Chapter 10 Chapter 10 : Date Me for Two Months When the dinner party ended , I'd had a bit too much to drink . I was a little unsteady on my feet as I followed the crowd out of the restaurant . Hayden's car was parked at the curb . Isabelle asked , " Aubrey , you've had a lot to drink . Why don't we give you a ride home ? " I waved her off . " Nah , I'm good . " Hayden said , " Isabelle's just trying to help . C'mon , get in the car . " I shook my head . " You guys can go . I'm waiting for my boyfriend . " " Oh , okay . Well , we'll get going then . " " Okay ," I called after them . " Where are you guys staying these days ? " Hayden replied , " Isabelle's studying for her GRES , so I rented an apartment for her near University of Hillsbury , closer to the library . " I smiled and nodded . " Oh , that is convenient . " Hayden opened the passenger - side door for Isabelle , his hand instinctively going to the roof of the car to keep her from bumping her head . " In you go , future Mrs. Hughes . " Isabelle stuck her tongue out playfully . " We're heading out then , Aubrey ! " " Yep , bye ! Good luck with the GRES . " Hayden glanced at his watch , urging her on . " We've still got time . We can hit the library and crank out a few more practice tests . " Isabelle groaned . " More practice tests ? * Today * ... ? " I laughed softly . * That's just how he is . * * When he loves someone , he gives them his all . He's always thinking about what's best for them , planning out their future . * I used to get mad , too . I thought he was even stricter than Mr. Jenkins . When I graduated from college , I had half a bottle of beer at a farewell dinner with my classmates , and he completely lost it . After that , he laid down the law : if I was going to drink , he had to be there . No exceptions . 1/4 Chapter 10 I gave a small laugh . * Memories ... they're like water . They seep into everything , everywhere . You think you've sealed them up tight , but you never know when they're going to spring a leak and come rushing out . * I watched Hayden's car drive away . The red of the taillights was piercing , but I couldn't bring myself to look away . My gaze followed the car until it vanished into the sea of city lights . Maybe it was the alcohol , but I felt my soul drift high into the sky , looking down on the whole world . I felt like I could see the old me - the one Hayden had spoiled rotten . I was a terror on his back , I'd cuddle up in his arms , he'd drag me away to do practice tests for the SATS , and he'd hold me tight , making me promise out loud that I'd never , ever leave him . * He's never changed . * * He's still him . * * It's just that the person in his heart , in his eyes ... is someone else now . * I watch those fantasy dramas sometimes , the ones where no matter how many lifetimes the main characters go through , no matter how their appearances change , they always recognize each other at first sight . They're destined to be together , lifetime after lifetime , loving only each other until the end of time , no matter if fate tries to stop them or if all three realms are turned upside down . * So why doesn't it work like that for me ? * Hayden didn't even go through a new lifetime . He just lost his memories , and now he doesn't recognize me at all . I'm so conflicted . * Logically , I know I shouldn't try to make him remember me . * * But my heart doesn't listen to logic . When I see that unfamiliar look in his eyes , it still aches so badly . * Click- The flash blinded me for a second . I squinted and turned my head . I saw a bright - eyed guy holding a camera , scratching his head . " Sorry about that . I'm a photographer , and the light and composition were just too perfect . I couldn't resist taking a shot . " I raised an eyebrow . " You're a photographer ? " " Yeah . Wanna see the picture ? " He handed me the camera . 2/4 Chapter 10 It was genuinely beautiful . In the twilight , the light and shadows shifted . Against the backdrop of the bustling city and its river of traffic , the red and green neon from a billboard cast a mottled , camouflage - like pattern across my face . The evening breeze had blown my hair across the lower half of my face , leaving only my eyes visible - empty , yet full of sorrow , gazing into the distance . Even though everything around me was loud and chaotic , I radiated a profound sense of loneliness . " It's got a great vibe , right ? " I handed the camera back to him . " Yeah . " " Can I keep this photo ? " I nodded . " Do what you want . " " Thanks . " He left , too . He walked away , beaming , repeatedly glancing down at the camera to admire his new favorite shot . " Hey- " I called out to him . He turned back , smiling . " Yeah ? What's up ? " " Do you have a girlfriend ? " The guy's face flushed . He shook his head . " Why are you asking ? " I turned to face him fully . " What are you going to do with that photo ? " " Enter it in a contest , " he said . " I've been struggling for over six months , trying to find the right subject matter . I can't believe I was just wandering around today and managed to get such a perfect shot . I'm definitely going to win this time ! How about this - give me your contact info , and if I win , I'll send you all the prize money . " I chuckled . " All of it ? " The guy nodded emphatically . " To me , this photo is way more important than the money . " " You're that sure you're going to win ? " " Because the theme of the competition is ' Desperate Hope . " " ... That's a pretty artsy theme . " " The way you looked just now ... it perfectly captured the theme . It's a genuine emotion , and it's really moving . " 3/4 Chapter 10 I said , " I don't want the money . But you can do something for me . " The guy looked a little lost . " What is it ? " " Date me for two months . " 4/4