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Hey Jude III

Downtown



“Is that the last box?” Linda asks, setting it on top of another.

“Yep,” I sniffle and wipe my nose off the back of my hand.

“You okay? How’s your mum?”

“She’s worse!” I smile and wipe my eyes. “She hates goodbyes. We got so used to me living back at home again.”

“And now look where you are, where we are! We did it, Jude!”

I nod as my feet take me to the window. There in plain sight from the 3rd floor lies 18th street, Downtown Manhattan, New York. I double check to see if my parent’s van and UHaul are gone. It’s an unfamiliar feeling to no longer be a car owner. Who needs one here? I can walk everywhere!

I remember visiting this apartment last February when Linda first moved in, and here I am 8 months later. Here I am after a miserable year of pain and hiding. I’m ready for life again, I’m ready to embrace this city love. Let me rephrase that, I’m ready to fall in love with this city.

“Are you feeling alright? No cramps?”

“Nope. A few boxes couldn’t hurt me,” I say as I push the stack into my room. My new room.

Luckily my dad and our neighbor carried up the mattresses and bulky furniture. Mom and Linda carried the heavier packages, refusing me to lift anything heavier than 20 pounds. Unnecessary.

Linda and I spend the afternoon working on my bedroom. We hang every blouse and dress, pair my shoes on the closet floor, and fill up my dresser. Later while she makes dinner, I take care of the decorations and desk supplies. I brought a Beatles poster in case I got homesick but my mom wanted to keep the rest back home.

Dinner in our new place feels magical and liberating. We finish the night with a glass of wine out in the fire escape and I can’t help think how much I like the sound of traffic and view of building clusters. There’s a special quality to this place I’m barely discovering. And tomorrow, I commence the first day of my internship.




I’m up before my alarm. Slipping into a dark blue polkadot dress and black wedges, comfortable ones, I then skip to the bathroom as though it were my first day of school. I’m a little nervous, a little anxious but more fired up to be going to work in an actual building only blocks away from Central Park. The thought of me converting into a New Yorker has me spinning like Julie Andrews on the hills of Sound of Music.

“The streets are alive with the sound of traf-fic. . .” I continue humming the tune while I style my now short bob into place.

Short hair and no fake glasses. It’s nice to see that I’m capable of change, both minor and drastic. Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to autumn in Manhattan. I’ve seen pictures of the colorful trees and leaf covered streets; so romantic. Checking the time as I buckle my watch, it’s a quarter to 8. I spray perfume, brush a few strokes of mascara and grab my laptop bag and purse.

Linda smiles and hands me a granola bar in the kitchen, we share a glass of juice and giggle on the way out the door.

“I love this, Jude. Now I don’t have to go to work alone anymore.”

Fortunately, Linda only works a few buildings down from me, allowing us to take the same route. I’m a little lost, staying a step or two behind. I feel like the kid sister being led to class, across the city. Trying to memorize our new morning routine, I remember to make two rights till we reach 1st Ave. We walk for 10 minutes, give or take, and reach the subway on 14th Street.

This is a whole new world! I’m not embarrassed to be this excited to ride the subway. I bet you can tell the first timers from those who've done this all their lives. Linda talks me through the scenarios and people to expect on her everyday encounters. The L train comes to a stop and I tag along, finding a seat beside the professional blonde who’s become my best friend and sister.

Smiling on every stop, observing the crowd rush in and out of the sliding doors, I keep an ear out for when the conductor announces our street. We switch to the C train and ride for 15 minutes till we arrive at Columbus Circle on 59th. I spot a convenient Starbucks on the corner and make note of that.

“Have a good day,” Linda hugs me, “ And hopefully Roger won’t run your heels with useless errands and slave work.”

I laugh and wave goodbye. I know the directions from here but I open the text to confirm and be sure. Just one block away and I find my building. My hands are cold and shaky, my heart is pounding in my ears and the hairs on the back of my neck and arms are shooting up as I walk through the glass doors.

Timidly strolling to the elevators, I scan the list of offices and which floors they pertain to. This is so surreal. I’m ready to step through doors once the arrow above my head lights. I keep getting closer as my heart keeps pounding louder, even louder than my thoughts. Pressing the 11th button, I lean back against the elevator wall and inhale the metal scent.

There’s others but they blur in with the background. Exiting and looking both ways, I see the name stenciled over the glass door to the right. Orectic Magazine. I’m here. This is really happening. Making my way inside, I tell the girl at the front desk that I’m starting my internship today and she immediately knows who I am.

“I’m so glad to finally get to meet you, I’m Liv. If you follow me I’ll take you to your desk and let Roger know you’re here. . . I love that necklace by the way.”

The office smells new, like clean linen and carpets. It’s not huge but it’s the right size for me to get accustomed to. I’ve come a long way from the university web column just 16 months ago and working with Calvin as first hand experience.

Liv guides me to an open office in the hallway, the space is separated by 4 desks and then she points to the one by the window. Yes! I thank her and she encourages me to get cozy while I wait for my boss. I can’t believe we are here again, Roger and I.

My fingers feel out the desk, my chair, the keyboard, stapler, tape dispenser and empty book shelf above the computer monitor. Instantly, I remember to open my bag and remove the 11 x 14 inch picture collage of my trip to London. London. I sigh, remembering what-who’s over there, about to play back to back concerts. Still the same lifestyle at it’s same pace.

Staring at each picture, memories fill my head and I remember that last day. That dreadful day.


I remain paralyzed after hanging up the phone. Not wanting Harry to see me like this, I run back to the same bathroom. I cave, I cry, sitting on the stone cold floor. Once I’m able to gather the strength I have left, I wash my face and rinse my mouth from the salty taste. I swallow the knot down my throat and call Linda.

I wait. I tell Gemma the sad news about my Aunt, like that was the horrible news I had all along. Asking that she keep it confidential, I begin rehearsing what I’m going to tell Harry. Nothing sounds right. Then it’s too late to practice as the boys return from sound check.

He looks different to me now, like I can already measure the distance from my heart backing away. Pretending all is well still, I keep strong. The strongest I’ve ever had to be. Harry raves about how great tonight's show will be, and before he goes on I give him a big hug.

“Oh heyyyy, you feelin’ better there babe,” he squeezes me tighter with a moan. “I thought I’d give ya some space and not pester you with my thousand questions.”

The tears are building up, ready to break down the damn I carefully placed. I say nothing and continue holding him. This is the last time. My heart feels like it’s shedding petal after petal. Shedding in secret. We go out to eat before returning to the stadium. My emotions exhaust me but just before Harry gets too busy with wardrobe change, I share one last kiss and hug then wish him a great show.

Linda texts me that she’s outside waiting for me. On my way out, I’m asked where I’m heading. I say that I don’t feel well and I’m going back to Harry’s. When I escape into Linda’s car, a weight lifts off my shoulders but I’m not in the clear yet. She drives me to his apartment and I gather my already packed bags.

I’m going to miss everything about this place. Sitting at the kitchen table while Linda takes my things down stairs, I look at the blank piece of paper and tap the pen searching for words. My heart aches and my cheeks are drenched. I’m swimming through waves of memories all compacted into the last 2 1/2 months. The kitchen alone haunts me with the first time Harry and I cooked a meal together.

I fold the letter in half and write his name on the blank side. It sits on the table like a small tent waiting to be discovered. I place the door key down as well and slowly back away.

“Are you ready?” Linda asks quietly.

“Almost. Want to wait in the car? I’ll be right down.”

“Take your time, love.”

One final time, I gaze at his bed, the couch and TV, the bathtub, kitchen, balcony and living room. Just before reaching the door knob, I dash into his room and grab Harry’s beanie from the closet. It smells of him. Now I can leave and I lock myself out.

“When’s your flight?” Linda asks once I climb into the passenger seat.

“It’s in 4 hours. I got the red eye.”



“Hey, there she is!” Roger startles me.

“Hi. Thank you again for this opportunity, Roger.” I catch myself holding and tucking the quill pendant inside my collar.

“I know what you can do, and you’ll be a great asset here. . . I’m glad we’re working together again. Just like old times, just in the East Coast now.” He smiles.

Notes

Chapter Playlist:

Love Me -Hailee Steinfeld

Give Me One Reason -Jason Reeves




I hope you gals like the chapter, it will take a while for Harry to make an appearence. I hope that isn't too disappointing. Much love. muah!

Comments

@CiaoNiccie
Omg thanks so much!!! I have litrrally been DYING to see what happens to Jude and Harry!!!! Thanks!!! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

@LivinLikeLarry


hi go to

www.wattpad.com/user/bea_nice

CiaoNiccie CiaoNiccie
6/6/16

Has anyone found this story on wattpad like pls give me a link cos I cant find it and I really wamt to finish the story!!!!!!

LivinLikeLarry LivinLikeLarry
5/13/16

@LittleGreenEyes


https://www.wattpad.com /user/ ciaoniccie

What is your wattpad name? I cant find you or the story