The Story of Us

Chapter One

~oOo~

I wonder where the friendship went. What about the days and the memories we spent? Now it feels like I'm being replaced. Now it feels like I don't know you.

~oOo~

"Fabes!" I whined, tugging slightly on his arm. "You promised you would help me...you're my study-buddy." I stuck out my bottom lip, widening my eyes and stared at him.

Fabian sighed. "Joy...I-I'm sorry, but I can't. I have to help Nina and Amber with something." He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, giving me a small smile. "Maybe later, yeah?"

I forced my lips to form by most convincing half-smile, trying to hide the hurt that I knew was in my eyes. "Yeah...maybe another time." I confirmed.

Fabian's expression grew relieved, and he gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Good." He smiled calmly. With that, he spun around and walked off towards the staircase, just as Nina and Amber came bustling down the stairs.

I watched as Nina's eyes lit up excitingly when she spotted Fabian coming towards her, and the way Fabian's eyes danced with agonizingly as she whispered something...something that had to be important, into his ear. He gave Nina a look that was all-too familiar to me, a look that he usually only saved for me.

But not anymore.

Immense jealously came over me. I couldn't help it. I tried not to stare as Fabian and Nina discussed something quietly at the top of the staircase; but it was too hard not to. Amber's light-blue eyes caught my gaze on their area, and they narrowed suspiciously at me. I quickly looked down to hide my fire-hot cheeks and averted my eyes to the wall next to me; pretending to admire the picture hanging up on the wall.

"Nina, stop it!" I whipped my head around at the sound of Fabian's voice echoing through the room. Looking up, I grimaced at the sight of Nina tickling Fabian, obviously amused by the sight of him suffering playfully. They were both cracking up as Nina continued to poke at his body while Fabian tried to slap Nina's hand away lightly.

A memory from a few years ago came flashing back through my mind, one that hadn't occurred for a long time.

~oOo~

"Joy!" Fabian cried, trying hard to hold in the laughter that was dying to escape. I cracked up hysterically as my hands tickled his back, shoulders and neck; his most vulnerable spots. Being best friends for two years really had it's advantages. We were walking back to the House of Anubis from our school.

"Stop that!" He demanded, though I could still see the amusement in his brown orbs.

"Give me back my bag, and your wish will be granted." I held out my left hand, while my right continued to poke his back repeatingly.

Fabian took a deep breath, and smiled evilly, clutching my bag tightly. "You'll have to catch me first."

As quick as lighting, he pushed past me, and broke off into a sprint down the sidewalk towards Anubis house.

"Get back here!" I called, and took off after him.

I couldn't let him see my diary, which I always kept in my bag. I thought it would have been safer there; but apparently I had been mistaken. There were too many personal, private things in there... things that would ruin everything.

My breath began to give away, but I pushed the desire to rest out of my head, and kept chasing after him. Getting back my bag was way to important.

Soon, I found myself closing up on him. Either he was growing tired or was slowing down just to tease me.

"I'm getting closer!" I taunted, my hands struggling to grab the fabric of Fabian's blazer.

"I'll never give up!" Fabian shouted triumphantly. I rolled my eyes at his choice of words, and used all of the strength my body could muster to keep running. For a nerdy boy; Fabian could run like the wind.

Seconds later, Fabian looked at me over his shoulder. His eyes grew concerned as he noticed my fatigue appearance. I was practically gasping for breath, clutching my sides.

"Hey, are you alright?" He asked softly, coming closer to me.

An idea struck me, and I looked up. Without a second thought, I flung myself at him. He caught me lazily in his arms, losing his balance as my body collided with his. We both tumbled onto the grass, rolling around. My hands were wrapped around his body as we giggled like little kids, though we were thirteen.

Eventually, we stopped, and I could finally catch my breath. My stomach hurt from laughing so much, and the lack of breath I had while chasing Fabian. I was so caught up in my thoughts, that I didn't even realize Fabian was lying on top of me.

I couldn't help but admire his side-swept hair, and how it had an almost dark-red twinge to it in the sunlight. His beautiful dark-brown orbs eyed my own light-brown ones, sending chills down my spine.

Was...was he going to kiss me?

He bent his head closer to mine. I could feel his sharp breath on my neck.

"You caught me," He whispered so lightly, it was almost inaudible. The corners of his mouth turned upwards into that smile that melted me entirely.

"So... can I have my bag back?" I asked, trying to change the mood; it was getting to uncomfortable, and I was worrying my cheeks looked like tomatoes, even though my skin was already tanner than most kids.

Fabian snapped back into reality. "Oh... um... yeah." He stuttered, and stood up.

I rolled my eyes; looks like the shy, awkward Fabian was back. But I didn't care; I liked him either way.

He held out a hand, and I placed my own in his. He pulled me easily to my feet, and handed me my bag.

"Here you are...sorry; I was just having some fun."

I chuckled, inwardly sighing with relief as my precious bag was safe in my hands once again. "It's fine... thanks for the fun time, Fabes." I flashed him my million-watt grin.

"Y-you're welcome," Fabian stammered. I bit my lip; he was so adorable when he was nervous.

"Well, we better head back before Victor throws a fit," I told Fabian, and turned around. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something pink in Fabian's hands.

My diary!

"You little pig!" I growled jokingly. Patricia's grammar was rubbing off on me. "I see Jerome has taught you well."

Fabian burst out laughing, and held my diary up high. "You didn't think I would give up this easily, did you Joy?"

I glared at him, and jumped up and tried to grab it, but failed miserably. He had a good five inches on me, so it would be hard.

"Damn you," I muttered. He cracked up at my cursing. Since he looked distracted, I took this as an opportunity.

All in what seemed like one motion; I had grabbed my diary from his loosened grip, and ran as fast as my legs could carry me towards the house.

Just as I was nearing the front door, two arms enveloped my waist, lifting me off of my feet and into the air.

"Fabes!" I screamed while giggling at the same time. "Put me down!"

"Hand over the diary!" Fabian ordered.

"No, it's mine!" I defended.

"Fine, then you'll just have to suffer even more." He started spinning. Way too fast.

"Fabian!" It was rare for me to call him "Fabian", so he had to know I was being serious. "Put. Me. Down!" I cried, but he just continued to spin and laugh at me. Or with me, since I was doubling over with laughter as well.

All of the sudden, Fabian seemed to have lost the balance in his legs, for we both went crashing down onto the grass, giggling hysterically.

"Why do you we keep doing this?" I asked after catching my breath.

"I don't know," Fabian said. "But it's fun!" He tossed my diary towards me, and I caught it with one hand.

Our eyes met, and we stared deeply into each other's orbs. Fabian's face started getting closer, and nerves washed over me. This... this couldn't happen. So, I did the first thing that came to mind.

I tickled him.

~oOo~

I felt bad after replaying the memory over in my head. I had two chances that day to kiss him, but I let it slip away from me.

What was I thinking?

But that memory was a special one. Fabian had been like the brother I never had. He had teased me constantly, but he had always been there to pick me up when I fell down.

I looked back up, and saw that Fabian and Nina were walking past me into the dining room for supper.

Holding hands.

I felt tears form in my eyes when Fabian's soft jean fabric brushed against my exposes tan legs. I would do anything to be in Nina's place. Didn't Fabian remember any of our memories? Did he ever think about when I was his best friend?

It was too late, though. The Fabian I knew and loved was gone.

~oOo~