'Hello there, Loreen.'

Dang. I was so deep in my thoughts that I didn't notice Jason coming behind me. I usually didn't let people sneak up behind me. I was the one doing that. I mean, not the other way around.

'Uh, hi.' I say. It feels awkward, for I have been avoiding him for the past four days. I sort of hoped that without his presence I would get rid of my blackouts. Truth be told, they haven't really left me. Just got fainter. I would no longer black out, just the images would overlap with reality. I would see flashes of memories, sliding away too fast for me to make sense of them. But at least I was me, in my own body, in my own time.

I don't notice that Jason had put his arm around my shoulders until it was too late.

'Hey. Earth to Loreen Falconer. Do you copy?'

'Yeah. Yeah, sorry. I was thinking...'

I pull away, embarrassed. I must have blushed really bad because he smiles from the corner of his mouth. I carefully watch my step as we descend the stairs that lead away from school.

After leaving a pause long enough to let me know something had happened, he breaks the silence.

'Why have you been avoiding me? Is it something I said or did?'

I dare look him in the eyes. Those piercing steely-blue eyes so much like the boy from my flashbacks. Edward Kenway. Instantly I wish I hadn't. His 'aura' thing glows in the 'color' of sadness and concern. It was the aura I recognized the easiest. I always saw it on my mother's face when she regarded my brother when he got home with bad grades.

'No, really. I'm sorry I let you think so. It's just...'

'Your blackouts. I somehow trigger them.'

His aura shifted. Now it became the one I grew to recognize as satisfaction. What was weird about it was that it also blended two emotions that could never come together at the same time, towards the same person and concerning the same subject: me.

Love and hate.

Jason liked me and, at the same time, despised me with all his heart. I decide to be wary around him. However nice he seems, he obviously has hidden motives. I'll play his game by telling him only incomplete truths. I can't fully trust him.

'Not... really,' I say. 'You just remind me of somebody.'

He frowns. I must have hit a mark.

'Really...' he mutters. 'Truth be told, you too remind me of someone. '

Click. He knows what my flashbacks mean. That was an invitation to tell him more. We are now walking through the park in front of the school. The way back home.

I try my best impression of a natural laugh. I think it sounds close enough to a real one.

'There's no way we could have possibly met before.' I say. 'But I think my uncle has the same hair color and style as you do...'

I tilt my head to one side, as if studying him. For an instant I run out of breath. Somebody shouldn't allow this much beauty in one human being. His eyes swirl like a storm at sea, catching my heart in its depths. I try to avert my glance, focusing instead on the sweet curl of a streak of caramel blond hair on his cheek, the barely remarkable tilt of his chin in a gesture filled with defiance and pride. His straight posture, broad shoulders and well-built body. He emanates strength and confidence. I feel the urge to move forward and wrap myself in his arms.

I shake my head and close my eyes. Great. I just fell for him once again, and even stronger this time.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I hear this name repeating itself. Kenway. Kenway. Kenway.

'Yeah. My uncle's hair looks just like yours. '

I'm so stupid.

He laughs. He tries to appear relaxed, but I notice the tension in the way he stiffens his shoulders. He's obviously hiding something. Fine. Wanna play typical teens? We shall play typical teens.

'You know my full name. From the label on my locker, I assume.' I start. I sit on the nearest bench, a silent invitation for him to sit next to me. He accepts it.

'Well, I like being informed,' he responds. 'Especially when it comes to pretty girls.'

He grins. Wait, now we've gone from secretsto flirting?

'You sure do,' I giggle. 'But I only know your first name.'

I pause.

'Okay,' he concludes. 'Let's do an ask and answer, shall we? The questions for me, three questions for you.'

'Fine,' I agree. 'You go first. '

'One. What do you like to do in your free time?'

Really?!

'Um, I read a lot. History books mainly. I also like going to the cinema, but I can't go very often.'

'I see. Two. Are you doing anything special tomorrow?'

There. He's asking me out.

'I think not. Probably just going to help around with the housework. '

He smiles. Judging by his aura, he is now being totally honest with me. All he says and does are without hidden motives, unlike before. I relax a bit. Perhaps I might just have a chance with him.

'Three. Would you like to go with me to the cinema? I can drive us there. I got my licence a couple of months ago. '

Boom. Information. He's 16. One year older than I am.

'I guess I can.'

His smile is broad and truly genuine. 'Awesome! I'll pick you up from here at 5. Okay?'

'Yeah, sure.'

I do a virtual happiness dance in my mind.

'My turn. What movie are we seeing tomorrow?'

'No idea.' He lifts his shoulders.

'Why are you asking me out?'

'Because you're nice.'

Now here comes the question I really want the answer to.

'What is your last name?'

'Kenway.'

I feel as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice cold water in my face. I guess I knew it from the beginning, though. In some way, Jason is related to Edward Kenway. No wonder they look so similar.

My girly side takes over my rational one. I no longer care that Jason might be a danger. I no longer care that I've had flashbacks of his great-great-great-great-something-grandfather. I lean towards him and wrap my arms around him. It only lasts for a couple of seconds, but my feelings amplify exponentially. He smells like the ocean breeze and... cinnamon? I feel the soft touch of his hair on my neck, the short-lasting tense of his body as a reaction to my unexpected hug. Then Jason presses his arms around my back, and for a second I feel like out of this world, gone to a paradise where nothing bad can happen.

But then again. It lasts only a few moments which are way too short...

I pull back, and before he can say anything I turn around, smiling.

'See you tomorrow!' I say, heading home (and away from him).

...

'So a boy invited you out on a date.'

Exactly what I was expecting: a scolding, an hour-long lecture about boys which would probably result in me being grounded for the weekend. I now regret having assured Jason that I would be there. I take a deep sigh.

Suddenly, my mother bursts out a laugh. I was totally not expecting that. I look at her weirdly.

'Age 15, and you go on a date?! Do you have any idea when I went out with a boy for the first time?' She giggles. '17!'

Long break. I plan how to explain to Jason why I won't meet him.

'Do you even realize how lucky you are, Lori?'

Wait, what?

'Of course you're going! Don't let the chance go away!'

I get up and tackle-hug my mother. She nearly falls over, but I don't care. I cover her in thank you-s, then I go to my room to prepare my clothes for tomorrow.

Isn't this the best day one could have?

Must admit, I've been lazy. I could have written this chapter in half the time it actually took me to. I apologise.

Anyways I'm so glad I finished it. It's the longest chapter so far, and it's only the fourth. The best part is that I haven't even got into the action itself, which I am proud of.

Hope you guys like it. Don't forget to leave reviews if you feel like it. Also follows are greatly appreciated.

Cheers :D