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Zack's Memory


Zack stormed away from Cloud, his head tormented from their conversation. Why did he have to bring that up? Doesn't he understand that it was over between us?

No…

I believed it was all gone, those memories forgotten. Why do I remember now? Did Cloud's accusing stare shift them from my sub-conscious? Was it the fact that I want to deny any lingering feelings I may still have for Tifa?

--

The first time we met. I remember. It was at the bar, young both still in high school. I was having a girl problem; she was just lending some friendly advice. I was getting drunk as hell for some stupid girl.

That first time we clicked and we talked and talked and talked. Until after five girls, I left them all for her. For Tifa. I just wanted to hear her voice to see her friendly face once more.

We didn't mix—like gum and chocolate. Tifa, a bubble gum that came with a burst of flavor sweet and refreshing. Sticky as hell too. Always asking where I was at, who was I with, when will I'll be coming back. Pulling me, tugging me, nagging, complaining—the greenest monster anyone could meet. A gum that began to lose its taste.

I wasn't any help either. I was chocolate. Soft, weakened by heat and passion. The night we made love, our bodies trembled. All those wonderful feelings that exploded within ourselves.

But all those women. How tempting, how inviting. I just held them and whispered sweet things in their ears as they poured drinks, tugging me, pulling me. Their voices as inviting and forbidden as sirens. And Tifa, poor Tifa to see all of that.

The fight I remember the worst part of it all. When we couldn't just stand each other anymore. She was serious and I just wanted to have more fun.

I understood her—I just didn't want to be who she wanted me to be. But she categorize me, put me in one group like a prized chocobo who was to be thrown in with a bunch of sickly ones. She yelled and screamed throwing things at me because I wouldn't explain myself, because I remained silent. The rage within me only grew. She said it was over and with just a nod, I left the bar.

I exploded. Taking the gun at my belt I shot the lights and dropped the pistol and withdrew my sword and slammed the windows. Screams and wails of confusion rang out. I saw an old lady call the cops. I couldn't stop myself. I swung at the sign shattering the neon lights.

She ran out. Tifa screamed called me crazy. I couldn't stop. The sign fell. My body froze. I heard her last cry muffled by the sound of crashing metal.

I ran and lifted the destroyed parts and saw her body, the one I once caressed scarred here and there, blood in pools. Her face still pale in fear. That night was burned into my memory…


End