I was once known as the most popular person in school. Growing up, I was feared and respected because of my status as the star of the high school football team. I remember my teachers telling me to focus on my school work, because, "Sports will never get you anywhere in life." I had only laughed.
Edd was the one everyone knew would make something of himself. Of course, back then, we would never admit it. We would tease him and bully him mercilessly. After school, he cut all ties with us. Looking back, I cannot blame him. I can't help but feel it has everything to do with the night of graduation.
Edd had loved me. Somehow, this genius of a boy had loved me. He told me so himself, that night at the graduation party: In front of everyone.
Thinking now, I realize how cruel I had been for my reputation. I laughed. Everyone laughed. And that was the last anyone heard of Edd.
That was four years ago. I had married Nazz at age nineteen, because that was what everyone expected. And as everyone expected, we quickly fell into debt. Bills were piling and could not be paid. Nazz and I fought. Often. That is what led me to the steps of the courthouse I was currently sitting on, the divorce finally official.
As I prepare to stand up, a man in a sharply pressed suit walks towards where I am sitting. He has dark hair that falls to his shoulders, and strangely familiar bright green eyes that seem to shine. He walks up to me with a concerned look on his face.
"Sir, you seem to be a bit troubled. Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry. I'm fine." I stutter out weakly.
"Wonderful!" This stranger smiles down at me, and I realize he is not as much of a stranger as I once thought. A wide gap between his two front teeth gives him away.
"I- I don't think I caught your name…" I struggle to release the words in my brain. I just hope I am wrong. That this is all just a strange coincidence.
"Oh, how rude of me! My name is Eddward. And you are?" No such luck.
"I- I thought it might be you… It's me. Kevin."
His eyes widen with recognition, then narrow with an emotion I can't place. "Yes, I remember you. How could I forget the boy who ruined my entire existence?" he exclaims with malice in his voice. "The one who let them all laugh at me as I made an utter fool of myself. Yes, how could I forget?"
My eyes drop to the pavement in shame. I would be lying if I told you I hadn't been secretly overjoyed when he had admitted to me those years ago. But, to keep my reputation, I had laughed. A single sound that I regret to this day. A sound that sent me down this path to Hell and landed me hear, on the broken steps of the courthouse.
"I'm surprised you didn't forget all about the boy you used to torment. How is that football career going for you?" He stops and sighs. "I don't have time for this nonsense. I have somewhere to be. I wish I could say it was pleasant to see you again, Kevin," he says my name with hatred, "but I was raised not to lie. Goodbye."
As he turns to leave, I make a split second decision. "Edd?"
His head whips around. "What?! Have you not caused enough damage!"
"How the hell could I ever forget you?"
As I look up, I see a dusting of pink spread across his cheeks. He seems to ponder how to react for a moment, then seems to make a decision. "I wish I could have forgotten you…"