Reminiscing Memories

*Hazel’s POV*

It’s been two weeks since I’ve been in the hospital. I was allowed to leave and go home. I didn’t remember where that was, but I was excited. I couldn’t wait to leave the hospital because I knew I would have more freedom to roam around and see my hometown through my own eyes. I knew it was the physical sights that would trigger my memory back. Now that I had this freedom ahead of me, I couldn’t wait to relive all my memories.

I sat in the front seat of Pandora’s car with Liam and Niall in the back seat, one of my box of loose drawings sitting in between them. Harry, Louis, and Zayn had a rental car not far behind us, the stacks of my sketchpads in the truck of their SUV. I stared out of the window, taking in the view of the town. There was just so much to see and the others left me alone, letting me enjoy the sights offered from the window. We got into a more populated part of town, filled with houses and apartments.

“We’re here.” Pandora said, pulling over on the curb. The SUV could be heard stopping right behind us.

I took off my seat, making my way out of the car. I stared at the tall brick building in front of me. “You and your mom live in the apartments here.”

“We got the stuff. You go ahead and take her.” Liam said, stepping out from the backseat.

Pandora smiled at me, lightly tapping my arm to urge me forward. I followed her inside and she led me up an elevator. We stepped in, heading to the third floor. I took note that there was five floors. Once the elevator stopped, Pandora led me into the hallway. “You’re apartment is 3-4.”

I could feel the familiarity of the place. My hand touched the wall as I walked.

“This will be our new home, Hazel.”

I blinked.

“Come on, Haze.” Pandora said, sticking a key in the knob, turning the key and opening the door.

I shook my head, wondering if what I heard through my mind was something out of my imagination. I walked into the threshold, letting the view of the apartment fill my vision. The living room was huge, one half possessed a couch, a love seat, and a recliner that was around a coffee table. On the wall before the furniture was a 50” plasma hanging on the wall. On the other half was a small dining table that could seat six people. The kitchen could be seen ahead of the dining room, separated by a small wall with appliances. There was a hallway in the center of the living met with a hallway that reached back to reveal three separate doors. Pandora led me though the hall, passing one door on the right to meet the second door. There was only one other door to the left, and judging by size, I assumed it was the bathroom.

“Your bedroom.” Pandora introduced, opening the door and leading me in.

The room was a bright blue and on the walls was multiple drawings, though mostly writings.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this…” Pandora said, giggling as I brought over the can of white paint my mother had locked away.

I use the flat screwdriver to force open the lid, carefully turning it over to place it on the floor. Pandora picked up a wooden stir stick and began to mix the paint. We started laughing as she pulled the stick out and placed it on the lid to keep the paint from falling on the floor. “You sure you want to do this?” Pandora asked. “Won’t your mom get mad?”

“She said I can do whatever I want with my room. I want to do this.” I said, placing each hand in the paint, covering them.

I maneuvered to the wall, placing each hand on it. Pandora was next to come after me, the side of one of our hands meeting as she placed her hands on the wall also. We both pulled back, our handprints left behind.

“What are we going to write to go with this?” I asked, looking at her

“’Even with our heads in the clouds, our friendship will never unbound.’ How does that sound?” Pandora asked thoughtfully.

We started laughing. We both stopped short when we heard the apartment door slam. “Shit…” I said, Pandora picked up the stick, throwing it away in my trashcan as I quickly put the lid back on the paint.

I found myself walking toward the other side of my dresser. I moved the trashcan out of the way. I smiled, seeing the now familiar handprints that belonged to Pandora and I. Pandora stuck her head beside mine. “Oh, my gosh! I haven’t seen these in forever!”

“I just remembered about them.” I said, smiling as I brushed my handprint. Above the handprints was black painted words that read ‘Even with our heads in the clouds, our friendship will never unbound’ that wrapped around the handprints. Our names were in between our palms. ‘Panda and Haze.’ I stared at the names. Pandora called me Haze ever so often, but not once did I ever call her ‘Panda.’

I looked at her. Her blue eyes met mine, her black, wavy hair seemed to always contrast deeply with her pale features.

I silently let my feet kick back and forth, staring at my pink Hello Kitty shoes as I heard many kids ranging round my age scream and play with each other. I didn’t know anybody here and I felt too shy to just join along with the boys and girls playing. I was an outcast. A nobody.

“Hey you.”

I looked up, a girl with long dark hair standing before me. She clutched a stuffed panda close to her chest.

“What’s your name?”

“Hazel.” I squeaked.

The girl’s eyes lit up. “My name’s Pandora, but you can call me Panda. Let’s be best friends.”

“November 24, 2000.” I murmured.

“What?” Pandora asked, confused.

I stood up and heard five boys coming into my bedroom, each carrying a stack of sketchpads. They each placed the stacks on the floor. I was automatically by their side, looking through one of the piles. I quickly found the pad and flipped through it. I smiled as my eyes landed on the picture. The drawing held every detail of Pandora’s 6 year face and panda that she clutched tightly against her chest that day.

I turned around, showing the drawing to Pandora. She slowly blinked, staring at the picture. “What…”

“The first day we met.” I said. “The day we became friends, Panda.”

Her eyes widened as she looked up at me. I could see the tears welling up in her eyes before they began to fall down in a slow stream. She ran over, pulling me into a hug. “You remembered. I was happy when you remembered us through the years of us growing up, but this…”

I brought my arms around her. Our first meeting was the most precious memory to the two of us. If the day never came to where we would meet, we wouldn’t be here now.

I was happy, knowing that our friendship lasted for over twelve years.

“I think we should celebrate with some ice cream.” Niall said.

“You just have a sweet tooth.” Harry said, rolling his eyes.

“Let’s go!”

Pandora pulled apart from me, smiling embarrassingly as she wiped away at her wet cheeks. Niall placed an arm around her, cheering her up as he led her out of the bedroom door. Louis followed ahead, the blond and brunette beginning to cheer loudly. Without much choice, Harry and Zayn followed behind. Liam gave me a smile as he offered me to walk next.

I guess I had nothing more to say. It was great to finally be at the place called ‘home.’