𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 ⤾ 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐋

PILOT: JEN THE BARISTA

HEARST HIGH — THE SEQUEL

CHAPTER ONE: PILOT

'JEN THE BARISTA.'

...

I sighed and clutched the steering wheel as I focused my eyes on the green sign that had rusted, but I still managed to make out the words of "Welcome to Hearst! Drive safe" upon it. In all honesty, I never thought I'd see that sign again — spending my young adulthood in Hearst left me with traumatic memories to say the least. Yet there was someone who was special to me who remained in Hearst, and always would.

It was Jack's 23rd birthday, 3rd September. Leaves had fallen on the ground as fall was approaching and they crackled beneath the rolling wheels of my car as I pulled into the graveyard parking lot. I got out of my car and moved over to the boot, retrieving the bouquet of flowers and a teddy bear that reminded me of him. Jack was a huge part of my life despite him not being in it for very long, and I'd been putting off coming back to Hearst due to the trauma that it held. Four of his birthdays had passed and I'd never once come to visit him, so this year I built up the courage to do so.

I approached the grace that read 'In loving memory Jack Dylan Grazer. Wonderful son, friend, nephew and cousin.' I smiled as I read the message, the adjective 'wonderful' described him perfectly. I sat the flowers and teddy beside what looked like gifts that had been left from people who arrived earlier than me, I attempted to find out who they were left by but the sender hadn't left a note. I smiled at the grave one last time and spoke, "Happy birthday, Jack."

I decided since I'd travelled so far, I'd stay for a little while, maybe grab a coffee or so. I pulled up to the coffee shop where I remembered it and it was miraculously still there, of course it looked more tattered than I last remembered it, but it still had that cozy, welcoming feeling as I stepped inside. I attempted to find the counter to order but the organisation had been altered over the years. "Is there anything I can help you with?" a female voice asked from behind me, it was clear she was a worker so I turned around.

I was totally taken aback by who I spotted in the pale, sage green uniform accompanied by a hat with the company's logo. It was Jenna. I tried to hold back my gasp and awe but it escaped anyway, "Jenna?"

The brunette looked embarrassed for a moment and was contemplating her next words before she let out a deep sigh. "Sadie... look at me." she did a fake giggle, "Working in a coffee shop... embarrassing."

"I don't think it's embarrassing at all." I remarked confidently with a smile trying to reassure her. It had been years since I'd even seen Jenna, and we were adults now, not childish and immature like we were in college. I could tell my encouragement reassured the girl as she shot back a genuine smile and escorted me to my seat before asking my order. "Do you still do those pumpkin spice lattes, or are they not in season anymore?" I smirked.

"It's September, of course they're in season." the brunette joked in reply and gestured outside where the pavement was almost covered with brown and yellow leaves. "I'll get that for you." I waited until the girl returned with my drink, but as she was about to leave I gestured for her to take a seat beside me. And Jenna did so. "What's brung you back to Hearst?" she questioned. "I mean I thought after you moved you'd never come back here, and I didn't blame you to be honest."

"It's Jack's birthday, and I thought I'd pay him a visit. It felt right and plus I've never visited before." I told her.

"Wow... that's really tough." Jenna replied with a frown. "How are you dealing with everything? I knew you weren't in the best state of mind when you left."

"I'm doing okay." I told her, and began to explain how I was currently unemployed after giving up my job as a teaching assistant, however, I was stable as my father was fairly wealthy and never failed to help me out with the rent or bills I was struggling to pay. I wanted something bigger, I had aspirations and I wanted to achieve them.

"Well, it was really nice seeing you again, Sadie but honestly if I don't get back to work I have a feeling my boss Lisa will not be thrilled with me." Jenna clenched her teeth and waved goodbye. I returned the wave and grabbed my drink and left.

It was time I familiarised myself with Hearst again.