Beginnings are tricky
Everything has a purpose
*****
Ding!

The little bell above the door went off as I made my way into Starbucks. I was late, but luckily the line to order was short. She was going to kill me. I was now the second person in line. My mouth started to water at the sweet aroma of coffee and chocolate. The person in front of me was finally done, but as I went to step forward, my foot slipped out from underneath me. Before my body could make contact with the floor, hands of the tall, brunette guy who was before me in line, had caught me.

"Are you okay?" he asked, eyes full of concern as he helped me up to my feet.

Was that a British accent I heard?

I dusted myself off. "Yeah, I guess. I must have slipped on water or something."

He rested his hand on the back of his neck. "At least I was there to catch a pretty girl like you."

He smiled and gave a wink, making me smile and look to the ground to avoid eye contact. "Yeah, maybe."

"Might I ask your name?"

"I'm - "

"Miss, I don't mean to be rude, but I have to move the line along," said the cashier interrupting at the perfect time. I didn't really want to tell him my name.

"Oh it's okay," I said to the cashier.

"Well I'll let you get back to ordering. Maybe I'll see you around, like at the movies tomorrow night around 7:30-ish," he said stepping out of my way.

"Um, you might see me, but - " I replied dragging out the last word.

Were you really about to do this?

His eyes narrowed. "But what?"

"But I have a boyfriend."

Yup, you were.

"Oh, too bad."

Total lie.

"Yeah, but thanks for catching me," I said stepping toward the register where a young, red headed girl stood.

"What can I get you miss?" she asked sweetly.

I knew exactly what I wanted without even having to think. "May I get a Grande Java Chip with whip, extra chocolate, and an extra shot, please?"

"Yes, you may. So I have a Grande Java Chip with an extra shot of espresso, whip, and extra chocolate," she paused for approval as I nodded my head. "Will that be all for you?"

"I would believe so."

"That will be $6.25 and can I get a name for that?"

"It will be for Jay," I said digging in my wallet for my money to pay.

"Thank you and your drink will be out as soon as possible. Here's your receipt and your change," the red head said handing it to me.

"Thank you."

I wonder how mad she was going to be at me on a scale of one to ten. What's the worst thing that could happen? After all she is my best friend. Skyler and I go way back. The day we met was still so fresh and clear in my mind. I met that brown-haired-brown-eyed girl back in year four. Well, I was in year four and she was in year three. Technically, here in America that would mean I was in the third grade and she was in second grade.

"Okay, Miss Jay, are you ready? I will take you to your class," said Ms. Foster, the secretary.

"I guess," I said not wanting to make eye contact before turning to my mum to whine. "Do I have to go today? I'm not going to have any friends. Everyone's going to laugh at me, mum."

"Yes, you do dear and no one's going to laugh at you. Why would they laugh at you?"

"Because I sound to American!" mum giggled and I gave her my pouty face sticking my lip out. "At least you and dad sound normal."

"Well that's only because we grew up here. You were born in America on a trip out to see family and when you were born I couldn't take you away from family. You know we would've moved back to London sooner as well if it wasn't for your father's job, love. You will do great and everyone will love you. Don't block everyone out and you will have a bunch of friends. I will be back to pick you up. Be good. I love you a ton!"

"Fine, love you too!" I said giving my mum a big hug not wanting to let go.

I followed Ms. Foster to the classroom. We passed by the different halls. The farther we walked, the colder it got. This school was a bit different in comparison to what I'm used to. The different years were combined; years one and two were together, years three and four, and year five and six were together as well. Another difference was that instead of me being in third grade, I was in year four. It was too much for me to comprehend.

We finally got to my class. I walked in and saw my teacher Ms. Lisa, trying to get everyone to listen. Once she saw me her eyes widened and she put on a grin.

"Class gather around! In your seats please! Brandon, Jacob, stop goofing off and come take a seat!" she said then waited for everyone to listen to her instructions. "I hope you all had a wonderful winter break, but we have some important news. We have received a new student over winter break! She moved here from the United States," she waved me over to her.

As soon as she motioned towards me, I froze instantly. Did I really have to get in front of everyone? Give me a break, it was my first day. I walked slowly over to her. I felt the daggered-like stares that pierced my skin as I walked up.

"Class this is Jay White. Be nice and introduce yourselves to her throughout the day. Jay, you will be sitting with Jacob, Brandon, and Skyler," I was told by Ms. Lisa.

My eyes followed Ms. Lisa as she pointed towards the people. Jacob was blue eyed and blond haired, Brandon was dark haired and had hazel eyes, and finally Skyler had brown hair with caramel brown eyes.

I did the exact opposite of what my mum wanted me to do. I did block other people out. I didn't want to be laughed at. I didn't want to trust anyone. I did this for the whole first week, but on Friday that changed. I knew I wasn't shy. I wasn't quiet. I never wanted to be alone. I loved being loud, laughing, and having friends. I couldn't take it anymore. I was driving myself insane. It was time to put aside the fake me.

"Hey, Skyler do you think I could eat lunch with you?" I asked Skyler as the class walked into the cafeteria.

"Sure," Skyler replied as we both sat down.

"So what do you have for lunch?" I asked trying to make conversation.

"Just leftover lasagna. What about you?" Skyler asked.

"I have leftover Shepherd's Pie."

"Oh, I love Shepherd's Pie! My mum makes the best Shepherd's Pie!"

"Me too! So do you want to split it? I have enough."

"Sure!"

"So were you born here in London?"

"Yeah, where were you born?"

"I was born in New Mexico, but both my parent are British. The only reasons my parents didn't raise me here in London was because they didn't want to take me away from where I was born and because of my dad's job."

"Oh, that's cool."

Skyler and I hung out all day and it turned out we had a lot in common. She was really cool. I can't believe I haven't talked to her before aside from school stuff. We went to recess together. I didn't want this day to end, but it had to.

Skyler and I were walking out to the parent pick up place. We were trying to figure out a way to see each other as soon as possible. Just as I saw my mum pulling up I got an idea.

"I got it!" I exclaimed.

"What?" caramel eyes asked confused.

"Why don't we go to the park later today? I mean, we live close to each other and that park isn't too far away?"

"Yeah, that would be fun, but I'll have to ask my mum first though," Skyler said excitedly.

"Me too. Well I'll ask my mum and don't forget to ask yours. I got to go, bye Skyler!"

"Bye Jay!"

I jumped in the car and right away asked my mum if I could go to the park with Skyler. Luckily my mum said yes. I was so excited. When we got home I dropped off my backpack and changed clothes before my mum took me to the park.

Skyler wasn't at the park yet when I got there, so I went on the swings for a bit. I got a bit bored so I started walking around. Towards the open grass area part of the park, I found a tree that stood out to me. I immediately wanted to climb it, but how would I? I faced the tree and started thinking about it. If I could reach that lower branch, the rest would be easy.

"Hey Jay, what are you doing?" Skyler said behind me breaking the silence, making me jump.

I looked back at the tree. "I'm thinking about how I would climb that tree."

"So have you figured it out?"

"Yeah, but I have one problem. I can't reach that branch," I said pointing.

I looked over to Skyler and I could tell she was thinking about it as well. "What if I gave you a boost up?"

"Yeah, that could work!" I paused thinking about it some more. "But how would you get up?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that."

"Maybe I could help you up. You know like grabbing your hands."

"Yeah!"

"Let's do it!"

Skyler and I put our ideas into action and at first it was running smoothly, but eventually conflict had to strike. I made the mistake of not holding on to the branch as I helped Skyler up and we both ended up falling. It didn't hurt too badly and we ended up just lying on the grass laughing. The second time I made sure that I held on and we both were able to get in the tree. Once we got in the tree, we didn't want to get out. We spent the whole time at the park in that tree. I already knew that mine and Skyler's friendship was different from any other friendship that I had in the past. When we had to leave we made a promise that this was our tree and that we wouldn't bring anyone else to it besides each other.

"Do you promise?" I asked Skyler.

"I pinky-promise. Do you promise?"

"I pinky-promise."

"Cross your heart and hope to die?"

"Yes, cross my heart and hope to die."

"I have a drink for a...Jay," said one of the Starbucks workers, bringing me back from my thoughts.

I got my drink and started walking over to mine and Skyler's meeting place. I turned the corner and saw Skyler sitting at our table with her back faced towards me, but there was a problem. Across from her sat a tall blond guy who obviously worked at Starbuck because he had the green apron and name tag. As I walked slowly towards them I could somewhat hear their conversation. Skyler did not look interested.

"Did you get my note?" said blondie.

"Yeah," Skyler replied.

"So are you here alone? Is this seat taken?"

"Well-"

Perfect time to join in, Jay.

"Actually it is. You wouldn't mind letting me have my seat back would you? Sorry, I was running a little bit late meeting my friend here."

"I wouldn't mind. I actually should be getting back to work so I don't get fired," the blondie said walking away.

Skyler mouthed a thank you to be as I sat. I looked back up at her, but this time she had her arms crossed and an eyebrow arched. Here it comes.

"You said that you were a little bit late, but I'm going to have to disagree with that because you were a whole ten minutes late."

"Sorry, I ran into problem and..." I said trailing off.

"And the problem was..."

"I don't want to say."

Skyler uncrossed her arms and took a sip of her drink before speaking. "Why not?"

"You're going to think it's stupid."

"Just tell me what it is. I might not think it's stupid and if it is I will tell you."

"Well after my jog this morning, I wanted to have a bowl of cereal, but Andrew didn't have any milk, so I ran to the store. After I got the milk, the checkout lines were so long, but after that I got caught in traffic on my way back. That whole thing threw me off schedule," I explained.

"Wow," Skyler plainly said making it hard to figure out the thought behind what she said.

There was a moment of silence allowing me to be able to think seriously for a second. "What time are we leaving tomorrow?"

"Our flights at 6:15. Why?"

I cursed under my breath and Skyler heard me. "Why, Jay?"

"You know how I'm staying with Andrew 'til we leave?"

"Yeah."

"Well I kind of forgot to pack the stuff I have at his house because he was distracting me," I said slowly not knowing her response.

"Seriously we have the party in three hours! One and half of those hours will be spent getting ready!"

"I know, I know. Do you think you can help me?"

"Yeah, you know I would."

"Well, then what are we doing still sitting here?"

Skyler and I took off for Andrew's place. Skyler and I sold both our flats about last week and since then I've been staying with my close friend Andrew. He has always been there for me ever since the start of middle school. Sure, he might get on my nerves and all, but I could always rely on him to talk to or for a good laugh or even for little things. He might have the total mysterious bad boy, flirty guy thing going on, but I love him for it and I know on the inside he's just a teddy bear. Andrew and I never had a dull moment. I can't believe I have to leave my best guy friend. This was going to be rough.

We walked into Andrew's place and on the counter there was a note. That note better had been short because I was parched. The note read:



Sorry Snow White, I had to leave early. I had some things to tie up. I'll be back before the party, be ready! No drinks!

-Andrew



What a coincidence! Really, Andrew?

"Well, it looks like we'll be alone for a while," I told Skyler passing her the note.

"Why do you get all the good nicknames?" Skyler asked after reading.

I grabbed a bottle out of the fridge. "What do you mean?"

"You have good nicknames like Snow White. All mine are shit."

"You have Indiana Jones."

"What girl wants the nickname of a guy? You're the one who started it because my last name is Jones and you know that it bugs me."

"That's why I call you it," I replied with my innocent face. "You also have Sky."

"Whatever," she laughed then raised an eyebrow at me. "You're not supposed to be drinking missy!"

"Oh, relax it's just root beer."

"If it's really root beer then let me taste it."

"Fine, go on ahead."

She grabbed the bottle and took a sip. "You pass this round. Actually I knew it was root beer. I just wanted a sip."

I laughed. "Let's go get started!"

With Skyler helping me, the packing was done faster than anything, giving us time to get ready for the party. Skyler had on a black scoop neck skater dress that flattered her figure in such a way that it also made her eyes pop. She had also added a neon pink belt and black heels. I put on a black and mint dotted crossed neck dress with a pair of black flats. Out of me and Skyler, I am better with hair and Skyler's better with makeup. I let Skyler do my makeup if she would let me do her hair and she agreed. I pulled her bangs back into a bump and curled the remaining thick brown hair of hers. For my hair, I did a bouffant ponytail. She made my makeup dark and flirty in Skyler's words. She did a sleek, dramatic look for her.

"Jay, are you here?" I heard Andrew call out.

Skyler and I both walked towards the front door where Andrew stood. "Yup, we're here and ready."

"Why are two beautiful girls here? I thought Jay and Skylar were supposed to be here," Andrew jokingly said.

"Whatever, Andrew," Skyler said as I thumped him on the back of his head.

"I'm just kidding," he told us raising his hands up in surrender. "Both of you are beautiful inside and out."

"Awe Andrew, you're such teddy bear," I teased.

"No I'm not! I'm manly! I've got manly things," he said in defense.

"Yeah, yeah, just go get ready," Skyler told him.

"Fine."

***

I swung the door open and a strange feeling had entered my body making me feel all tingly. The first step I had taken, I felt the ground vibrate beneath me. It had traveled up my spine with an icy chill. The connection reached my heart and it was a feeling I adored making goose bumps surface on my cooled skin. My ears heard the sweet sound of the blasting music and I knew that tonight was going to be memorable. Every step made my breathing sped up a bit faster making me more and more anxious. As I arrived at the door blocking me from a good time, my heart froze. Andrew opened the door. My eyes peered scanned across the sea of familiar faces. This was perfect. I couldn't believe Andrew was the one who pulled all of this together for me and Skyler. It was so sweet. He told us that he clearly knew we loved partying and he knew that trying to say goodbye to everyone was going to be hard. He explained that mixing the people and goodbye's with partying was a solution.

Skyler and I faded into the crowd of people dancing. We both danced until our feet hurt and for Skyler that didn't take long since she wore heels. We sat off to the side and talked. There was a guy in the crowd who I didn't recognize, but he had his eye on Skyler. I wasn't going to lie, he was pretty attractive.

"Skyler, look to your right," I loudly whispered.

"What? .... Oh, dang he's cute. Why's he looking over here?"

Hopeless.

"Are you really asking that question? He's looking at you."

"No, he's not," said Skylar shocked.

"Oh really? I'm a gorgeous guy who's just going to look at a wall that just so happens to have a pretty girl standing near. Hmm? I don't think so."

"Shut up."

"Get over there or I will."

Skyler rolled her eyes and started walking towards the guy and he had a smile on his face. They started to talk and dance, but they got deeper in the crowd to the point where I could no longer see them. I walked around looking for Andrew, but kept getting stopped by people wanting to talk and say goodbye. I ran into both old and new friends and I was grateful for both. I finally found Andrew and he pulled me out to dance. We messed around and had fun, but Andrew had to take off after a while so I thought I'd go have a seat. I was in the mood to party and have fun, but yet I wasn't because I had to say goodbyes. I hated goodbyes.

"Hey, why such a sad face on a pretty girl?" a voice said startling me.

My heartbeat quickened and I found it suddenly harder to breathe. This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to be here. Who let him in and how did he know about this party? I know sure as hell that Andrew would not have invited him. Where's Skyler? The fear built as questions raced in my mind. One thing is for sure; he's back.

I took a deep breath and faced him. He actually looked nice. He still had that sharp jaw line and those puppy dog brown eyes that were almost as dark brown as his quiffed hair. He looked attractive as always with his black blazer and white shirt underneath. Let's hope that heart of his has changed. I had a little hope because he was actually wearing his real smile. Seeing him though, brought back so many memories, but not all were good. It especially brought back the nightmares and I filled with so many emotions. I didn't know if I could handle them all.

"What are you doing here, Kellen?"

He chuckled. "Well hi to you too, Jay."

"I'm pretty sure we're past saying hi."

Kellen took a seat next to me.

"Listen Jay..." he began while placing a hand on my upper thigh.

I hastily removed his hand and spoke sternly. "Don't touch me."

"Okay, I won't, I understand."

Bullshit you understand!

He continued. "It's just we really need to talk. I need to talk because after what happened, I've never been able to forgive myself. What I did was wrong."

"Yeah, it sure as hell was wrong," I muttered.

"Jay, can you please just listen? Can you give me a chance to talk to you?"

"You've had more than a year to do that," I said getting up and starting to walk away.

At this point I was finding it hard to hold back tears. Just as I was about to let them loose, my wrist was gently grabbed, pulling me back softly. I looked up at Kellen with watery brown eyes.

"Please," Kellen pleaded looking and sounding as sympathetic as possible.

Man, did I really want to talk to him and let him know what he has done to me, what he has robbed me of. As well, I wanted to hear what Kellen had to say. I just couldn't do this now. Why did he have to do this now of all times, at my going-away party? I couldn't talk to him here. If Andrew knew he was here and actually had the guts to talk to me, he would absolutely murder Kellen on the spot.

One tear fell down my cheek. I flinched when he reached up to wipe it away, but let my guard down a little allowing him to gently wipe it off my cheek with his thumb.

I looked into his dark brown eyes and I saw hurt. "Why?"

"Because I don't want you to be hurt anymore. Because...because I love you."

As those words fell from his tongue, my breath hitched, and I squeezed my eyes shut. "If we talk, we can't talk here."

"Let me take you to grab dessert. I remember that ice cream always makes you feel better especially just the simple vanilla cone from McDonald's."

I couldn't help, but smile knowing that Kellen actually still remembers the small things, but I couldn't let him get into my head. "Okay, I’ll go, but if you try to pull anything, try to touch me, I swear to god I will rip your throat-"

"Jay, I'm not going to pull anything. I'm not going to hurt you. I don't want to hurt you anymore."

"Okay, I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I'm going to trust you on that. You need to go and hide from certain people."

"By certain people, do you mean people like Andrew and the infamous Skyler who I have yet to meet?"

"Yeah, and you won't meet her, but I'm also glad to hear that you remember Andrew."

He shook his head looking down. "How could I forget?"

"I need to go find Skyler, but I'll meet you here at this same spot near the end."

"Okay and Jay?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm really sorry."

I nodded my head and went off to find Skyler.

Even though I couldn't tell Andrew what just happened and what I had agreed to, I absolutely had to tell Skyler. She was still dancing with that Dave guy. I decided before I told Skyler I was going to down a shot and have some fun. One of Dave's friends was extremely attractive and we danced together for the rest of the night. I finally had told Skyler just before the end. She hated what I was doing, like I knew she would, but she still wouldn't understand why I was doing this. Andrew went on stage and Dave and his friend said that they had to go do something, but that they'd be back. Andrew grabbed the microphone and the spotlight was on him.

"Hey everybody I hope you all have had an amazing time. I know we were here for the sad occasion of saying goodbye to two amazing, beautiful ladies," he paused gesturing over to Skyler and I as we found a spotlight on us. We were motioned to go sit in two chairs in the center of the room.

Andrew continued. "But I hope you still had fun and created one last memory before Jay and Skyler leave us for London. I've known these two from the beginning. I met Jay Christine White, or as I liked to call her Snow White, back when my family lived in London between my third grade and fourth grade year before we moved back here. We became even closer in middle school. She moved with her family all the way from the UK. We instantly hit it off, but after middle school she had to move back. We kept in touch over the high school years and I had even visited her many times. We met back up years later when she moved into the same apartment complex as me. Our friendship is more like the relationship of a brother and sister."

"More like Tom and Jerry!" Skyler shouted up to him.

He grinned. "Yes, yes, the friendship is one where we would wrestle and pranks would be thrown back and forth. Snow White is definitely like my little sister. Once Skyler got here I had a feeling I was going to be in for trouble and boy was I right. Our pranks have gone back and forth, but recently Jay and Skyler had played their last trick. If you know me, you know that I love having the last laugh."

I turned to Skyler. "What is he talking about?"

"I'm not quite sure, but I don't think I like it."

Andrew looked at us and smirked. "Dave and Carter, will you do me the honors."

"What?" I said. I turned around and saw the guys were back, but they were each holding a huge bucket.

"I'm sorry beautiful," Carter said to me before dumping a huge thing of some kind of green, sticky, slimy, substance.

Skyler gave a slight scream and looked like she was going to kill Andrew. I just started laughing. I mean this didn't really surprise me, but I still wanted to get him back.

"And with that I hope you all had enjoyed tonight and farewell to two lovely ladies who we hate to see leave. Where ever these two may end up, they will always be a joy to those around. So, good luck you two! You guys deserve it!"

Andrew came off stage and before he could do anything Skyler and I sandwiched him.

"Nothing is sweeter to the soul than the taste of fresh, sweet revenge," Andrew said to us.

"Yeah, yeah," Skyler said walking off.

It's time to lay, Jay. You can do this.....maybe.

"So Andrew, I don't need a ride back to your place."

"Why?"

"Well I got invited just to go grab a bite to eat."

"With who?" Andrew interrogated narrowing his eyes.

"You wouldn't know him. I think he's a friend of Dave's."

"Is it Carter? I saw you dancing with him. I do know him and I don't approve."

"No, it's not Carter. It's someone else."

"Wait so you're not coming home to get a good rest for your flight tomorrow and you're just going off to eat with someone you just met who you think is one of Dave's friends?" he said before he scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"What?" I said getting frustrated.

"I'm not comfortable with you going off with some guy you just met."

"What? Why? We're just going to grab a bite to eat that's it."

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Is that what's in his mind?"

It took me second to see what he meant. "I hardly know him. It's not like I'm going to strip him down, grab his dick, and have sex with him."

Andrew closed his eyes tight and held his hands up. "Whoa, I didn't need to get the mental picture."

My arms flew in frustration as I spoke. "We're just going to get something to eat, alright?"

"Fine, if you're not back in three hours, I'm hunting you down."

***

"So, how was it?" a familiar voice said right in my ear while I opened the door to the spare bedroom.

I quickly turned the lights on and put my bag down. "Gosh Andrew, you scared the living snot out of me! It was good. The food was good."

"And him?"

"He was very sweet," I replied as I walked out to the living room and sat on the couch with Andrew. I needed to change subjects because once Andrew suspects something, he will find out everything. "You know, thanks for putting that whole thing together for us. You know how hard this is for us and that gave us a chance to relax and have one last memory like you said. You are amazing. I'm really going to miss you."

He pulled me into a hug. "I am amazing, aren't I?" I pulled back and smacked him on the shoulder with the back of my hand. "I'm just kidding. I'm going to miss you too Snow White."

I leaned back and looked at him. "You have to come and visit when you can..... I know we are being all serious right now, but why do you have lipstick on your face... and neck," I paused for his response and his jaw dropped. "Andrew, how scandalous!"

He cursed under his breath.

Looking away trying to play it off, Andrew replied. "Shut up and go to bed. We have to get up early."

"How far and when? Andrew tell me or I'm going to keep bugging!"

Andrew let out a sigh. "After you left a girl came up to me. She pulled me off to the side and just started making out with me. That was all. What can I say? I'm attractive."

"Whatever. Goodnight Mr. Wannabe!" I said giving Andrew a hug and walking off to my bed.
*****
Laughter Lines by Bastille

Notes