Closure

Chapter 3: The Other Girl

(Art is not mine)

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I extended my hand to feed Jake a baby carrot. This disgusting boy had an entire lunch in front of him and yet, he won't even touch it. Not yet anyways. I always have to give him something first, even just a bite. I always have to give, and at first it irritated me, but I've gotten used to it. Jake would give back. He would ask me to play.

Jenny had leaned over, "can I have one too Maddy?"

She looked at me with those eyes, I couldn't say no to Jenny. I smiled as I pushed the baby carrot into her mouth. "Of course." It was nearing the end of grade 3. It was almost summer.

When the day finally came, I knew that I would see everyone, just outside of class. Now with Jake and Brianna. Abigail and the other girl were there too. Abigail and Jenny had an ongoing dispute on who's better for Jake. The other girl watched me. Why did she watch me?

The bell rang and I wouldn't have to see these stupid chairs and desks for another 2 months. Lockers were emptied out at this point, and everybody was in a rush. Jenny was in a rush, to grab my hand and drag me off. We had planned to get ice cream that day. Just Jenny and I, except the other girl was there. Why was she there?

"Oh don't worry, she won't bother us, right?"

The other girl nodded. I could've sworn her hazel eyes could see everything in this world and beyond. There was something that was unsettling about her. Maybe it's because she was super pretty, dare I say on some days more than Jenny.

No, I shouldn't say that. Jenny is first, she's the prettiest. The other girl is second. That's it, this is never going to change. Keeping this in mind, we headed over to the ice cream place. Jake was busy with practice. I don't know where Abigail went. I didn't care. Maybe I should have.

In Baskin-Robbins there's a PB 'n J flavour, and hot fudge, it's my favourite. In Baskin-Robbins there's a Very Berry Strawberry flavour, and cherries, it's Jenny's favourite.

The other girl got the flavour Icing On The Cake. Just the one scoop, in a chocolate dipped waffle with sprinkles. I've never tried that flavour.

We sat down in the booth, Jenny pulled out her little calendar notebook, which was stamped on with Hello Kitty stickers and a pink sparkly fuzzy pen. The plastic feather from that pen almost got into my ice cream. She started writing, then asking me if I'm free this weekend. I said yes. Next week? I said yes- wait, no, I quickly said.

"Jake has practice on Fridays. Do you want to go together?" I had never seen Jenny light up so bright so fast. She only does that when Jake is around. "Yes! Maddy I love you." I smiled back, "me too."

I forgot the other girl was there, but she had gotten up to clean her hands because she had finished her ice cream. I looked down at my half-eaten cup.

– – – – –

It was hot outside, and the backpack that pressed against my spine made me despise how sweaty summer gets. I was hoping Jake's match would be over soon, and Jake's mom can bring us all to the ice cream place again. This time it was me, Jenny, Jake, Abigail, and the other girl. I sat beside the other girl on the bleachers. I was at the edge. Jenny and Abigail were screaming at the top of their lungs for Jake. The other girl was silent beside me, and during the game she brought her hand over to mine. I didn't really know how to feel about that.

Her hand was soft and warm.

Only Jenny did that, but Jenny was one of my only friends, so this is probably normal. I held the girl's hand too. I thought that the other girl could feel my heart beating against my chest, and I swear that my face was sunburned even though I put on sunscreen.