❛ SUPERMARKET FLOWERS ♪ ❜ - z. herron

thirty-six: what's it to you even if he was hitting on me?

As we walk around central park, waiting for the boys to walk up to us, I look around. This city I've spent my whole life living in is insane—people who kill for the opportunity to live here, to just right where I'm standing. I looked around and noticed how many hidden memories are tucked away in the spot alone.

Emerson and I's first picnic was a few feet away from here, and where I skinned my knee so bad I still have a scar is right in front of me.

I slightly smile, thinking of the memories. I get nudged out of my thoughts, "What are you smiling about?" Emerson says, giving me a smile of her own.

"Nothing, just love the city we are in." I smile back.

She taps me, "Oh, look over there." She says, pointing to a group of 4 clueless boys; Zach looks back, knowing exactly where I am but not thinking to help his bandmates.

He winks at me, causing me to smile. I cup my hands over my mouth, "Ay, y'all look a little lost." All of their heads snap back at the sound of my voice. Daniel jogs over, hands spread out for a hug.

"Dude, you both weren't picking up your phones and we didn't know where the fuck we were." He pulled me into a hug and then proceeded to get a good morning dap/kiss from Em.

We continue our greetings until it gets to Jonah. When it gets to Jonah, Em simply gives him a quick hug and walks away, making us all follow.

"Okay, so I know I'm always a little late, but that's not a good morning kiss." Zach says to the group.

I go over and grip his forearm, "She's mad at him." I whisper.

"But she's never mad?" Zach whispers back, a confused tone laces his voice.

"I know. That's why it's a big deal so don't bring it up." I squeeze hard.

"OW." he loudly whispers, and I pull away. 

"So what's the plan for today?" Corbyn asks.

"Well we can do touristy things. Brooklyn bridge, Statue of Liberty, The Met." I explain as we continue to walk.

Emerson then says, "Or we could go grab books, have a picnic in Washington square or where we are right now," she says, gesturing around, "and just hang out until we have to drop you off at Atlantic."

"Can we still get I heart new york shirts?" Jack asks. I laugh, "Whatever your heart desires."

*

"You don't even like books." I say to Zach as I go through the shelves at Strand Bookstore. I'd only come here after school, but I would sit in the back, reading cover to cover until closing. 

He follows behind me, his eyes darting from book to book. "Yeah and neither do any of the other boys but Jonah. So we are all stuck here."

"Okay but that doesn't mean you follow me like a lost puppy." I say, looking up at him and then grabbing a book off the shelf.

Its title reads "The Kind Worth Killing." 

I turn it over to read the back. "It looks good." the boy says, glancing over my shoulder.

"How nosy are you?" I turn towards him, our faces so close to touching. I feel my breath catch at our proximity to one another but don't dare move an inch. He doesn't even seem phased by anything anymore because he just grins widely at me.