self-help

chapter one

I could feel someone's eyes like a weight on my body as Annabelle and I strolled down the street to where one of the local Dunkin Donuts was located. I flicked my gaze from left to right, turning around to make sure. No one really seemed unusual to me, I shrugged it off. Whenever we walked down here, I had felt an uneasy watch on me. But the feeling remained normal.

"Jewels?" Annabelle snapped, shaking my arm. I winced whilst her nails dug into my skin. She cocked up and eyebrow at my reaction and released my arm, flicking her blonde hair over her shoulder. "Are you even listening?"

"No, sorry." I replied absently, glancing once more behind me.

"I'm worried about you, you've been really absent-minded lately. It's as if you weren't really here, you know? What has been on you're mind?" Annabelle said, glancing down the street.

I shook my head, unable to comprehend her questioning. "I'm sorry, I can't help but feel that I'm being watched." I realized how off-putting that would sound to her. Annabelle turned to look in the direction I was looking in, squinting her eyes.

"I'm sure your just paranoid, Jewels. Why would anyone be watching you?" I shrugged and focused at the cracks in the sidewalk. "I'm hoping maybe it's a hot guy." She teased, I shoved her playfully away from me at her comment. Whether she was right or not, I chose not to believe it. The guys normally went through me to get through to Annabelle, even though she had a boyfriend she still occasionally flirted. We are young, so I understand where she may be coming from.

We stepped into Dunkin Donuts, the aroma of the glaze-filled donuts filled my nose. A woman casually eating her breakfast gave me a weirded-out look, which we ignored as we headed to the register. The woman behind the counter smiled openly as we approached. "Hello," she said. "What can I get you?"

I glanced at the menu, reassuring Annabelle of what she wanted. "Two caramel mocha lattes, please." I said glancing at the woman. "Did you want anything to eat?" I turned to Annabelle who shook her head.

"No thanks," she motioned to her purse. "I have a protein bar."

I returned my focus to the woman. "That'll be it."

After asking us the usual question that come with ordering, the girl headed over to make our mochas. Annabelle and I chatted while we waited for our drinks to be made, discussing old memories of our childhood.

"Two caramel mochas," the woman called aloud. We gripped our drinks in our hands, sending a shock to my cold body. "That'll be nine dollars and eighty-two cents."

Annabelle and I split the money, leaving the building. I felt a stare, but it felt almost relaxing. I eased my back and sipped the hot beverage.

____

The day dragged on, seeming endless. Annabelle was going off about Aaron, her boyfriend. Annabelle and Aaron had been dating for about a year now, not to mention they were completely infatuated with each other. I liked Annabelle's company, but she can be self-centered. If I didn't compliment her on her outfit occasionally she would ignore me for the rest of the day and claim it was 'nothing.' Or that she is 'fine.'

"Time to come back to reality," Annabelle spat, gripping my arm. I shook my head, becoming more aware of my surroundings. I had blanked-out again, not even realizing it this time.

It was obvious Annabelle was upset, but she still claimed she was 'fine.' Every girl claims that, especially when they are not. "I'm sorry, Annabelle. I don't mean to, I just kind of blanked-out."

"I've noticed, Jewels." Annabelle rolled her eyes and took a gulp of her coffee. She cringed at the temperature of her mocha, making me laugh hysterically. Annabelle shot me a stern look and rubbed her throat. "That wasn't funny, that hurt!" Annabelle fought. I still continued to laugh, not amusing her. Annabelle was up-tight around me, as I was with parties. Annabelle always tried to get to attend these crazy parties, but instead I'd stay home and curl up with a book. I was a total, undeniably a book-nerd.