assignment"

"I'll come with you too," Emily said 

"That only leaves Anthony and Samantha," Wendy said

"You can stay, You knew him longer," Anthony said

"Thanks but no thanks. I don't need any favors from you" she said venomously while glaring at him

"I wasn't-"

"Glad you're awake Alex," she said cut him off before walking out. Everyone else following after her

"What was that about?" I asked

"We broke up," he said

"What? Really? Why?" I asked 

"I don't think that's important right now," Wendy said

"I told her I liked Wendy. She slapped me in my face and broke up with me" he said

"You? Like her?" I asked pointing at them

"No! We're not dating," Wendy said dismissively 

"It's more of a one-sided crush for now" Anthony sighed

"Been there brother" I said nodding 

"In other news. You still haven't told us how you're feeling?"

"Stiff? Definitely confused. Can someone explain to me what happened?" I asked

"I'm sure Wendy would love to shine some light on the happenings as she has first-hand experience," Elizabeth said

"I..." Wendy stuttered

"Maybe I should tell him," Anthony said

"No. I think I can handle it" Wendy said so I looked at her. She told me that she was drugged and about how I heroically tried to save her which I found far-fetched at the time.

"Wow I can't believe I did that," I said amazed

"Wow me? A hero?" I laughed dismissively

"You were a hero to me" Wendy smiled

"Anyways what happened to Ethan?" I asked

"Well other than Superman here knocking him into next week. The bastard is locked up in a Juvenile Detention Centre" Ben joked pointing at Anthony

"That's good. I hope the bastard gets what he deserves" I said

"Yeah. Can't believe I use to hang out with that tool" Anthony said 

"Indeed your judgment of character is quite questionable," Elizabeth said before I chuckled.

"It's good to see you laugh man" Ben smiled

"It's good to see you talk to me again. I guess you forgive me" I said

"Yeah, bro. Just don't go diving off a fleet of steps again. There are easy ways to get forgiven. Buy me a burger or something" Ben said

"Sure man. I'll keep that in mind" I said as we did another version of our handshake. It had been so long that we did it.  It was almost nostalgic but it felt right after more than five months

"Anyway, we have a lot to catch up on. So hurry up and get out of here" Ben said

"I'll try" I chuckled before looking at Elizabeth 

"Hey, guys can I get a moment alone with Elizabeth please?" I asked

"Okay man" Ben smiled before turning to Wendy and Anthony

"Okay kiddies. Let's give these lovebirds their space" Ben said pushing Anthony out while Wendy reluctantly followed them out

"What do you wish to speak about Alexander?" she asked

"That day...I want to explain. It's not what you think" 

"Save it, Alexander. I'm not worried about that. You just need to rest now" she said

"I wanted to apologize. I wanted to apologize that night. Wendy had collapsed and I had to take her. She couldn't afford a hospital and I don't know where her mom lived and you know how she feels about her Dad. So I brought her home and gave her something to eat" I explained

"Aid for the less fortunate," Elizabeth said arrogantly

"I'm not saying that Elizabeth. She was a friend and she needed help" I said

"Alexander. She had already explained the situation to me but it is nice to hear your two cents" she said

"So you're okay?"

"All is well Alexander. If you weren't in a hospital I'd offer you a kiss" she said

"What you afraid of the cameras catching you assaulting me. It's not like I have the flu" I joked

"Assault? You seem to enjoy my assault now. Just say you were hoping I'd kiss you" she said cockily

"Maybe," I said before she kissed me 

In between the kiss, my stomach growled and we broke apart giggling

"I guess I'm a little hungry" I chuckled

"Well not eating for almost two months will do that to you simpleton," Elizabeth said

"So aren't you gonna get me something to eat? Or is that too menial a task for the great Elizabeth Monroe" I joked

"I am feeling rather gracious today so I'll give you the honor of being the first person to have yours truly waiting on them. But would you like yours truly to give you?" she asked before the door opened and Mom, Amanda, and Marcus walked in. Mom had been carrying a bowl of macaroni and cheese she had made for me in the Hospital Kitchen

"Looks like we came at the right time," Mom said carrying the tray

"What's that? It smells great" I asked

"Macaroni and Cheese" Mom smiled

"I made it myself" Mom added.

After she had said that I completely lost my appetite. 

"On second thought Mom. I don't think I'm that hungry" I lied

"I seem to remember your stomach growling not too long ago, Alexander," Elizabeth said smugly

"Did it" I chuckled awkwardly

"I think that was just a tired growl. I think I should just get some more rest" I said quickly laying down and ducking under my sheet

"Come now, Alexander. You really shouldn't judge something before you've tried it. You did the same with yours truly"

"Everything I said about you was and still is true" I whispered to myself. Everything I thought Elizabeth when I just met her was true but I also learned despite her flaws she was rather kind-hearted. Despite her blunt tone and strange dialect Elizabeth really cared for others and at times she could be only. I liked that side of her but I didn't want her to be only. I told myself then that I'd make sure she was never only again 

"Alexander, stop being such a baby and come try your mother's cooking. She worked really hard it would be rather rude of you to judge without even trying it"

"Alright fine," I said coming out from under the sheet

"But you have to feed it to me," I said. My shake still had difficulty moving hence someone had to. Elizabeth cracked a small smile while shaking her head. Then she took the plate and fed me

"Mm this is not bad," I said savoring the taste of mediocre success. The meal itself wasn't great but it wasn't bad. Especially since my mom made it. That was the first-ever decent meal she made me

"See Alexander, you shouldn't judge something without trying" she smiled

"Whatever," I scoffed playfully.

After I had finished eating I talked with everyone for a while they left and I returned to sleep. 

The coming weeks were pretty much Mom, Amanda, Elizabeth, and Wendy coming over to talk to me, get me food as well as help me through physical therapy. They had done that every day since I had woken up. Sometimes they came so early I worry that Elizabeth and Wendy are missing school. It was during these weeks did I hear something I would I have loved hearing last year

It was during my physical therapy. During this time I was only capable of walking with a crouch but I was trying to walk with the rails. I was at the last step and felt like giving up but Elizabeth's words of inspiration, though followed by a word of insult after. She helped me make that last time

"I...did it," I said exhausted

"Of course you did yours truly was encouraging you after all," she said smugly which I could only give an eye-roll

"Congratulations Alex" Wendy cheered

"About time, loser. Hurry and walk again so we can leave this damn place" Amanda said hiding her obvious concern

"Language Amanda" Mom sighed

"Doctor Bailey" I called out to him

"Alexander, I see you made it across the rail. Congratulations, if you continue recovery at this rate you will be able to walk out of this hospital sooner than expected" The Doctor said

"Thank you," I said smiling

"No need to thank me. You were the one that did the work. Ms. Morgan would you please follow me to fill out some paperwork please" The Doctor said

"Sure Amanda would you like to follow me?" Mom asked her

"Okay," Amanda said before they left

"Hey, Elizabeth can you do me a favor?"

"What is it this time?" she asked

"Can you get a bottle of water please?" 

"Fine. You know Alexander, you are really enjoying using yours truly as an errand girl" 

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't," I said 

"Well enjoy it while it lasts because I expect you to completely reimburse me once you are out of here," she said

"I promise I will," I said before she smiled and left

"Looks like it's just you and me," Wendy said

"Yeah. I actually wanna talk to you about something" I said

"What is it?" she asked

"Let's find a seat first," I said taking my crouches from her and walking to the chairs in the corner

"Okay, what is it, Alexander?" Wendy asked once we sat down

"Are you skipping classes?" I asked 

"What?" she asked 

"You're here early every day. I doubt you can find time to come here and then go to classes"

"I'm not skipping classes you don't have to worry about that," she lied

"You're lying," I said

"No, I'm not," she said

"Fine. What about your after school. I'm sure you're not going to those" I said

"I've decided to not go this year. I'll save up and start classes next year " she said

"Wendy. I think you should stop coming by so often. You've been stressing about classes all year last year. You really shouldn't just skip it for no reason" I said

"What about Elizabeth? She's here every day as well"

"Elizabeth has photographic memory plus she's rich. It's not a big deal if she keeps a couple of days. You've worked really hard last year do you really just wanna spoil that for nothing"

"For nothing? No reason? Alex, I'm the reason you're here now. If it wasn't for me you wouldn't have fought Ethan and he wouldn't have pushed you down the stairs. You really think I could focus on classes when that thought is on my mind"

"Wendy it wasn't your fault. You were drugged. There's no way you could have control it. If anyone is to blame it is that son of a bitch, Ethan and I'm sure he's already getting his just deserts. There's no reason for you to spoil your record for that" I said before she chuckled

"You really care for me, don't you."

"Of course I do. Wendy, you're one of my best friends" I said smiling at her

"Thank you but I've got a question"

"Okay. Go ahead shoot" I said

"When did you start?"

"Huh?"

"Liking me I mean. When did you start?"

"The first time I meet you. That was I started liking you" I said

"Why?"

"Why did I like you? Honestly, it was your smile. That smile was filled with so much innocence that it filled me with joy. That smile showed you had never experienced the bad part of the world. I loved that smile. I envied it. Bethany helped me smile again but it was never a smile like yours. I wanted to see that smile everyday" I said

"Then you mustn't like me now that smile as gone. Now that I've experienced that bad part of the world at full force" she said giving me a sad smile

"No. Because you still have that innocent smile. Even when you're yelling at me or crying your eyes out. That innocence will never leave your eyes. Because that's who you are" I said

"Thank you," she said smiling

"For what?" I asked

"For everything. You're always there to help and protect me. Even when I didn't want it. Not just at the party. At the theme park and at the library, you tried to help me even though I pushed you away. So thank you"

"Anytime Wendy. That's what friends are for" I smiled

"What about Elizabeth?" she asked

"Elizabeth is different from you. She's not innocent nor does she care to be. She is the type to tell you whatever is on her mind and she won't care whether you like it or not. That is Elizabeth Monroe. She is so blunt that it is hard for her to make real friends but despite that, I still think she's a great person and she's someone I'm glad to have met and gotten to know" I said

"You really think highly of her" Wendy said with a somber smile

"Don't tell her that. I'll never hear the end of it" I chuckled

"Never hear the end of what?" Elizabeth asked coming over to us with a bottle of water

"Nothing" I smiled, "Thanks for the water"

I took the water and started drinking

"Slow down," Elizabeth said before turning to Wendy

"Wendy, may I have a word with you in private please," Elizabeth said

"Um sure," Wendy said before they got up and I walked into the hallway. Curiosity got the best of me and I followed them making it in time to hear their conversation begin. Hiding behind the door I heard them talk

"Let's cut to the chase. You like Alexander" Elizabeth said

"...Yes. I like Alex." Wendy said after a second of hesitation

"Hm I'd never expected you to admit it so easily"

"Honestly neither would I? But now I see no point in hiding it"

"Well that's good for you but I have to make one thing clear. Alexander is mine"

"How are you so sure?"

"Because I care for him deeply. Honestly, there are times I envy you. Despite me caring for him Alexander still seems to care more for you"

"So you will step back and let me have him," Wendy asked

"Of course not. Do you take yours truly as some sort of quitter? I like Alexander and that's all there is now but I swear on the glorious name Elizabeth Monroe that Alexander will be mine. Plus there is no real comparison between us. I am better in every regard. No offense but that is just the truth"

"So why are you here telling me this?" she asked

"Do not misunderstand. I'm not worried I just wish to tell you. Any feelings you may have for him. It is best you keep it to yourself" Elizabeth said

After that Wendy didn't come by as often. Maybe what Elizabeth said got to her or maybe it's what I had told her but she stopped coming by. A couple of weeks after that I had finally been able to leave that hospital and I was surrounded by friends and family when I did

"Welcome back to society man," Ben said as we did another handshake

"Are you really okay?" Anthony asked

"I'm fine," I told him

"That's good," Anthony said

"Anyway guys, I'm really tired. I think I should head come"

"Sure. We're just glad you're out Alex" Gwen said

"Me too" I smiled before noticing Wendy wasn't there

"Why didn't Wendy come?" I asked

"She said that she had a test but she told me to give you this" Samantha said handing a card

"Tell her thanks," I said putting it in my bag before looking at Marcus

"Hey Mark, can I ask you something in private?" I asked

"Sure," he said before we walked off

"What is it?" he asked

"I have this friend who is in need of money but she's a bit too proud to accept it from me straight forward"

"Do you think she'd take it from me?"

"Under the guise of a scholarship program maybe. So what do you say?" I asked

"I always wanted a scholarship named after me. I think I'll call it the Marcus Thompson Grant. It has a certai ring to it doesn't it" He smiled

"Thanks, Mark. For everything" I said

"No problem. We're already close as a family as is. After all, I'm dating your mother"

"Sure. Whatever" I said.

After that, we went home and I went to my room. It felt great being in my own bed after so many months. I fell asleep right away, WHen I woke up it was time I did what I was putting off for too long. I took a shower and got dressed. Before calling Elizabeth and telling her to meet me at my house. 

"Amanda how many times do I have to tell you to stop jumping on the table" Mom said

"Sorry Mommy," Amanda said switching to the table

"Hey, Mom. I'm heading out" I said

"Where are you going?" Mom asked

"To get rejected to Elizabeth," Amanda said jumping on the couch 

"Shut it brat! I'm not gonna get rejected" I said

"I hope not. I got a bet going" Amanda said

"Ben lost the coin flip?" I asked

"Of course," Amanda said showing her two headed coin

"Anyway, I'll be back by midnight okay"

"Fine but tell Elizabeth she can come over for dinner afterward," Mom said

"Sure," I said rushing out of the house where I met Elizabeth on the porch

"Hey," I smiled

"Greetings" she smiled back

"You look great," I said

"Don't I always?" she said arrogantly

"Yeah you do" I smiled

"So where are we going?" 

"It's a surprise," I said

"A surprise?"

"Yeah you have to wear this blindfold" 

"Sure," she said taking it from my hand

"Wow you really trust me that much," I said surprised she didn't even ask why

"Of course I do but I also take comfort in knowing that I am a master at both karate and jiujitsu," she said

"Of course you are," I said not even surprised

"Shall we get going?" I said before I led her into the cab.

The cab drove and we got off and I led her up the cliff. I stood there waiting as the sun went down before I took the blindfold off

"Finally," Elizabeth said before looking around

"Where are we?" she asked looking around

"Red sky cliff" I said

"Isn't this where?"

"Yeah. This is where Wendy rejected me"

"Why did you bring me here?" she asked

"Why did I bring you here? Isn't that obvious? Because you said you wanted to see it. So how does the most beautiful place in town look?" I asked smiling

"Amazing," she said looking out at the crimson sky as the sun falls into the sparkling waters and as it had been Spring there were many beautiful flowers around that enhanced the beauty of the cliff in full bloom

"Wow. Absolutely gorgeous" 

"I'm glad you like it. I'm just glad we made it at Spring" I smiled

"Indeed. The flowers do add a certain sense of beauty and wonder" Elizabeth said.

"I know. But I still can't believe it's already Spring" I said

"To you, it may seem short but to me, it has been the longest winter of my life. Don't think I have forgotten about our promise" Elizabeth said

"You owe me a date winter date in the snow" 

"Okay but what if I ake it up to you?" I asked

"You can't. You must bring me out on a date next December" Eliabeth said

"Okay while this can't make up for it I'm still gonna give it to you. I hope it will make it a little better" I said reaching into my pocket and pulling out a box

"Isn't that the necklace you bought for Wendy?" Elizabeth asked

"For Wendy?" I chuckled

"I didn't buy this for Wendy. I bought this for you" I laughed

"For me," she said looking at the snowflake necklace I had taken out of the box

"Why don't you try it on," I said handing it to her

"You have to put it on me," she said pushing back my hand

"Gladly," I said putting the chain on her neck

"How do I look?" she asked

"Marvelous," I said 

"As always," she said flipping her long blond hair. I stepped back to admire her beauty but ended up stepping on a box

"What was that?" I asked picking it up. The box was covered in dirt and mud underneath that was the wrapper which color had eroded and many dents as if it were collided with rocks and stuff as people were walking pass

"I'm surprised this is still here," I said

"What is that?" Elizabeth asked

"A gift" I said showing it for

"A gift? I seem to remember you having offered Wendy a gift when you were first rejected?"

"Yeah. It's the same one" I said

"What is it?" she asked

"A pair of earrings. Sometime after graduation, I think it was a week or two, Wendy and I were going to meet up with Samantha and Ben when suddenly she stopped and started staring at a pair of earrings. I asked her if she wanted it. She told me yeah but she couldn't afford it which I found ludicrous at the time. So I came back and bought it for her. I started stressing about when and how I was going to give it to her and what I would say when I did. So I spent the whole summer thinking about how I was gonna give it to her. Finally I was gonna give it to her the day I confessed. It took hours of me searching beautiful spots Sliverhill on the internet for me to find this place."

"You did all that and were still got rejected" she snorted

"Such is life. If I hadn't searched that time I wouldn't have found this place nor would I know how beautiful the park looks at night" I said

"Alexander, I think it's time you answered a question" she said turning away from me and looking out to the sea 

"Answer what?" I asked going over to her

"It is time to let me know. Do you like me?"

"What? I thought I was making it clear"

"You haven't. There are many times when you send me mix signals. I want to know now do you like me"

"What brought this on. This is the first time you've asked me that. I thought you didn't care if I liked you" I smiled

"I asked because I'm jealous. Hearing you speak on why would bought those earrings for Wendy has made me quite envious of her. She already has your heart and all it took her was a smile" she said a disheartened tone in her voice

"Listen Elizabeth" I said walking over to her

"What is it?" she asked

"You can't be envious" I smiled

"And why can't I?" she asked

"For you to be jealous Wendy would have to something you want. And you already have everything you want" I said kissing her cheek

"Does that mean-"

"Yes. I, Alexander Lewis Freeman, am confessing that I like you, Elizabeth Maria Monroe. Was that clear enough for you or would you like that in writing" I chuckled

"But what if one day Wendy was to reciprocate you're long held feelings. What would your course of action be then" she said before I sighed

"You know it would be cool of me to throw these earrings into the sea to declare that I'm over her. But I still want to give it to her" I said

"Why?"

"Not because I like her. Though I can't say I don't have any feelings for her" I said

"Not helping your case. Get to the point" she said

"Wendy is my friend still and she likes these earrings without being able to afford it. These are no longer the symbol of my affection but just a present for my friend that can't afford it. So I won't throw it away. I just wanted you to know that me keeping it doesn't mean I still have a crush on her"

"So you like me?"

"Was that the only thing you heard?" I sighed

"That was all I care about?" she shrugged

"Okay yeah. I like you but-"

"But what?"

"Why do you like me?" I asked

"Huh?"

"The first time I asked that you said that you were relieving your boredom, then you surprisingly enjoyed the kiss and then you said that you were just interesting that I rejected you"

"Yeah...and?"

"Why did you kiss me? We were talking about my rejection then you kissed me. Why?"

There was a moment of silent before she sighed

"Do not take offence to this but you looked like someone I knew. My mother once had a butler who seemed to raise me. He had the same red hair like you. He fell for my mother and fawned over her for years but when he worked up the courage to admit his feelings he was instantly rejected and he was fired on the spot. He and I were rather close"

"So you were upset by his leaving"

"No I wasn't vexed. That wasn't the feeling I got. The feeling I felt was pity. He was a pitiful man who deemed himself a worthless jerk before he made his way to our house. He fell for a woman way out of his league and tried to grasped a love beyond his reach by growing into a competent man. I felt pity for him as I watched him fall back down to that image he held before. The pain in your eyes were reminiscent the pain he held in his"

"So you were pitying me?" 

"Indeed but then I noticed your loyalty as I have said. I also noticed your bravery and kindness and your willingness to put yourself in harm for those you loved"

"How? I had been nothing but mean to you at first" I said

"Yeah but you were all those things to Wendy. I had watched your interactions with her and you were rather nice" she smiled

"I guess I can be. Either way I saw the good side of you. I also noticed your bad side. You tend jump to conclusions without even the most minute of research or proof when it comes to people and their relationship"

"As I noticed yours. But somehow I still like you" I smiled at her

"Of course you do. I am almost perfect. Only a simpleton wouldn't like me" she said before I chuckled.

That was how I met her. My very first love. A rich stuck up girl, named Elizabeth Monroe but this wasn't the end of our story.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is the end of the story. Tell me what you think about this story. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Tell me if you want part 2 meanwhile I'll be fixing the spelling mistakes