Betty

Misunderstandings, Birthdays, and Secret Gardens

James didn't know what to think of the mural. Every time she left school for work she passed by it to just stare.

It was beautiful, heart wrenching, and raw. All to the point that it was scary. Scary because all of this, things that have been important parts in their friendship was out there. All on display for everyone to see.

She was shocked that Betty did this. First of all, it was vandalism. Second, it displayed so much emotion that was deep inside Betty. James knew it.

James also knew the mural wasn't for her. Maybe to catch her attention. But Betty did this for herself. To unleash all her loss, pain, and love.

Betty's words in the garden came back to her.

"I want to. For just once in my life, I want to do something for myself. I don't care anymore if the world burns around me. If it does, just let it."

James smiled. Even if they didn't have that dance at prom, Betty still did something for herself. Consequences be damned.

*****

Ali had sent James pictures of her dorm room to which James responded with a 'nice' and smiley face. She also texted that she was in town to get a few more things for university.

That's how James found herself at Ali's, helping put some stuff in her car.

Ali was excitedly telling James of all the wonderful stuff she's experienced so far. James smiled, she couldn't wait for next year.

A while later, James saw a familiar face pass by.

"Hey, Olivia!"

Olivia looked at her and waved.

James closed the trunk after Ali put the last box in. When she did she was surprised to see that Olivia was standing next to her.

"Can I ask you why you did it? It's been bothering me for months," Olivia said.

"I- I know I may have said some things, I've been wanting to apologize. But I haven't been able to get near your sister."

"What you said? But you didn't even say anything to her at Spring Formal."

"Spring Formal? What are you talking about Olivia?" James asked.

"She liked you and you just left without a word when you saw her."

"B- because she was with Elian."

"You do know that she said no when he asked her to the dance right?" Olivia asked tentatively.

"She what? But she was dancing with him?"

"As friends. She couldn't find you. Plus, Elian has a girlfriend, and it's not Betty."

James froze. "You're sure? But even if that was the case it doesn't even mean that she... she likes..." James' words died on her lips.

"Likes you? Yeah she does. She told me. She's been in a... funk since it happened. But now I think she's found some kind of way to vent."

"The mural."

"Yeah. It was you she painted wasn't it?"

James couldn't answer. All that was running through her head was;

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Betty returned her feelings. All the while James had jumped to conclusions, ignored her, and didn't hear her out.

This must've been what Betty wanted to talk about at the diner.

"I messed this up," James breathed out in realization.