The Truth About Nora Jones

The meeting with Jules

The next day, June fifteen, I am heading to the park. I keep on focusing on getting a poker face, but I can't keep it for long. My relationship with Jules has been problematic in the past months, so it's time to correct it.

It all started because of the theater club idea, with Avery. With the club meetings once every Tuesday, we saw each other one day less per week. I was occupied with the background design, as I didn't really have much time for him.

Afterwards, to correct my way with my friends, we went to La Ronde, and he wasn't even in my group. During those two days, we barely talked since I was focused on one single task.

Yet I'm not blaming myself for it. I must repair my actions one person at a time, and at that time my friends were an issue. I couldn't just focus on Jules because I wanted you.

I don't know whether I should feel guilty or not considering the fact we both didn't really try to see each other. It didn't cross our minds since we had much going on.

It wasn't that we didn't want to, we just didn't have time for each other. That tears my heart in two, thinking how selfish this could have been.

My thoughts wandering elsewhere and my foot rumbling against the asphalt, I continue my way to the park. Jules scheduled a meeting, the two of us, at 10, at the local park.

I can't miss it. First, I'll be honest we obviously need that one couple therapy conversation. Two, I'm not a coward, and I don't want him to think I'd stand up to him.

Yes, you heard it right. Nora Jones has her own doubts and cares about people's opinions.

Nora? Calls out a voice in the middle of the park

Startled, I look over, just to see Jules, standing there. My boyfriend is casually wearing a grey sweater with pink flip-flops, as his brown hair flows all fluffy around his face. My eyes narrow; why didn't he wear something more...normal?

Looking at myself, I judge that I'm not better than him with my outfit. My hair is untied, as I am wearing a crop top with a blue vest on top. Along with cargo pants, which, considering to my genuine opinion, doesn't go well with my crop top.

Hi, Jules...I answer shyly with a small wave

Jules plops on a bench, looking over at me as he pets the spot next to him.

Be honest, Nora, how are you feeling right now?

My eyes widening slightly, I stare at him, torn with the feeling of pretending everything's fine or embarrassing myself by telling everything.

I-I guess I'm fine, thinking about what I used to go through...I hesitate

Fine? Only fine? What's wrong? Fine is being at the edge of bad, and really close to going through a breakdown.

I sigh at his words; conscious he is right. Sometimes, I wish he wouldn't be a local dictionary like this. He reminds me what's right and what's wrong, but sometimes he tends to be a little prideful. I guess that's something I must live with.

Oh, you know, the whole package. Everything's fine with the girls, along with my family...Yet Karma's existence just makes me even more depressed because it reminds me of my mother...Plus, I miss you. I admit

Jules' eyes widen slightly, as his expression immediately softens. He loses his gaze around us, his lips hesitating to curl in a smile. Jules sighs as he looks at me, seemingly a bit nervous.

I miss you too. There are a few issues considering Ann-Marie...

What? Did she try getting back with you? I panic, hanging to his arm, knowing she can be persuasive

Jules chuckles nervously and nods his head, looking away from me. His gaze remains neutral, and he doesn't look nervous. Oof, that's reassuring me. If he's not nervous, then there's no reason I should be. Yet if he's too calm about the situation, then there is an issue. There must be something on with him if that's the case.

She doesn't stand a chance, my little poney.... he comments teasingly as he smiles sheepishly

Feeling my cheeks heating, I throw my hands in the air, flustered, looking away from him.

I'm not your little poney...

Jules chuckles and hugs me tightly, as a promise that we are even. Feeling my heartbeat slow down and my attitude shift to someone more positive, I sigh.

I can call you whatever I want! He pouts teasingly, poking my cheek

Oh, shut up! I retort with a giggle as I pinch his cheek back

***

A while later, I walk away from Jules, after a sweet moment of reconciliation. My hair banging against my chest and my fist knocking my front door, I wait.

My dad should be home by that time, and if not, I'll have to enter the garage. Which I don't really like, to be honest. The time of saying "Booh," my father opens the door and lets me in.

Hello dad! I greet him with a smile as he shakes his head with a frown

Tsk. Nora...where have you been?

Surprised by the sudden turn of events, I blink a few times and watch around the house. My grandparents are reading upstairs, and my father and I on the ground floor.

I was meeting up with Jules, I thought I told you earlier...

Oh, that's true. Well then, can I talk to you about something?

Nodding my head, I replace the part of my sweater that seemed to fall apart. I try to concentrate on his face as I grin at him, waiting for him to speak.

I have a promising idea. My father starts

Considering what? Karma? The grandparents? I don't know what this could be about...

Oh, but considering your birthday party with the girls, of course!