A Heart Like Yours | ✓

Twenty-four - "Go with me, then"

I wake to a pink halo of hair, it's vibrancy nearly blinding me. I twirl the strands through my fingers, admiring Jett's work, despite his constant whinging yesterday.

I feel the dull ache in my arm, reminding me of reality. I lean my weight against it; my toes touching the hardwood floors beneath my bed as I rise. My eyes land on the bucket list pinned to my door.

Jett and Char will be here in less than an hour to complete number five.

My eyes linger on ten, wondering if it'll ever be completed or if it will simply become nonexistent. I read the words until my eyes blur, turning away to face my dresser.

I suppress my thoughts about missing Holden, focusing on choosing an outfit in the midst of the summer heat.

My skin usually never had a problem bringing out a golden tan, but the pale sickness of my skin would always be highlighted throughout my treatment now.

I tie my newly dyed hair back in a messy bun, remaining gentle. Despite knowing nothing I do will stop the strands from falling out, I can't help but be cautious.

My phone begins to ring and I reach for it instantly. I frown when I notice the caller ID, however.

"Sophia?" I say, confusion evident in my tone.

"Sorry for calling so early," she says, briskly. "I was just hoping to speak with you."

"Okay?"

"I need to know if you've made any progress, Blake," she sighs. "It's been months."

"I know," I mumble. "Honestly, I haven't been able to broach the subject with him. He only recently opened up to me about his heart. I haven't even had the time to ask him why he lied about you supposedly begging for an invite to the VMAs."

The line remains silent; Sophia's heavy breathing the only sound filling the void.

"We aren't really speaking right now, either," I continue. "He's back on tour. I think his first show is tonight."

I don't think that, I know. Although I still make the pointed decision not to follow Holden on any social media, it doesn't mean I can't continuously look him up. His first concert is only an hour away from me. I'd tried all night not to let it get to me. That he was close, yet he hadn't contacted me once.

"Go with me, then," she blurts. "I'll get us the tickets."

"Wait, what?" I cough, sitting down on the edge of my bed. "I don't know if—"

"You, me, Joey. It's time, Blake. I can't go on without resolving this. It isn't healthy. I just want to move on but I can't knowing that he's still so mad about everything," she says, softly.

"Sophia, we aren't really speaking right now," I repeat, wondering if she had misheard me. "You were clearly right about his tour being the number one priority."

"Please, Blake," she begs, genuine. "I promise after this, I won't contact you to intervene again. I know I'm not being fair, but I really need you."

I tap my fingers against my bare knee, closing my eyes as I think. With a sigh, I grip the phone tighter, nodding to myself. "Okay," I agree. "I'll go with you."

She breathes out in relief. "Thank you," she says, sternly. "I'll pick you up tonight."

She hangs up before I can press for further details, leaving me alone in my trepidation.

"You agreed?" Charlie blanches, throwing a pile of soil at my gloved hands.

We're sitting in a circle in Charlie's backyard, spades in hand as the earth beneath us comes to surface. Jett is by far the messiest, shovelling soil that has hit Charlie in the mouth. Twice.

I shovel deeper, the damp earth clinging to my skin. Ignoring Charlie's shock, I focus on Jett as he grumbles to himself about how hard this is.

"Bea," Charlie groans. "Why did you agree?"

I wipe my forehead, perspiration beginning to build. "I don't know," I shrug.

"She wanted to see him," Jett says, casually. "It's pretty obvious, Char."

"But with Sophia Garez and Joey Phillips of all people?" she grumbles, using her spade to violently pat down the dirt.

I bite my tongue, afraid to admit the truth. Even though Holden's rejection has left a lingering sting, I can't help but feel the stomach churning excitement of seeing him play live to an audience. To see him doing something he loves so earnestly.

Of course, I want to see him again. The stupid part of me knows that I won't be getting over him anytime soon and I'm not quite ready to let go.

"It'll be fine," I say, unconvincingly.

"I'll be sleeping right next to my phone," Charlie points the spade towards me, missing Jett's head by an inch.

"Good to know," I smile, reach for the sapling.

"Is the hole big enough yet?" Jett groans.

Charlie snorts and I sigh at her immaturity. "Anyone wanna do the honours?" I hold out the sapling.

"Together," Jett softens, placing his hands around the base of the sapling next to mine. Charlie follows suit as we form a small circle, bringing the tree into its new home.

Slowly, we shovel the earth back around it and Charlie reaches for the watering can. "I'm calling it the Be-Be tree," she whispers, smiling at me.

"Will your parents care that we just uprooted a part of their back garden without advising them first?" I cringe.

"Not when I tell them it was your idea," she deadpans. "You may as well be their daughter."

Jett suddenly jumps into a memory he had of all of us meeting Charlie's parents for the first time when we were kids and continuous laughter follows suit.

The rest of the afternoon blurs by and I forget, if just for a moment, what could possibly be in store for me tonight.