Chapter 1
As far as I can remember, Aiden and I had been inseparable. We hung out every day and even finished each other’s sentences. He was the best friend I could ever have, and nothing could tear us apart. Well, at least that’s what I thought.
On the day junior year started, he told me his dad was being stationed in Washington, and he was leaving. “I’m really sorry, Anna. I hate leaving you. You’re my best friend in the world.”
“It’s okay, Aiden. I understand why you have to go. I just hate saying goodbye,” I said, hugging him tightly.
“I’m gonna miss you, Anna.”
’I’m gonna miss you, too, Aiden. Best friends forever.”
“Always.”
Aiden and I promised each other we wouldn’t forget each other. We talked on the phone every chance we could and even made a friendship blog so we could tell each other about our day. It was like he never left.
As the years went by and high school began, both of us got really busy. Aiden was trying out for the football team, and I had joined the drama club. I was also working on writing a script for The Playwright’s Contest. But we still talked when we could.
“Hey, Anna,” Aiden answered one Friday night when I called him. “What’s up?”
“Not much. I’ve been working really hard on my script. How’s everything going with you?”
“It’s going good. Just been practicing a lot. Coach Callahan is really killin’ us out there.”
“Well, I’m sure he just wants you to be ready for the state championships. You guys will do great.”
“Thanks, Anna. You’re the best.”
“Thanks. I’m really glad we’re friends.”
“Best friends forever.”
“Always. Well, gotta go."
"Me too. Mom wants me to rest up before practice tomorrow.”
“Okay. ’Night, Aiden.”
The following Monday when I went to drama club, I noticed a guy I had never seen before. I couldn’t help but stare at him. He was so handsome, with his broad shoulders, high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and short black hair.
“Like what you see?”
“Huh?” I said with wide eyes. “Oh, uh, I’m sorry. It’s just, um, I haven’t seen you here before.”
“Well, my buddy, Bryce, told me I should check it out.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, um, you’ll really like it. I’m Anna.”
“James. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
As I took my seat, I was kinda glad I made a friend in drama. Or in general. Ever since Aiden left, I found it hard to make new friends. Mostly because I was afraid I would forget about him.
That afternoon, James walked up to me at lunch. “Hey, Anna.”
“Hey. Um, you wanna sit?”
“Sure. So, uh, what made you decide to join drama club?”
“Well, I’ve always loved going to the theater. I used to go to plays with my dad all the time.”
“Really? Me too. I love the theater, too, and I really like musicals.”
“That’s really cool. Um, I’m actually working on a script for this contest. It’s called The Playwright’s Contest. If your script wins, they make it into a production on Broadway. It still needs a lot of work, though. I still haven’t gotten past Act 3. I’ve been having writer’s block lately.”
“Well, maybe I can help. I’m a really good writer. I’ve been getting A’s in English for my creative writing.”
“That sounds great. Thanks, James.”
