The day had begun to play out like any other; it was hot and humid as students filed out of class to begin their lunch hour.  It was still only the first week of school but the teenagers had already fallen into a routine.  Ashley, Spencer, and Aiden stood near the young blonde’s locker as she tucked away her books and replaced them with those of her afternoon classes.  Aiden made small talk with the girls until he noticed a familiar form from within the corner of his eye.  He stopped mid-conversation, his attention now fully focused on someone down the hall.

Ashley waved her hand up and down inches away from his nose, “Hey, earth to Aiiiden.”  She glanced at Spencer, only to have her smile and shrug her shoulders in response.  Both girls peeked over in the direction he so forcefully stared.  “It can’t be…” his words trailed off along with him.

The two stood in confusion and subtly watched from afar.  Aiden approached slowly, unsure if his eyes deceived him.  He stood a few feet behind her and smiled as the stranger opened her locker.  He knew her; there was no doubting who this was.  Aware of the boy’s presence behind her, she continued to place her books on their shelves until a hand grabbed her shirt from behind.  Aiden clenched his fist around the fabric and smiled playfully, “Hey You.” He tried to deepen his voice.

Without hesitation, she spun him around and took hold of the hand that gripped onto her.  She locked his elbow into place, applied a simple wrist lock, and neatly pinned him against the row of lockers.  “Geez, take it easy karate kid!”  Aiden yelped, immediately being released from the painful position which he had been held in.  “Aid? You crazy mofo!”  The stranger smiled broadly, shaking her head slightly.  “What the heck were you thinking?”  The two laughed as Spencer and Ashley watched the scene unfold in dismay.  Their mouths slightly open from what had just taken place.

Aiden hastily wrapped his arms around the girl in a hug and squeezed as tight as he could.  “Aid, relax.” She choked, laughing and all the while trying to return the embrace.  “God damn Kasey, it’s been 3 years since I’ve seen you!”  He beamed, letting her go.  “What are you doing here?!”