it just comes back in flashes [kenz]

[15 minutes earlier]

Parker ran out of the mess hall after Stephie. When he pushed the door open and stepped into the crisp winter air, she was no where to be seen. His panicked look turned into a frustrated one. He kicked a bench, toppling it over. Parker stomped back to cabin 2. He slammed the door upon entering. Now he was not only frustrated my angry. He wanted to strangle someone. He settled for throwing his pillows and breaking his bed post. Parker sat on his bed with his head in his hands. He felt like a fool. Stephie hated him. She would never forgive him. He practically cheated on her. Even though they weren't dating but, whatever. He wished they were dating. He knew that he loved her since they were 14. He risked his life for her. He was always there for her. Parker thought she loved him too. But, February 12th changed everything for them. They didn't talk for three years. Parker got up from his bed. He was determined to find her. He needed her now more than ever.

[present]

Parker ran through the forest. He saw everything in a blur. Globs of green and brown danced around in his vision. He stumbled, almost tripping over a tree root but steadied himself. Parker was yelling her name. "Stephie!" He shouted into the empty, silent forest. "Stephie! It's Parker! I know you hate but, just hear me out, Okay?" His words no longer came out. He couldn't speak. His breath caught in his throat. He heard something. He heard the soft "click click" of metal hitting aluminium. Parker stopped running. He slowed to a job then eventually, a fast-paced walk.

A couple minutes later, he heard the familiar whizzing of spray paint. Stephie was near. He was walking at a normal pace now. Parker stopped in his tracks. He saw her. Stephie was only 20 feet away now. She looked up from spray painting her dress. Why was she painting her dress? Parker hid behind a tree. He felt like he was in "stalker-mode." After she stopped he could see she was starting to crumble to the ground. He ran to her, catching her before she fell. Parker held her tight against him. He strokes her hair. whispering "sh...sh...it's okay Stephie."

Parker pursed his lips. He had to prove to her he cared somehow. Suddenly, he got an idea. He would need her to hear him out though. "Stephie. Gimme a chance to explain please?" He pleaded. Parker walked over to her. She'd ran away. He understood. Parker wanted to take her hand but he knew she'd run again. So, he played it safe. He stood a couple feet in front of her, talking to her softly. "Stephie, can you come with me for a minute? You don't have to talk to me, just listen. " He looked at her with his big brown eyes. Parker's heart was in his stomach. He felt numb. His head spun. He didn't know what to do. Stephie hated him. He was a jerk. He took two girls to one dance. How had he even thought that might work? He was so stupid.

Parker frowned. She looked so hurt. It was his fault. He felt terrible. How was he supposed to tell her this now? He felt so guilty. Parker nodded towards the lake. As he turned to start walking, he dropped down to grab a bottle of spray paint. It looked like a bottle of black but he wasn't sure. He shrugged and stood back up. He couldn't see Stephie's face in the poor lighting. It was pitch black outside and there was also a canopy of trees over their heads.

After walking for a couple minutes, the trees opened up to the lake. Parker smiled at Stephie and took out the can of spray paint. He shook it up, hearing the familiar sound of the marble smacking against can. That sound always made him smile. He took off the cap and began writing on sand. It turns out, the spray paint was actually blue. Parker smiled finishing his writing. At the end, he had around a paragraph of writing and some doodles here and there. His paragraph read:

"Stephanie Lee Jones, you are the most beautiful, most intelligent girl I have ever met. You use to make me smile when I was having a rough day. And don't think I don't remember those nights you stayed at my grandmas and we tried to make our own band. Now you know why I don't sing. Anyway, Stephie I'm so sorry. Aphrodite is stupid, and cruel and mean. She's just...not for me okay? Trust me. Stephie. I think you already know this but, I'm going to say this again. I love you okay? It's weird to hear me say that I know, I'm usually not emotional but, screw it. This is for you Stephie. I love you. Now, if you don't me doing this..."

He walked over to Stephie and pushed her hair behind her ear. "I love you," He whispered, starring into her eyes. He could feel her breathe on his cheeks. Parker leaned in and pressed his lips softly against hers. He poured his heart into the kiss. He wanted to make sure he got his message across. He loved Stephie, no one else. Just Stephie.

Parker smiled against her lips. She'd forgiven him. She loved him. There was no words to describe how happy Parker was. He cupped her cheek, gently wiping her tears. Parker moved her, so she was sitting on his lap, somewhat. It was more comfortable for him. She pulled away from him for a moment and gave him a small smile. "I love you too, Rhys." He smiled as she pulled him back in. Parker continued to wipe her tears as his other hand had a tight was gentle grip on Stephie's side. He wanted to kiss her all night long but, something occured to him. The furies would be out soon. It was nearly ten. Parker pulled away, not wanting to at all. "Come here," He lifted her up so he could stand. "Let's go to the cabin, the furies will be out soon. I'm not so sure I want to be eaten so..." He shrugged.