Don't Let Go

Change

I woke up, my body uncomfortably pressed next to Kendall's in the back of the Jeep. The windows were opened a cool breeze swept through them. "Morning," I yawned, giving Kendall a gentle poke in the back. She groaned and rolled over onto her stomach. I struggled to sit up, blinding sunlight shone straight into my eyes causing me to blink rapidly. I checked my phone. It was only 6:30, the time change was still messing with me.

"Are you awake already?" Kendall said next to me, shifting to squint at me.

"Yeah," I answered back, digging through my suitcase to find something to wear.

"Wow. I feel like I was trampled by elephants and then dragged through a parade, that's how tired I am," Kendall sat up, almost hitting her head on the top of the car.

"Same. Look at these dark circles," I turned to face her.

"Eh. You're fine. Wanna go to a coffee shop for breakfast?"

"I don't think they have Dunkin' Donuts on the West Coast," I sighed mournfully. I help up a pair of black shorts and a white tank top. "Yes?"

"Yeah, it's cute. I'm sure we can find some place to get so coffee," she pulled out her phone to map a Pete's or Starbucks. Neither of which could even compete with the coffee in New York, it was tragic, really.

We changed into our clothes inside our sleeping bags, which was awkward and a first-class struggle. The sun was glowing on the horizon when we started our walk and I could smell the salt from the ocean on the breeze. As beautiful as the day was, I could only think of one thing. Will. His voice, his hair, his lips. The thoughts were overwhelming, I was completely lost in the memory of last night. I was so grateful Kendall had convinced me to go to that party if she hadn't... well, I would have missed out on one of the most important moments of my life.

I decided to do some research. I pulled out my cell phone and typed into the server Will King: California, Art. Immediately, results filled the screen. I clicked on the first link and it brought me to a page that announced he'd won first place in a local contest. There was a photo of his drawing, it was something like a tree with a woman's face holding a child, but my eyes were drawn to the picture of his face accompanying the article. His black hair was combed neatly and there was a smile spread across his well-chiseled face, his dark blue eyes glinted. He was pure perfection. Flawless. Incredible. A perfect piece of art.

"What are looking at?" Kendall asked, leaning over my shoulder.

"Nothing," I quickly closed the window. The last thing I needed was Kendall thinking I had a crush on Will, she would never let me forget. Once, in second grade, I had liked a boy name Henry Payne, an infatuation I would have liked to forget about but because Kendall reminded me of it so often I finally gave up.

The Starbucks was crowded with tired, cranky customers, filling into a messy line to demand their caffeine. The workers bustled around, pumping this thing into that cup and pouring a mixture of ingredients into steamers. The smell of rich, warm coffee filled my nose and I closed my eyes to breathe it in.

"Can I take your order?" the overly peppy barista asked me, smiling widely.

"Uh, yeah. Just a vanilla latte with soy milk," I requested.

"Ooh, there are so many options," Kendall sighed. Her dark eyes scanned the board and clicked her tongue indecisively.
"Make up your mind," I laughed at her. The barista at the other end of the counter called my name. I poked Kendall to let her know I was going over to get my drink. I reached down to grab my drink when a hand covered mine reaching for the same cup.
"Sorry!" I said stepping back. It was Will. Immediately the room started spinning, my heart beat picked up and suddenly it was hard to breathe.
"Oh, uh hi. You," he said, awkwardly reaching his handout to shake mine. A little bit confused by his change in behavior, I shook it.
"How are you?" I asked, just to keep him there. I wanted us to talk again, I wanted another kiss.
"Fine. I gotta go," he said, gesturing towards a group of boys standing near the door.
"It was good to see you," I said after him. He barely nodded in response. Kendall came over to stand next to me, a steaming drink in her hand.
"Who was that?" she giggled.
"Nobody," I said shortly, trying to ignore the aching pain that was filling my heart. I still couldn't breathe, but now it was because of something else. It must have been his friends. That's why he acting like that, I said to myself but still I felt a prick of doubt.