Moonrise | Paul Lahote

15

"Are the duo still... in a duo?"

"You're talking about Bella and Jacob?"

"Mhm."

It was a rainy afternoon, almost a month after Embry had shifted. Jenna and Jessica had a 6th-period free and were spending it in the library. They were supposed to be studying, but instead they were watching raindrops race each other down the windows like they used to do as kids.

"Of course," Jenna replied, smirking as her chosen raindrop overtook Jessica's. "They hang out almost every day. Usually, he goes over to hers, so I don't know what it's about."

Jessica hummed. "Well, she seems happier."

It was true, Jacob had somehow snapped Bella out of her daze. Now she smiled and laughed just like everybody else and was even willingly hanging out with friends at school again. She did have a few dark moments, but those weren't often enough to be worrying.

"Hopefully, he'll help her forget Edward ever existed," Jenna commented before pointing at the window. "I pick this one."

"This one," Jessica replied, gesturing at another droplet. "Do you think they'll get together?"

Jenna made a face. "Ew. God, I hope not. He's like twelve years old."

"He's sixteen," Jessica laughed.

"And she's eighteen," Jenna pointed out. "It wouldn't be right."

"They're already inseparable now. Isn't that the same thing?"

Well, fuck. "... whatever." Jenna sniffed. "As long as they're happy."

Jessica snorted, then grinned as her raindrop hit the sill. "Oh, look, I won."

"Ugh, mine got stuck." Jenna was searching for a new one when a thought hit. "Hey, how are things between you and her?" She exaggerated the last word so much it looked almost like she was gagging.

Jessica flicked her. "What's with that tone? And things are good. Great, actually."

Jenna arched a brow. "You literally cried yourself to sleep like three days ago."

"A week ago, actually," Jessica corrected airily. "And we made up."

"Did she apologize?"

"Yes."

"Did she say the words I'm sorry, or did she just pretend like nothing happened?"

Jessica frowned, glancing warily around them. She lowered her voice, hissing, "Can we not talk about this here? There are people—"

"Don't change the subject."

Jessica looked annoyed. "What is your problem?"

"What is my problem?" Jenna echoed incredulously. "What is her problem?"

"Why do you hate her so much??"

Jenna gaped at her. "Jess, she's been a bitch to me for basically my entire life!"

"Don't act like you haven't been a bitch to her too."

"I'm just returning the favor."

Jessica threw her hands up. "God, Jenna," she seethed. "You are so childish!"

Jenna balked at the outburst, but at the same time, anger was rising in her. "I'm the childish one??" she spat. "You're the one who thinks she's so in love with you—"

"Because she is! And I love her too, Jenna! I've loved her for months, and you know it. But you haven't even tried to make up with her," Jessica snapped, eyes glistening. "You're supposed to be my best friend. You're supposed to support me in this—"