Adulation
Chapter 2
“Baby put on heart shaped sunglasses, Cause we gonna take a ride, I’m not gonna listen to what the past says, I’ve been waiting up all night, Take another drag turn me to ashes, Ready for another lie? Says he’s gonna teach me just what fast is, Say it’s gonna be alright.”
There went my alarm screaming at me to wake up, but even when I turned it off, the classic Lana Del Rey song continued with Andrew coming in my room singing at the top of his lungs.
“Diet Mountain Dew, baby, New York City, Never was there ever a girl so pretty, Do you think we’ll be in love forever? Do you think we’ll be in love?”
“Andrew, it’s too early to be loud. Go away and come back between later comprehendible hours.”
“God, you are so obdurate and overly dramatic in the mornings.”
I threw a pillow at his face. He tried pulling me out of bed by grabbing my ankles, but I held on to the headboard. I hate mornings with a passion. Mornings depressed me. They reminded me how lonely I am, even if people were around. Andrew pulled even harder, I wouldn’t budge.
“Jay Christine White, get up now or I’m going to make you get up!”
“I don’t want to! It’s too early!”
There was a moment of silence before I felt the chill of ice cold water being drizzled down on to me. Goose bumps arose because of the chill sensation it brought. I popped right up in bed and gave Andrew the death stare.
He looked shocked. “Ouch, I didn’t want that look. You know who you remind me of?”
“Who?”
“Oscar the Grouch. You are exactly like him right now. You have the green fur and everything. All you need is the trashcan… Oh yeah! I forgot you’re already hiding in one called YOUR BORING LIFE!”
“Ha, ha, you should be a comedian. You know I’m never in the best mood in the mornings, especially this morning.”
“Just get it over with and I’m sure you’ll be fine. After all you have Skyler.”
“Yeah, but I want Skyler and you,” I told Andrew with a pouting face.
“I promise I will visit. It might not be right away, but as soon as I get the money, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Now, go get ready. I already put your ginormous suit case and stuff in the back of my car. You are ready to go.”
“Okay, I'll be done in five. Remember we still need room for Skyler.”
“I know, I already checked and made sure we did,” Andrew said walking out the door.
I slipped on my special black airplane pyjama pants that had white doodled hearts all over them with the matching white tank that had just one big black heart. I matched the outfit with my black hoodie as well. When it came to trips I just wanted to be comfortable, nothing fancy and that's why I put on my little black bobble beanie instead of messing with my hair. Although I didn't want fancy, that doesn't mean a little eyeliner and mascara would hurt. My flight was going to be a long one and I didn’t want to be uncomfortable the whole way there. I’m sure Skyler wouldn’t want that either because I would bug her the whole way.
After slipping on my black pair of oxfords and grabbing my backpack, I walked out to the car, but Andrew wasn’t there. Where was he? We still had to go pick up Skyler. Sitting in the passenger's seat, I pulled out my phone to text him, but as I was about to send it, hands were suddenly on both sides of me, covering my mouth. I tried to scream and fight my way free. Andrew came into view and I calmed down a bit, but I was pissed off with him. He let me free and hoped into the driver’s seat.
“What the hell Andrew? I thought I was being attacked!” I scolded and punched his arm.
“Ow! You were being attacked. That's the point of me doing that. Your face was priceless!”
“You’re an ass. You're lucky I couldn't reach my pepper spray.”
Andrew chuckled before he spoke. “Yeah, I wouldn't like that.”
"Well no dur," I laughed.
It didn’t take too long for us to get over to Raven’s place. Our friend Raven let Skyler stay with her when Skyler sold her flat and Skyler was closer to Raven than I was. Skyler looked like she was wide awake, something I found very hard at the moment as I struggled to even keep my head up. We said our goodbyes to Raven as Andrew loaded the luggage and we were on the road for the airport. It was coming too quick, but before I could get any deeper in thought Andrew interrupted.
“Hey, what’s the name of that boyband your sister loves? Isn’t it like One Correction or something like that? They’re all over the radio.”
I laughed a little at what he thought the name was. “It’s One Direction and you are lucky my sister isn’t in this car right now because she would’ve killed you for saying the wrong name.”
“Okay then.”
“She’s obsessed. Anyways, how do you know what band my sister’s into right now?”
“I talked to her a bunch when she and your aunt came over to visit you a few months ago. Remember that one day you dumped her at my place and forced babysitting duty on me so you could go off to see a movie? Remember that? Because I surely do!”
“Oh yeah, sorry,” I remembered sheepishly.
“Hey, reach over here and grab the steering wheel,” Andrew said starting to pull his phone out of his pocket.
I grabbed the steering wheel while he typed something then plugged his phone into the headphone jack. As soon as the music started playing he took the steering wheel back. I knew exactly what he was doing. He was doing what he does best to cheer me up in the car. He was going to be a goof. He was going to roll the windows down and blast the music.
“You're insecure, don't know what for, you're turning heads when you walk through the door," Andrew did a little shoulder shake as he sang at the top of his lungs. "Don't need make-up, to cover up, being the way that you are is enough!”
“Keep your eyes on the road! You’re going to get us killed!”
“Everyone else in the room can see it, everyone else but you!”
Oh boy, here it comes. He’s going to go crazy.
He started bouncing in his seat as he sang. “Baby you light up my world like nobody else, the way that you flip your hair," he sang flipping is hair. "Gets me overwhelmed, but when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell, you don't know, oh, oh, you don't know you're beautiful, if only." He began pointing. "You saw what I can see, you'd understand why I want you so desperately, right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe, you don't know, oh, oh," he let go of the wheel for a split second to make an O-shape with his arms. "You don't know you're beautiful, oh, oh, that's what makes you beautiful!”
We got to the airport in one piece luckily. As crazy of a driver as Andrew is, he’s never once wrecked, which surprised me. We did what we needed to do, but the hard part finally came. Skyler said her goodbyes to Andrew and they hugged for a while. As I watched, I took notice of Andrew saying that he was sorry to her. He didn't just say sorry, it was a lengthened sincere apology. I was glad that he did that because she needed that from him. Hopefully the past won't hold Skyler back anymore because she didn't deserve that and I know she didn't want that either. There was peace between the two as Skyler accepted his apology, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She waited off to the side for me as I said my farewell. I looked at Andrew and my heart broke.
“Come here you,” Andrew said pulling me into a hug.
“I don’t want to leave you. Why can’t you come?”
Andrew pulled back to look at me. “This isn’t for me. This is for you guys. It’s also kind of a little late for me to go.”
I rested my head on his shoulder as he held me in his arms. My thoughts were swirling. I felt my cheeks begin to heat up as I held in the burning tears. The heat built up even more as I held my shaky breath. I didn’t want to show Andrew how bad I was hurting. My cheeks grew warmer and I found it hard to breathe. Tears began to slip past my resistance as I began to think of the memories Andrew and I shared. I kept biting my lip harder and harder with every thought. I couldn't let him know how much I was tearing apart.
Andrew, I swear, can read minds. “It’s okay to cry.”
I didn’t want to let go of Andrew. We've been through so much together. He was the brother I never had. He did something for me that I could never ask anyone else to do and he did it on his own even though there would be some sacrifices involved. He cared so much about me, like no one else. I loved him. With that thought, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. Letting go, my few tears evolved into a steady flow.
My head was resting on his shoulder as I spoke in his ear. “Andrew, I could never replace you. You’ve taught me to never give up on anything. You fixed my confidence and fixed my heart when I moved out here after the big ordeal with my family. You have been more of a friend to me than anyone else. You know everything about me. You are one of my partners in crime. You could always cheer me up and you’ve always been so protective over me in the good way. I’ve known you since we were little and even though we were separated for high school, you still came and visited and kept in touch even though you could have just forgotten about me,” I managed to say with a shaky voice.
“You’re making it sound like you’re saying goodbye forever. We’re still going to keep in touch.”
He was right. I was making it sound like forever, but what if it was? Growing up, I was raised with the mind set of saying every goodbye like it was your last. As cheesy as it sounds, you never know how much longer you have.
I just smiled in reply before speaking. “You are such a loyal friend. I can’t let go of you. I can’t say goodbye. I can’t do this. I’m not ready.”
I felt bad for soaking his t-shirt, but what could I do? I felt like someone was ripping out a piece of my heart and shredding it. I felt the first emotion filled tear from Andrew soak through my thin, black zip up hoodie. Knowing he shed a few tears broke my heart even more. Andrew wasn’t one to just show these kind of emotions easily, so this shocked me.
His icy breath sent a chill down my spine as he whispered in my ear, “You are ready for this. I will come and visit as soon as I possibly can. In my whole life, I can honestly say that you are truly my best friend –actually you are my little sister. I’m going to miss you so much it’s insane. You’ve been there right by my side for almost everything. I don’t want you to leave, Snow White, but I can feel it in my bones that this is going to have a positive effect on you in the long run. Other than you being a beautiful, smart, and a mischievous young lady, you are also a fighter. You may be stubborn, but you can easily turn that into a good thing. Once you put your mind to something, no one can change it, which I admire. I just wish I could be there to protect you. I don’t want your past to repeat itself.”
He made me want to cry even more than I already was, if that was possible. “It will be hell without you.”
“Same with you,” he paused and looked at his phone. “Well, you better get going. I don’t want you to miss your flight. You can do this.”
I still had my arms around his neck, but I didn’t want to let go. “I guess, but I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
“You might not, but you have to. I’m a phone call away.”
“I love you so much Andrew!”
“And I with you. It’s time for you to go. Goodbye, Jay,”
He reached down and kissed my forehead. After spending a minute or two hugging some more, I kissed his cheek then had to force myself to leave the hug. I wiped the tears and got myself together.
“Goodbye, Andrew.”
I walked away trying my hardest not to look back, but I just couldn’t. I just had to have one more look at Andrew, just one last memory. Very dramatic, yes, but I cared for him. It's not like moving to another nearby city or state, it was moving to a whole other country. He wore his signature white V-neck t-shirt, gray hoodie, dark jeans, a pair of Vans, and a black and red snapback. It was hard saying goodbye to Andrew. Especially after what had happened.
Skyler and I were on the plane in no time and I sat by the window since Skyler wasn't the biggest fan of the window. I took a deep breath as I sat in my seat. I was ready for this. Andrew was right, this is what I had planned. This is what I wanted. Eventually I fell asleep on Skyler’s lap.
***
The past four days had been completely exhausting for both Skyler and I, as we had done nothing, but run to and from each other’s flats. Unpacking and moving furniture, our energy had evaporated. Within these few days, Andrew and I had spoken a decent amount of times and my terrible mood on the day I had left faded only to be replaced with contentment. I was ready for new memories to begin. Unpacking helped give me this new outlook by giving me time to sort out my thought.
“Jay, do you have the bin labeled ‘bedroom stuff?’” yelled Skyler down the hall in another room in her flat.
I looked down at the bin that was giving me such trouble to open before yelling back. “Yeah, I’m trying to open it now!”
“Okay, where are you at?”
“Your bedroom, in the doorway!”
I hated that bin. Plain and simple, it’s hated. I would open that stupid bin if it was the last thing I did- at least for the day. Why so difficult? I mean all it was, was a plastic bin with a lid and plastic packaging wrap to keep the lid secure. Don’t get me wrong, the plastic wrap was a piece of cake to get off, but the lid itself was more stubborn than I am. I tried everything.
Jay Christine White, you are not letting a stupid ass lid beat you!
One last shot before quitting wouldn’t hurt I guess. I put myself between the doorway and the bin, placing my feet on both sides of the bin to hold and keep it from moving around. I began to pull at the lid, tugging my hardest. I put all my strength into this one last tug when my fingers hit something that slid.
“I need to-” was all I heard before the lid popped off and my elbow hit something.
“Yes! Finally it opened! Whoo! Wait a second.” I stopped realizing what had happened and turned to Skyler. “Skyler I’m so sorry! Let me see! Oh, I feel so bad, let me see!”
She had her left hand covering her eye as she sat on the ground. “It’s fine, Jay! Really it’s fine! However, that’s definitely going to be a black one.”
“Do you have anything in your freezer yet?”
“No, not yet and my ice packs are still in some box somewhere.”
“Oh, I don’t have any in mine yet either. I’ll run to the store, get something frozen, and grab us a bite to eat as well since it’s almost lunch time. I’m really sorry.”
“It’s fine as long as I don’t have to pay for lunch.”
“You got yourself a deal!”
After grabbing my keys and wallet, I headed out for the store. I was scared I wouldn’t remember how to get anywhere after the two years living in the US, but I knew the area to well. It would be impossible to forget where things were at partially because it’s where I pretty much grew up.
As I drove to the store, I passed by a park. Not just any park, the park. I began to ponder with thoughts in my mind, but in no time I was at the store. Heading straight for the frozen vegetables, I was unsure of what kind of vegetable Skyler would want to put on her face. I had a bag of frozen peas in one hand and a bag of frozen carrots in the other. I guess it really didn’t matter.
A pair of hands found themselves on my waist. “I recommend the carrots.”
That voice. I jumped and turned around “Kellen? What are you doing here?"
“I live here, remember?"
“Oh, yeah.”
He scratched his neck nervously. "So how have you been since I last saw you at the party?"
I loosened up and focused on looking at the conversation as just being casual. "Pretty good, I guess. Just trying to finish packing so I can get back on my feet."
“Ah, I see. Is it good to be back? You seem happy, taking note of the smile on your face.”
“Yeah, I am pretty happy.”
“What brings you here to the store?”
I closed my eyes and gave an almost silent laugh as I looked to the ground. “I gave Skyler a black eye.”
He instantly had a look of shock on his face. “Wow, I never would have predicted you would actually do something like...well I guess I can't say I'm completely shocked. That mouth of yours can give off some, uh, interesting comments.”
I rolled my eyes. "It wasn't like that. It of course wasn’t intentional. I was trying to open a bin while we were unpacking at her place and next thing I know… Bam! She had a black eye.”
“I don’t believe it. I think the two of you got into an argument and you being the badass, wanted to be the one to get what she wanted even if it meant injuring her best friend.”
I couldn't help, but giggle. “Fine, you caught me in my web of lies.”
We both laughed.
“Hey, would guys mind if a third person was to join and help you guys unpack? I’m free today. I promised you I would do everything I can to help you out with whatever you needed.”
I froze. I didn't know what to think. I did tell him the other night that I was willing to at least make things work as friends and friends do these kind of things for each other. We did have some heavy stuff we needed to be moved. A few hours couldn't be all that bad and Skyler would be there.
“I guess if you would like. You aren't obligated to do this.”
He smiled. "I know, I just want to take every chance I get to prove to you that I've changed."
Contemplating I took in consideration that the other night at the party he did make me believe again. “Okay hotshot, I’m going to pay for this bag of frozen carrots and grab some lunch before I head back. You are welcome grab a ride with me or to get the address.”
“I think I’ll hitch a ride with you.”
“Okay.”
Kellen has changed. Realizing this I was able to relax and just enjoy his company. There wasn't really any awkward silences as we spoke. We went simple and got McDonalds for lunch even though it isn’t the healthiest thing out there.
Arriving to the flat, I tensed up as the thought dawned on me that Skyler and Kellen have to meet. I told Skyler everything about Kellen and I remembered her remark that if she ever met him that there's no telling what she would do to him. She added that she would never forgive him for what he's done to me.
Much to my relief, Skyler was sprawled out on the couch. I made Kellen wait outside while I would talk to Skyler. Walking over to Skyler, I placed the bag of frozen carrots on her eye. She instantly woke up.
“Hey, what took you so long?” she said sleepily, yawning.
I laughed. “I wasn’t gone that long.”
She sat up. “Oh, well it seemed like it."
“At the store I ran into someone.”
"Please tell me it was Josh Hutcherson," she pleaded.
"Yes, definitely," I said sarcastically. "No, it wasn't Josh Hutcherson."
"Well darn. Who is it then?"
"You haven't met him, but I was what I guess you could say close to him at one point. He used to be extremely rude and mean, but he's made changes in his life recently."
Skyler gave me a weird look. "Well that's good. How do you guys know each other?"
"We kind of just bumped into each other."
"What's his name?"
"Uh...his name's..uh...it really doesn't matter, but anyways we-"
"Oh my god, its Kellen! You ran into Kellen didn't you?!?" she interrupted.
"Uh...yes."
"Do you not hear what's coming out if your mouth?!? I understand that he's trying to change, but a guy like that can't change!"
"It's been over two years since he...since the incident! When I went and talked with him the other night, there really weren't any traces to how he used to be!"
Skyler was at the point where she was pacing. "You're being stupid! He's probably just playing you! I don't want you to get hurt! Why can't you understand that? When you talked with him, I let it slide once, but......just please don't see him again. For your own sake."
"Well he's outside right now."
Oh crap! That probably wasn't the best time to bring that up, Jay!
She threw her arms out. "What?!? I can't believe you!"
"I told him I was willing to be friends the other night and he offered to help us. I decided to give him a chance. Plus he bought us lunch. I figure that since you would be here and it would only be for an hour or two, it would be fine. I won't even ask you to hold back. Please let me test him to see if he's really changed. I need this and you can help me judge him. I'm tired of being paranoid and having a foothold on my life because if him."
She didn't reply for a while as she contemplated. "Let's just get this over with and bring him in even though I don't understand why you're willing to do this."
"You know me to well to already know the answer. You know I believe that everyone deserves a second chance."
As I turned the doorknob I heard Skyler say, "Not him. You're too nice."
***
It was about 9:00 when I got off the couch to go throw away our trash. Today went quite well. At first the atmosphere was awkward and full tension. Most of that tension came from Skyler. I was waiting for her to pounce on Kellen and start yelling at him as well as give him a good sock to the face. Over time the atmosphere broke bringing in more light and friendly conversations. We unpacked a majority of Skyler's things and did a good work at my place as well. We did all that we could before we had pizza at my place and watched a movie.
I was about to go back in the living room when I caught Kellen in mid-conversation with Skyler. "Yeah, I'm no longer mixed up with drugs, I took an anger management class, and I stopped drinking. I have a drink here or there, but not like before."
"That's good, but for how long? When did you start all of this?" Skyler pushed.
"Well after mine and Jay's incident."
"Why?"
He cleared his throat. "When I was hit hard with the reality that Jay and I were done and realizing what I had done to her, I knew I had to do something. When I was with Jay, I was at the lowest point in my life. She was the only thing that made it better. I didn't want to lose her, but I did. Jay and I were together at the worst point in time. I wish I could redo everything. I wish I could have met her and been with her now. I blew everything. I regret ever getting to that point in my life and Jay tried so hard to help me. Jay tried so hard to get me out of that point while putting up with all my stupid shit, but I did nothing in return, but hurt her emotionally as well as physically. I am terribly sorry, but words can't express how sorry I am. I'm sorry to you to that I hurt your best friend. I'm sorry that at one point I tried to take her away from you."
Silence last for a while until a reply was spoke. "I don't know if I could ever forgive you for that and I don't think she could either."
"I know that won't happen and I didn't come back expecting it would happen. I just want to make things better. I just want another chance," Kellen said.
"I know that Jay still believes in you. As for me, I don't doubt that you have made changes and are at a better place in your life, but I don't think that would be the best thing."
"Please, I need to get her back and treat her the way she deserves to be treated. She was the only thing that drove me to change, the only thing that kept me from going back to it all. Please, just let me take her out one night, that's all I want," he sincerely pleaded.
Skyler let out a sigh. "I don't know about that. All I can say is that it's up to her, but she might not want to. You hurt her quite bad."
***
The night went by so fast. The next thing I knew, I was being woken up, but not by my alarm. It was Skyler who was waking me up.
"Jay wake up!” Skyler said poking me a shaking me. She began jumping on my bed. “C’mon it’s Friday, Starbucks day!”
I totally forgot that it was already Friday. Every Friday since Skyler moved out to the US with me, we met up every Friday morning to go get Starbucks. I don’t know why we do it. I guess it just became a regular thing for us.
“Ugh, I don’t want to get up yet. I’m not ready for the day to begin,” I replied rubbing my eyes before sitting up.
“But you need to. You need to go get ready. You have that job interview today. We gotta hurry and get you some energy that’s in the shape of a Starbucks drink,” she stated and lightly tapped her finger on my nose.
“You’re obsessed now!”
“Don’t blame me! It was you and Andrew!”
It didn’t take much to get ready. I already knew I was going to get the job, not trying to sound conceited, but I just knew. I made sure I had my resume with me and was out the door. We took my car that my cousin gave back to me when she found out that I was moving back. Originally the car was mine back in high school. The Mini Cooper was the perfect color blue. It wasn’t a dark blue or a light baby blue. It was that perfect in between shade.
We had ordered our usual drinks, before just sitting and talking away a storm. I was glad to have a friend like Skyler who even after spending years together, could still just sit and talk without anything being boring or repeated. She was one of the only things permanent in my life. Skyler said she’d stick with me for the day since we were pretty much done unpacking. We both knew the job interview would take about two seconds. We pulled up to the store and walked in.
“Hi welcome to Forever 2-” she started to say before she turned around and saw me. “Jay!”
“Nigella!” I exclaimed as I began to run over to my cousin. “It seems like it’s been forever.”
“It has I’m so glad you’re going to be working here again.”
“Well, that’s if a certain manager of a cousin approves.”
She laughed at my remark. “By certain manager of a cousin you wouldn’t happen to be talking about me would you?”
I automatically went for sarcasm. “No, I mean another cousin of mine who’s a manager at this Forever 21. Yes, I mean you.”
“Well good I just need to skim over your resume to make it fair, but either way you’re working here again. You proved yourself worthy of this job back when you were in high school. Didn’t you start working her the summer after your freshman year?”
I smiled remembering how fun it was to work here with my cousin back in high school. “Yeah, I did.”
“I see you and Skyler are still friends,” Nigella said taking glances up from my resume.
“What part of forever do you not get, Nigella?” I said with fake disgust.
Skyler walked away from a shirt that I could tell she liked. “Nigella, how have you been?”
“I’ve been great. How have you been, especially with this one dragging you across the pond?” Nigella replied motioning to me.
“I’ve luckily been able to keep up with it all. She keeps me on my toes, but that’s just how our friendship works. What I’m not good at, she’s good and what she’s not good at, which is a lot of things, I’m good at.”
My mouth dropped and I gave Skyler a light hit on the arm. “Whatever, it’s not a lot.”
All of us just laughed. I of course got the job and had to start Monday. We talked for about ten minutes before we had to go. Skyler and I still needed to run by the market to get groceries because we pretty much had no food in our kitchen cabinets, pantries, or fridge. We got to the store and got to work. We just got the usual simple things you’d find at anybody’s house. I made sure to stock up on cereal. Cereal was the one thing I couldn’t live without. Milk was also necessary as well as Oreos. We made sure to get things like macaroni and cheese and the stuff to make things like Bubble & Squeak or Yorkshire Puddings.
Shopping was quick and putting the food away back at our flats was even faster. Although putting things in my fridge was a bit harder because I made sure to stock up on a drink that I had become addicted to, that’s not sold here in the UK. That drink was a little thing called Peace Tea. I had to make sure I had enough to last me awhile before I would have to make Andrew send me some.
“So, Jay that looks like all of it. Now it’s time for you get ready for your date,” Skyler state wiggling her eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes. “I guess.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to wear?”
“Yeah, he said to dress nice so I thought I’d wear my black and mint stripped bodycon dress with my black tights.”
“What shoes and how are you going to do your hair?” she asked. Skyler was always interested in how I paired up things in my wardrobe.
“For the shoes, probably my black wedge scrunch boots and for the hair I’m going to do a bouffant ponytail.”
She nodded her head in approval. “Someone’s going for dramatic and sleek tonight.”
I loved how Skyler described things because it always made things so much more interesting. “You would be correct.”
“I’ll let you go so you can get beautified,” she stated as we walked to the door. “Text me if anything happens or if you need an escape. Bye Jay,” she said hugging me before exiting.
I got dressed and was ready 30 minutes early. I laid on the couch with my copy of the book The Host in hand. It was one of my favorite books, but when the movie came out, I appreciated the book even more because the movie was kind of on the weak side. After a few pages I slipped into a comforting darkness.
“Jay, babe, wake up,” I heard a familiar voice sweetly say.
I opened my eyes to meet a face that matched that voice. Kellen was kneeling beside the couch. I’m surprised I actually woke up. I sat up and gave a small yawn.
“How long have you been here or better yet, how did you get in?” I asked beginning to think clearly.
“I picked your lock,” Kellen said casually.
“Oh… Okay I think. Can I ask what the hell were you thinking?”
“Well I knocked and you didn’t answer, but as I went to go to Skyler’s flat to see if you were there, I looked through your open blinds and saw you asleep on the couch. I knocked a little louder, but you didn’t wake up and I ended up finding a bobby pin on the ground. Then, I used it to get in.”
“Oh, well that-”
“Damn it, I've already screwed up,” he threw his arms in the air.
“No, no, its fine. Just don't do that again. You're just nervous that's all.”
He smiled. “You're always trying to find the positive in things. Let's just go and enjoy the rest of the night.”
“Sounds like a plan."
He looped his arm with mine and we walked out to the car where he opened and closed the door for me.
“Wow, this place is really up top!” I told Kellen as we walked in the grand restaurant.
“Only the best for the best,” he said in reply not looking anywhere else, but me.
Wow he was cheesy, but before I could say something my phone vibrated in my black clutch. I waited until we were seated to check my phone. It was from Skyler.
How’s it going? Is he being nice?
-Skyler
Its fine the restaurant is extravagant!
-Jay
“So Jay, I have a little something for you,” Kellen told me as he handed me a black box.
I opened the small black box and inside was a very pretty bracelet. I read the little tag that said exactly what kind of bracelet. My jaw dropped. It was a sterling silver heart bracelet with diamond accents. What the hell was this for?
“This is gorgeous! This must have cost a fortune!” I said in shock.
He took the bracelet and started to put it on me as he spoke. “I thought I’d give you a welcoming present and you deserve this.”
Eventually, our dinner had come. Although I’m not a big fan of the type of food he had ordered, it was very good. We talked as we ate. It was just different and I guess, comfortable. It was like he was a total different person. I'm happy for him. For some reason it just seemed like we were to people just getting to know each other. Towards the end is when it got uncomfortable for me. Not because he did anything it said anything, but because as Kellen was talking I saw the scar Andrew had left on his face from the incident. Seeing that brought back the bad memories.
“So the funniest part of this story is that me and my buddy Harry decide to go on again when I’m 16 and I was like whatever let’s just go on it again and I still crawled through on my hands and knees, terrified. I am a pvssy.”
I laughed before having to make an exit for the bathroom. “Can you excuse me for one second? I’m just going to use the ladies room.”
“Okay, hurry back.”
Entering the room, I noticed that there was an additional room off to the side. I sat on the chairs trying to gather myself. It took a while to slow my heartbeat and control my breathing. Why was I having a break down, especially one out of know where? All the recent times I've been around him, I haven't had freak out like this. This made no sense. I just needed to calm down and convene my thoughts. Taking a deep breath, I walked back out. As I got closer brown eyes were fixed upon me and my pace hastened.
"Are you okay? You seem a bit flustered," Kellen inquired as I took my seat.
"I'm fine, I just have a lot on my mind."
He nodded. "Do you want to talk about it?"
I looked down and fiddled with a loose thread on my dress. "Not really."
"Well, I've already paid and maybe the movie will distract you, yeah?"
I nodded my head as Kellen guided me out of the restaurant. I liked that he didn’t keep pushing with several follow up questions. He held my hand as we walked out to the car.
Entering the theatre building Kellen turned to face me. “So now that we got the tickets, do you want to grab the seats while I grab the snacks?”
“Yeah, definitely.”
"Let me guess, Skittles?"
The corners of my mouth curved. "You still remember that?"
"Of course. I'll be in there in a second."
"Okay."
In the theatre there were multiple couples in attendance. It was reasonable since this movie was a romance. Personally, I would have like to have seen a comedy or horror movie, but this was Kellen's pick and I didn't want to ruin his plans. I decided to grab seats that weren’t at the very top, but were just above the middle because there was barely anyone in that area.
“Jay, is that you?” said a familiar voice as I dug in my little clutch.
I looked up to see the familiar face. “Kameron, what are you doing here!” I exclaimed standing up to give him a hug.
“Have you forgot that it was you who moved away? So I’m going to ask the same question to you. What are you doing here?”
“I moved back in town about a week ago and Skyler’s back too."
“Well, that’s great!”
“It’s been forever, Kameron!”
“It really has, since graduation, right?”
“Yeah, something like that.”
I saw Kellen walking up and he had a weird look on his face. My nerves were on edge as he approached because he used to hate whenI would talk to guys alone.
“Kellen, this is Kameron, one of my good friends from high school. Kameron this is Kellen.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kameron stated shaking his hand.
“Yeah, you too,” Kellen smiled surprisingly.
“Well, I’ll let the two of you get back to doing your thing. It was great to see you again, Jay! Glad to have you back!”
I gave Kameron a hug goodbye. “You too! Have fun!”
“I always have fun, if you don’t remember!” he said winking and getting back to his seat.
He handed me the sweet. “Kameron seems nice.”
“He really is. Back in high school he would help me with anything I needed.”
The movie began and it actually kept most of my attention. I was having great time with Kellen. He was just comfortable for me to be around. We were more than halfway through the movie, when I reached in to grab popcorn, but grabbed something else instead. In my hand was a napkin with a Hershey’s Kiss taped to it. Written on the napkin was:
I know I don't deserve this at all, but you've always been the reason why I changed and I want the person who put up with me and did everything to help me back in my life even though I hurt her. Please, can I take you out again?
-Kellen
I looked to Kellen and he whispered, "May I?"
I began to panic as I always do in situations like this. I thought this was just going to be one night. The thing is he really has changed, but Skyler and Andrew would be against it. My thoughts twisted. Even though he's changed, it doesn't mean he deserves another chance. But I...just..Ugh. I don't know. For the slightest second something must have possessed me because a yes slipped from my lips.
Jay, what did you just do? Have you forgotten what he did? Did you forget that he hurt you? Whatever happened to the Blue Rule?
*****
If you're curious, you'll find out more on Kellen and the Blue Rule in the next chapters!
There went my alarm screaming at me to wake up, but even when I turned it off, the classic Lana Del Rey song continued with Andrew coming in my room singing at the top of his lungs.
“Diet Mountain Dew, baby, New York City, Never was there ever a girl so pretty, Do you think we’ll be in love forever? Do you think we’ll be in love?”
“Andrew, it’s too early to be loud. Go away and come back between later comprehendible hours.”
“God, you are so obdurate and overly dramatic in the mornings.”
I threw a pillow at his face. He tried pulling me out of bed by grabbing my ankles, but I held on to the headboard. I hate mornings with a passion. Mornings depressed me. They reminded me how lonely I am, even if people were around. Andrew pulled even harder, I wouldn’t budge.
“Jay Christine White, get up now or I’m going to make you get up!”
“I don’t want to! It’s too early!”
There was a moment of silence before I felt the chill of ice cold water being drizzled down on to me. Goose bumps arose because of the chill sensation it brought. I popped right up in bed and gave Andrew the death stare.
He looked shocked. “Ouch, I didn’t want that look. You know who you remind me of?”
“Who?”
“Oscar the Grouch. You are exactly like him right now. You have the green fur and everything. All you need is the trashcan… Oh yeah! I forgot you’re already hiding in one called YOUR BORING LIFE!”
“Ha, ha, you should be a comedian. You know I’m never in the best mood in the mornings, especially this morning.”
“Just get it over with and I’m sure you’ll be fine. After all you have Skyler.”
“Yeah, but I want Skyler and you,” I told Andrew with a pouting face.
“I promise I will visit. It might not be right away, but as soon as I get the money, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Now, go get ready. I already put your ginormous suit case and stuff in the back of my car. You are ready to go.”
“Okay, I'll be done in five. Remember we still need room for Skyler.”
“I know, I already checked and made sure we did,” Andrew said walking out the door.
I slipped on my special black airplane pyjama pants that had white doodled hearts all over them with the matching white tank that had just one big black heart. I matched the outfit with my black hoodie as well. When it came to trips I just wanted to be comfortable, nothing fancy and that's why I put on my little black bobble beanie instead of messing with my hair. Although I didn't want fancy, that doesn't mean a little eyeliner and mascara would hurt. My flight was going to be a long one and I didn’t want to be uncomfortable the whole way there. I’m sure Skyler wouldn’t want that either because I would bug her the whole way.
After slipping on my black pair of oxfords and grabbing my backpack, I walked out to the car, but Andrew wasn’t there. Where was he? We still had to go pick up Skyler. Sitting in the passenger's seat, I pulled out my phone to text him, but as I was about to send it, hands were suddenly on both sides of me, covering my mouth. I tried to scream and fight my way free. Andrew came into view and I calmed down a bit, but I was pissed off with him. He let me free and hoped into the driver’s seat.
“What the hell Andrew? I thought I was being attacked!” I scolded and punched his arm.
“Ow! You were being attacked. That's the point of me doing that. Your face was priceless!”
“You’re an ass. You're lucky I couldn't reach my pepper spray.”
Andrew chuckled before he spoke. “Yeah, I wouldn't like that.”
"Well no dur," I laughed.
It didn’t take too long for us to get over to Raven’s place. Our friend Raven let Skyler stay with her when Skyler sold her flat and Skyler was closer to Raven than I was. Skyler looked like she was wide awake, something I found very hard at the moment as I struggled to even keep my head up. We said our goodbyes to Raven as Andrew loaded the luggage and we were on the road for the airport. It was coming too quick, but before I could get any deeper in thought Andrew interrupted.
“Hey, what’s the name of that boyband your sister loves? Isn’t it like One Correction or something like that? They’re all over the radio.”
I laughed a little at what he thought the name was. “It’s One Direction and you are lucky my sister isn’t in this car right now because she would’ve killed you for saying the wrong name.”
“Okay then.”
“She’s obsessed. Anyways, how do you know what band my sister’s into right now?”
“I talked to her a bunch when she and your aunt came over to visit you a few months ago. Remember that one day you dumped her at my place and forced babysitting duty on me so you could go off to see a movie? Remember that? Because I surely do!”
“Oh yeah, sorry,” I remembered sheepishly.
“Hey, reach over here and grab the steering wheel,” Andrew said starting to pull his phone out of his pocket.
I grabbed the steering wheel while he typed something then plugged his phone into the headphone jack. As soon as the music started playing he took the steering wheel back. I knew exactly what he was doing. He was doing what he does best to cheer me up in the car. He was going to be a goof. He was going to roll the windows down and blast the music.
“You're insecure, don't know what for, you're turning heads when you walk through the door," Andrew did a little shoulder shake as he sang at the top of his lungs. "Don't need make-up, to cover up, being the way that you are is enough!”
“Keep your eyes on the road! You’re going to get us killed!”
“Everyone else in the room can see it, everyone else but you!”
Oh boy, here it comes. He’s going to go crazy.
He started bouncing in his seat as he sang. “Baby you light up my world like nobody else, the way that you flip your hair," he sang flipping is hair. "Gets me overwhelmed, but when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell, you don't know, oh, oh, you don't know you're beautiful, if only." He began pointing. "You saw what I can see, you'd understand why I want you so desperately, right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe, you don't know, oh, oh," he let go of the wheel for a split second to make an O-shape with his arms. "You don't know you're beautiful, oh, oh, that's what makes you beautiful!”
We got to the airport in one piece luckily. As crazy of a driver as Andrew is, he’s never once wrecked, which surprised me. We did what we needed to do, but the hard part finally came. Skyler said her goodbyes to Andrew and they hugged for a while. As I watched, I took notice of Andrew saying that he was sorry to her. He didn't just say sorry, it was a lengthened sincere apology. I was glad that he did that because she needed that from him. Hopefully the past won't hold Skyler back anymore because she didn't deserve that and I know she didn't want that either. There was peace between the two as Skyler accepted his apology, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She waited off to the side for me as I said my farewell. I looked at Andrew and my heart broke.
“Come here you,” Andrew said pulling me into a hug.
“I don’t want to leave you. Why can’t you come?”
Andrew pulled back to look at me. “This isn’t for me. This is for you guys. It’s also kind of a little late for me to go.”
I rested my head on his shoulder as he held me in his arms. My thoughts were swirling. I felt my cheeks begin to heat up as I held in the burning tears. The heat built up even more as I held my shaky breath. I didn’t want to show Andrew how bad I was hurting. My cheeks grew warmer and I found it hard to breathe. Tears began to slip past my resistance as I began to think of the memories Andrew and I shared. I kept biting my lip harder and harder with every thought. I couldn't let him know how much I was tearing apart.
Andrew, I swear, can read minds. “It’s okay to cry.”
I didn’t want to let go of Andrew. We've been through so much together. He was the brother I never had. He did something for me that I could never ask anyone else to do and he did it on his own even though there would be some sacrifices involved. He cared so much about me, like no one else. I loved him. With that thought, I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. Letting go, my few tears evolved into a steady flow.
My head was resting on his shoulder as I spoke in his ear. “Andrew, I could never replace you. You’ve taught me to never give up on anything. You fixed my confidence and fixed my heart when I moved out here after the big ordeal with my family. You have been more of a friend to me than anyone else. You know everything about me. You are one of my partners in crime. You could always cheer me up and you’ve always been so protective over me in the good way. I’ve known you since we were little and even though we were separated for high school, you still came and visited and kept in touch even though you could have just forgotten about me,” I managed to say with a shaky voice.
“You’re making it sound like you’re saying goodbye forever. We’re still going to keep in touch.”
He was right. I was making it sound like forever, but what if it was? Growing up, I was raised with the mind set of saying every goodbye like it was your last. As cheesy as it sounds, you never know how much longer you have.
I just smiled in reply before speaking. “You are such a loyal friend. I can’t let go of you. I can’t say goodbye. I can’t do this. I’m not ready.”
I felt bad for soaking his t-shirt, but what could I do? I felt like someone was ripping out a piece of my heart and shredding it. I felt the first emotion filled tear from Andrew soak through my thin, black zip up hoodie. Knowing he shed a few tears broke my heart even more. Andrew wasn’t one to just show these kind of emotions easily, so this shocked me.
His icy breath sent a chill down my spine as he whispered in my ear, “You are ready for this. I will come and visit as soon as I possibly can. In my whole life, I can honestly say that you are truly my best friend –actually you are my little sister. I’m going to miss you so much it’s insane. You’ve been there right by my side for almost everything. I don’t want you to leave, Snow White, but I can feel it in my bones that this is going to have a positive effect on you in the long run. Other than you being a beautiful, smart, and a mischievous young lady, you are also a fighter. You may be stubborn, but you can easily turn that into a good thing. Once you put your mind to something, no one can change it, which I admire. I just wish I could be there to protect you. I don’t want your past to repeat itself.”
He made me want to cry even more than I already was, if that was possible. “It will be hell without you.”
“Same with you,” he paused and looked at his phone. “Well, you better get going. I don’t want you to miss your flight. You can do this.”
I still had my arms around his neck, but I didn’t want to let go. “I guess, but I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
“You might not, but you have to. I’m a phone call away.”
“I love you so much Andrew!”
“And I with you. It’s time for you to go. Goodbye, Jay,”
He reached down and kissed my forehead. After spending a minute or two hugging some more, I kissed his cheek then had to force myself to leave the hug. I wiped the tears and got myself together.
“Goodbye, Andrew.”
I walked away trying my hardest not to look back, but I just couldn’t. I just had to have one more look at Andrew, just one last memory. Very dramatic, yes, but I cared for him. It's not like moving to another nearby city or state, it was moving to a whole other country. He wore his signature white V-neck t-shirt, gray hoodie, dark jeans, a pair of Vans, and a black and red snapback. It was hard saying goodbye to Andrew. Especially after what had happened.
Skyler and I were on the plane in no time and I sat by the window since Skyler wasn't the biggest fan of the window. I took a deep breath as I sat in my seat. I was ready for this. Andrew was right, this is what I had planned. This is what I wanted. Eventually I fell asleep on Skyler’s lap.
***
The past four days had been completely exhausting for both Skyler and I, as we had done nothing, but run to and from each other’s flats. Unpacking and moving furniture, our energy had evaporated. Within these few days, Andrew and I had spoken a decent amount of times and my terrible mood on the day I had left faded only to be replaced with contentment. I was ready for new memories to begin. Unpacking helped give me this new outlook by giving me time to sort out my thought.
“Jay, do you have the bin labeled ‘bedroom stuff?’” yelled Skyler down the hall in another room in her flat.
I looked down at the bin that was giving me such trouble to open before yelling back. “Yeah, I’m trying to open it now!”
“Okay, where are you at?”
“Your bedroom, in the doorway!”
I hated that bin. Plain and simple, it’s hated. I would open that stupid bin if it was the last thing I did- at least for the day. Why so difficult? I mean all it was, was a plastic bin with a lid and plastic packaging wrap to keep the lid secure. Don’t get me wrong, the plastic wrap was a piece of cake to get off, but the lid itself was more stubborn than I am. I tried everything.
Jay Christine White, you are not letting a stupid ass lid beat you!
One last shot before quitting wouldn’t hurt I guess. I put myself between the doorway and the bin, placing my feet on both sides of the bin to hold and keep it from moving around. I began to pull at the lid, tugging my hardest. I put all my strength into this one last tug when my fingers hit something that slid.
“I need to-” was all I heard before the lid popped off and my elbow hit something.
“Yes! Finally it opened! Whoo! Wait a second.” I stopped realizing what had happened and turned to Skyler. “Skyler I’m so sorry! Let me see! Oh, I feel so bad, let me see!”
She had her left hand covering her eye as she sat on the ground. “It’s fine, Jay! Really it’s fine! However, that’s definitely going to be a black one.”
“Do you have anything in your freezer yet?”
“No, not yet and my ice packs are still in some box somewhere.”
“Oh, I don’t have any in mine yet either. I’ll run to the store, get something frozen, and grab us a bite to eat as well since it’s almost lunch time. I’m really sorry.”
“It’s fine as long as I don’t have to pay for lunch.”
“You got yourself a deal!”
After grabbing my keys and wallet, I headed out for the store. I was scared I wouldn’t remember how to get anywhere after the two years living in the US, but I knew the area to well. It would be impossible to forget where things were at partially because it’s where I pretty much grew up.
As I drove to the store, I passed by a park. Not just any park, the park. I began to ponder with thoughts in my mind, but in no time I was at the store. Heading straight for the frozen vegetables, I was unsure of what kind of vegetable Skyler would want to put on her face. I had a bag of frozen peas in one hand and a bag of frozen carrots in the other. I guess it really didn’t matter.
A pair of hands found themselves on my waist. “I recommend the carrots.”
That voice. I jumped and turned around “Kellen? What are you doing here?"
“I live here, remember?"
“Oh, yeah.”
He scratched his neck nervously. "So how have you been since I last saw you at the party?"
I loosened up and focused on looking at the conversation as just being casual. "Pretty good, I guess. Just trying to finish packing so I can get back on my feet."
“Ah, I see. Is it good to be back? You seem happy, taking note of the smile on your face.”
“Yeah, I am pretty happy.”
“What brings you here to the store?”
I closed my eyes and gave an almost silent laugh as I looked to the ground. “I gave Skyler a black eye.”
He instantly had a look of shock on his face. “Wow, I never would have predicted you would actually do something like...well I guess I can't say I'm completely shocked. That mouth of yours can give off some, uh, interesting comments.”
I rolled my eyes. "It wasn't like that. It of course wasn’t intentional. I was trying to open a bin while we were unpacking at her place and next thing I know… Bam! She had a black eye.”
“I don’t believe it. I think the two of you got into an argument and you being the badass, wanted to be the one to get what she wanted even if it meant injuring her best friend.”
I couldn't help, but giggle. “Fine, you caught me in my web of lies.”
We both laughed.
“Hey, would guys mind if a third person was to join and help you guys unpack? I’m free today. I promised you I would do everything I can to help you out with whatever you needed.”
I froze. I didn't know what to think. I did tell him the other night that I was willing to at least make things work as friends and friends do these kind of things for each other. We did have some heavy stuff we needed to be moved. A few hours couldn't be all that bad and Skyler would be there.
“I guess if you would like. You aren't obligated to do this.”
He smiled. "I know, I just want to take every chance I get to prove to you that I've changed."
Contemplating I took in consideration that the other night at the party he did make me believe again. “Okay hotshot, I’m going to pay for this bag of frozen carrots and grab some lunch before I head back. You are welcome grab a ride with me or to get the address.”
“I think I’ll hitch a ride with you.”
“Okay.”
Kellen has changed. Realizing this I was able to relax and just enjoy his company. There wasn't really any awkward silences as we spoke. We went simple and got McDonalds for lunch even though it isn’t the healthiest thing out there.
Arriving to the flat, I tensed up as the thought dawned on me that Skyler and Kellen have to meet. I told Skyler everything about Kellen and I remembered her remark that if she ever met him that there's no telling what she would do to him. She added that she would never forgive him for what he's done to me.
Much to my relief, Skyler was sprawled out on the couch. I made Kellen wait outside while I would talk to Skyler. Walking over to Skyler, I placed the bag of frozen carrots on her eye. She instantly woke up.
“Hey, what took you so long?” she said sleepily, yawning.
I laughed. “I wasn’t gone that long.”
She sat up. “Oh, well it seemed like it."
“At the store I ran into someone.”
"Please tell me it was Josh Hutcherson," she pleaded.
"Yes, definitely," I said sarcastically. "No, it wasn't Josh Hutcherson."
"Well darn. Who is it then?"
"You haven't met him, but I was what I guess you could say close to him at one point. He used to be extremely rude and mean, but he's made changes in his life recently."
Skyler gave me a weird look. "Well that's good. How do you guys know each other?"
"We kind of just bumped into each other."
"What's his name?"
"Uh...his name's..uh...it really doesn't matter, but anyways we-"
"Oh my god, its Kellen! You ran into Kellen didn't you?!?" she interrupted.
"Uh...yes."
"Do you not hear what's coming out if your mouth?!? I understand that he's trying to change, but a guy like that can't change!"
"It's been over two years since he...since the incident! When I went and talked with him the other night, there really weren't any traces to how he used to be!"
Skyler was at the point where she was pacing. "You're being stupid! He's probably just playing you! I don't want you to get hurt! Why can't you understand that? When you talked with him, I let it slide once, but......just please don't see him again. For your own sake."
"Well he's outside right now."
Oh crap! That probably wasn't the best time to bring that up, Jay!
She threw her arms out. "What?!? I can't believe you!"
"I told him I was willing to be friends the other night and he offered to help us. I decided to give him a chance. Plus he bought us lunch. I figure that since you would be here and it would only be for an hour or two, it would be fine. I won't even ask you to hold back. Please let me test him to see if he's really changed. I need this and you can help me judge him. I'm tired of being paranoid and having a foothold on my life because if him."
She didn't reply for a while as she contemplated. "Let's just get this over with and bring him in even though I don't understand why you're willing to do this."
"You know me to well to already know the answer. You know I believe that everyone deserves a second chance."
As I turned the doorknob I heard Skyler say, "Not him. You're too nice."
***
It was about 9:00 when I got off the couch to go throw away our trash. Today went quite well. At first the atmosphere was awkward and full tension. Most of that tension came from Skyler. I was waiting for her to pounce on Kellen and start yelling at him as well as give him a good sock to the face. Over time the atmosphere broke bringing in more light and friendly conversations. We unpacked a majority of Skyler's things and did a good work at my place as well. We did all that we could before we had pizza at my place and watched a movie.
I was about to go back in the living room when I caught Kellen in mid-conversation with Skyler. "Yeah, I'm no longer mixed up with drugs, I took an anger management class, and I stopped drinking. I have a drink here or there, but not like before."
"That's good, but for how long? When did you start all of this?" Skyler pushed.
"Well after mine and Jay's incident."
"Why?"
He cleared his throat. "When I was hit hard with the reality that Jay and I were done and realizing what I had done to her, I knew I had to do something. When I was with Jay, I was at the lowest point in my life. She was the only thing that made it better. I didn't want to lose her, but I did. Jay and I were together at the worst point in time. I wish I could redo everything. I wish I could have met her and been with her now. I blew everything. I regret ever getting to that point in my life and Jay tried so hard to help me. Jay tried so hard to get me out of that point while putting up with all my stupid shit, but I did nothing in return, but hurt her emotionally as well as physically. I am terribly sorry, but words can't express how sorry I am. I'm sorry to you to that I hurt your best friend. I'm sorry that at one point I tried to take her away from you."
Silence last for a while until a reply was spoke. "I don't know if I could ever forgive you for that and I don't think she could either."
"I know that won't happen and I didn't come back expecting it would happen. I just want to make things better. I just want another chance," Kellen said.
"I know that Jay still believes in you. As for me, I don't doubt that you have made changes and are at a better place in your life, but I don't think that would be the best thing."
"Please, I need to get her back and treat her the way she deserves to be treated. She was the only thing that drove me to change, the only thing that kept me from going back to it all. Please, just let me take her out one night, that's all I want," he sincerely pleaded.
Skyler let out a sigh. "I don't know about that. All I can say is that it's up to her, but she might not want to. You hurt her quite bad."
***
The night went by so fast. The next thing I knew, I was being woken up, but not by my alarm. It was Skyler who was waking me up.
"Jay wake up!” Skyler said poking me a shaking me. She began jumping on my bed. “C’mon it’s Friday, Starbucks day!”
I totally forgot that it was already Friday. Every Friday since Skyler moved out to the US with me, we met up every Friday morning to go get Starbucks. I don’t know why we do it. I guess it just became a regular thing for us.
“Ugh, I don’t want to get up yet. I’m not ready for the day to begin,” I replied rubbing my eyes before sitting up.
“But you need to. You need to go get ready. You have that job interview today. We gotta hurry and get you some energy that’s in the shape of a Starbucks drink,” she stated and lightly tapped her finger on my nose.
“You’re obsessed now!”
“Don’t blame me! It was you and Andrew!”
It didn’t take much to get ready. I already knew I was going to get the job, not trying to sound conceited, but I just knew. I made sure I had my resume with me and was out the door. We took my car that my cousin gave back to me when she found out that I was moving back. Originally the car was mine back in high school. The Mini Cooper was the perfect color blue. It wasn’t a dark blue or a light baby blue. It was that perfect in between shade.
We had ordered our usual drinks, before just sitting and talking away a storm. I was glad to have a friend like Skyler who even after spending years together, could still just sit and talk without anything being boring or repeated. She was one of the only things permanent in my life. Skyler said she’d stick with me for the day since we were pretty much done unpacking. We both knew the job interview would take about two seconds. We pulled up to the store and walked in.
“Hi welcome to Forever 2-” she started to say before she turned around and saw me. “Jay!”
“Nigella!” I exclaimed as I began to run over to my cousin. “It seems like it’s been forever.”
“It has I’m so glad you’re going to be working here again.”
“Well, that’s if a certain manager of a cousin approves.”
She laughed at my remark. “By certain manager of a cousin you wouldn’t happen to be talking about me would you?”
I automatically went for sarcasm. “No, I mean another cousin of mine who’s a manager at this Forever 21. Yes, I mean you.”
“Well good I just need to skim over your resume to make it fair, but either way you’re working here again. You proved yourself worthy of this job back when you were in high school. Didn’t you start working her the summer after your freshman year?”
I smiled remembering how fun it was to work here with my cousin back in high school. “Yeah, I did.”
“I see you and Skyler are still friends,” Nigella said taking glances up from my resume.
“What part of forever do you not get, Nigella?” I said with fake disgust.
Skyler walked away from a shirt that I could tell she liked. “Nigella, how have you been?”
“I’ve been great. How have you been, especially with this one dragging you across the pond?” Nigella replied motioning to me.
“I’ve luckily been able to keep up with it all. She keeps me on my toes, but that’s just how our friendship works. What I’m not good at, she’s good and what she’s not good at, which is a lot of things, I’m good at.”
My mouth dropped and I gave Skyler a light hit on the arm. “Whatever, it’s not a lot.”
All of us just laughed. I of course got the job and had to start Monday. We talked for about ten minutes before we had to go. Skyler and I still needed to run by the market to get groceries because we pretty much had no food in our kitchen cabinets, pantries, or fridge. We got to the store and got to work. We just got the usual simple things you’d find at anybody’s house. I made sure to stock up on cereal. Cereal was the one thing I couldn’t live without. Milk was also necessary as well as Oreos. We made sure to get things like macaroni and cheese and the stuff to make things like Bubble & Squeak or Yorkshire Puddings.
Shopping was quick and putting the food away back at our flats was even faster. Although putting things in my fridge was a bit harder because I made sure to stock up on a drink that I had become addicted to, that’s not sold here in the UK. That drink was a little thing called Peace Tea. I had to make sure I had enough to last me awhile before I would have to make Andrew send me some.
“So, Jay that looks like all of it. Now it’s time for you get ready for your date,” Skyler state wiggling her eyebrows.
I rolled my eyes. “I guess.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to wear?”
“Yeah, he said to dress nice so I thought I’d wear my black and mint stripped bodycon dress with my black tights.”
“What shoes and how are you going to do your hair?” she asked. Skyler was always interested in how I paired up things in my wardrobe.
“For the shoes, probably my black wedge scrunch boots and for the hair I’m going to do a bouffant ponytail.”
She nodded her head in approval. “Someone’s going for dramatic and sleek tonight.”
I loved how Skyler described things because it always made things so much more interesting. “You would be correct.”
“I’ll let you go so you can get beautified,” she stated as we walked to the door. “Text me if anything happens or if you need an escape. Bye Jay,” she said hugging me before exiting.
I got dressed and was ready 30 minutes early. I laid on the couch with my copy of the book The Host in hand. It was one of my favorite books, but when the movie came out, I appreciated the book even more because the movie was kind of on the weak side. After a few pages I slipped into a comforting darkness.
“Jay, babe, wake up,” I heard a familiar voice sweetly say.
I opened my eyes to meet a face that matched that voice. Kellen was kneeling beside the couch. I’m surprised I actually woke up. I sat up and gave a small yawn.
“How long have you been here or better yet, how did you get in?” I asked beginning to think clearly.
“I picked your lock,” Kellen said casually.
“Oh… Okay I think. Can I ask what the hell were you thinking?”
“Well I knocked and you didn’t answer, but as I went to go to Skyler’s flat to see if you were there, I looked through your open blinds and saw you asleep on the couch. I knocked a little louder, but you didn’t wake up and I ended up finding a bobby pin on the ground. Then, I used it to get in.”
“Oh, well that-”
“Damn it, I've already screwed up,” he threw his arms in the air.
“No, no, its fine. Just don't do that again. You're just nervous that's all.”
He smiled. “You're always trying to find the positive in things. Let's just go and enjoy the rest of the night.”
“Sounds like a plan."
He looped his arm with mine and we walked out to the car where he opened and closed the door for me.
“Wow, this place is really up top!” I told Kellen as we walked in the grand restaurant.
“Only the best for the best,” he said in reply not looking anywhere else, but me.
Wow he was cheesy, but before I could say something my phone vibrated in my black clutch. I waited until we were seated to check my phone. It was from Skyler.
How’s it going? Is he being nice?
-Skyler
Its fine the restaurant is extravagant!
-Jay
“So Jay, I have a little something for you,” Kellen told me as he handed me a black box.
I opened the small black box and inside was a very pretty bracelet. I read the little tag that said exactly what kind of bracelet. My jaw dropped. It was a sterling silver heart bracelet with diamond accents. What the hell was this for?
“This is gorgeous! This must have cost a fortune!” I said in shock.
He took the bracelet and started to put it on me as he spoke. “I thought I’d give you a welcoming present and you deserve this.”
Eventually, our dinner had come. Although I’m not a big fan of the type of food he had ordered, it was very good. We talked as we ate. It was just different and I guess, comfortable. It was like he was a total different person. I'm happy for him. For some reason it just seemed like we were to people just getting to know each other. Towards the end is when it got uncomfortable for me. Not because he did anything it said anything, but because as Kellen was talking I saw the scar Andrew had left on his face from the incident. Seeing that brought back the bad memories.
“So the funniest part of this story is that me and my buddy Harry decide to go on again when I’m 16 and I was like whatever let’s just go on it again and I still crawled through on my hands and knees, terrified. I am a pvssy.”
I laughed before having to make an exit for the bathroom. “Can you excuse me for one second? I’m just going to use the ladies room.”
“Okay, hurry back.”
Entering the room, I noticed that there was an additional room off to the side. I sat on the chairs trying to gather myself. It took a while to slow my heartbeat and control my breathing. Why was I having a break down, especially one out of know where? All the recent times I've been around him, I haven't had freak out like this. This made no sense. I just needed to calm down and convene my thoughts. Taking a deep breath, I walked back out. As I got closer brown eyes were fixed upon me and my pace hastened.
"Are you okay? You seem a bit flustered," Kellen inquired as I took my seat.
"I'm fine, I just have a lot on my mind."
He nodded. "Do you want to talk about it?"
I looked down and fiddled with a loose thread on my dress. "Not really."
"Well, I've already paid and maybe the movie will distract you, yeah?"
I nodded my head as Kellen guided me out of the restaurant. I liked that he didn’t keep pushing with several follow up questions. He held my hand as we walked out to the car.
Entering the theatre building Kellen turned to face me. “So now that we got the tickets, do you want to grab the seats while I grab the snacks?”
“Yeah, definitely.”
"Let me guess, Skittles?"
The corners of my mouth curved. "You still remember that?"
"Of course. I'll be in there in a second."
"Okay."
In the theatre there were multiple couples in attendance. It was reasonable since this movie was a romance. Personally, I would have like to have seen a comedy or horror movie, but this was Kellen's pick and I didn't want to ruin his plans. I decided to grab seats that weren’t at the very top, but were just above the middle because there was barely anyone in that area.
“Jay, is that you?” said a familiar voice as I dug in my little clutch.
I looked up to see the familiar face. “Kameron, what are you doing here!” I exclaimed standing up to give him a hug.
“Have you forgot that it was you who moved away? So I’m going to ask the same question to you. What are you doing here?”
“I moved back in town about a week ago and Skyler’s back too."
“Well, that’s great!”
“It’s been forever, Kameron!”
“It really has, since graduation, right?”
“Yeah, something like that.”
I saw Kellen walking up and he had a weird look on his face. My nerves were on edge as he approached because he used to hate whenI would talk to guys alone.
“Kellen, this is Kameron, one of my good friends from high school. Kameron this is Kellen.”
“Nice to meet you,” Kameron stated shaking his hand.
“Yeah, you too,” Kellen smiled surprisingly.
“Well, I’ll let the two of you get back to doing your thing. It was great to see you again, Jay! Glad to have you back!”
I gave Kameron a hug goodbye. “You too! Have fun!”
“I always have fun, if you don’t remember!” he said winking and getting back to his seat.
He handed me the sweet. “Kameron seems nice.”
“He really is. Back in high school he would help me with anything I needed.”
The movie began and it actually kept most of my attention. I was having great time with Kellen. He was just comfortable for me to be around. We were more than halfway through the movie, when I reached in to grab popcorn, but grabbed something else instead. In my hand was a napkin with a Hershey’s Kiss taped to it. Written on the napkin was:
I know I don't deserve this at all, but you've always been the reason why I changed and I want the person who put up with me and did everything to help me back in my life even though I hurt her. Please, can I take you out again?
-Kellen
I looked to Kellen and he whispered, "May I?"
I began to panic as I always do in situations like this. I thought this was just going to be one night. The thing is he really has changed, but Skyler and Andrew would be against it. My thoughts twisted. Even though he's changed, it doesn't mean he deserves another chance. But I...just..Ugh. I don't know. For the slightest second something must have possessed me because a yes slipped from my lips.
Jay, what did you just do? Have you forgotten what he did? Did you forget that he hurt you? Whatever happened to the Blue Rule?
*****
If you're curious, you'll find out more on Kellen and the Blue Rule in the next chapters!
