Only Just Begun

Lives on Hold

— I have a surprise for us. — Daniel announced, his eyes twinkling with excitement, as they sat at a corner table in the cozy warmth of the SWEET café, cappuccinos steaming between them.

Jerry arched a brow, lifting his cup. 

— I love surprises. — he said, managing a small smile, but his voice lacked its usual spark.

Truth was, his mind wasn't there. It hadn't been anywhere grounded for days. A full week had passed since he'd last seen Carol, and the weight of her absence was beginning to press down on him. Not even the comfort of familiar routines or long walks through Hyde Park could ease the growing ache inside him. He'd tried. God, he'd tried. Wandering the park in the hopes of seeing her again, replaying every detail of that unforgettable night, but she never appeared.

Still, something stopped him from going to Drayton Gardens. Pride, maybe. Or fear. The fear that he'd show up only to learn she didn't feel the same. The fear that what they'd shared had meant more to him than it did to her. And so, he kept his longing to himself, contained, silent, aching. Not even Daniel knew the truth. After their last tense conversation about her, he had made the decision to bury it all deep down. The last thing he needed was more conflict, especially with the one friend he trusted most.

— Three tickets. — Daniel said, practically bouncing. — Hyde Park Festival. This Saturday. Vance Joy, John Newman, Ellie Goulding... and Taylor Swift.

Jerry blinked. 

— Seriously? You got those tickets?

Daniel nodded like a kid with a secret stash of candy. 

— Yup. We're in.

— That's amazing. — Jerry couldn't deny the rush of excitement, even if part of him still felt... hollow.

— Guess who's coming with us?" — Daniel grinned.

— Who?

— Tessa.— His smile softened into something warmer. — Things have been... progressing. I'm thinking of officially asking her out during the festival.

Jerry raised his cappuccino in a mock toast. 

— That's awesome, man. I'm happy for you.

Daniel beamed. 

— Love's in the air, huh? — Then, after a beat, too casually: — And what about you? Finally letting go of the Carol fantasy?

Jerry paused. His gaze flicked to the foam of his coffee, fingers tightening around the mug. He wanted to tell the truth. That he still thought about her every night. That he woke up some mornings with the echo of her voice in his dreams. That even imagining her in his arms was more fulfilling than anything real he'd experienced in a long time. But instead, he lied.

— Yeah... you were right. It was just a fantasy. — He shrugged, playing it cool. — Time to enjoy the holiday and move on.

Daniel studied him for a moment, clearly unsure whether to believe him. But eventually, he nodded. 

— Good. That's good. No drama, just good vibes. We've got so much to do in London... music, parties, late nights. We're gonna make memories, Jer. Real ones.

Jerry forced a smile, the kind that didn't quite reach his eyes. He nodded along, pretending to let go of something he still clung to with both hands. He wasn't ready to admit that Carol had left more than just an impression, she'd left a mark. And no amount of festivals or laughter could fill the space she'd quietly carved into his heart.