fangirl | h.s

four

Carolina

Jane had already been on her way to my place by the time I got off the phone with her when she could no longer speak through her sobs.

The reason she was upset remained unknown until she came knocking on my door, a violet duffel bag dragging behind her as she stomped inside my apartment, tears staining her pale cheeks.

"How long are you staying?" I questioned as she throws the bag onto my bed.

"Until I feel like going home." Jane replied, her voice laced with annoyance. I nodded then sat next to her on my bed, waiting for an explanation.

"Alex broke up with me." I rolled my eyes and shook my head but waited for her to continue.

"Don't say you told me so, I know that I should've listened, I just don't need to hear it right now. You weren't right about him, he just..."

"He just what?" She shook her head slowly, tears forming in the corners of her eyes again. I sighed and leaned my head on her shoulder. When she choked out a sob, I spoke again.

"Jane you're 14, please remember that you will meet many more guys in your life and there will definitely be someone better out there, someone better than Alex. He's a jerk." I cringed after repeating what I'd just said in my head, realizing how insensitive I sounded.

"I mean, you'll start high school in September and there will be tons of hot guys there, right?" She nodded at my pathetic attempt to cheer her up, but I wasn't exactly the best at doing so anyway, and she already knew that.

"Yeah you're right, but I'm just so sad." Jane grabs my teddy bear from behind me and brings it to her. I thought for a moment, trying to come up with what might make her feel better and was instantly struck with an idea not only benefiting Jane, but me as well. With the memories of the events from weeks ago lingering in the back of my mind, I knew it would be favorable for me too.

"Why are you smiling?" Jane mumbles, clearly growing irritated with me for not paying attention.

"How about we go shopping?" She perks up and grins cheerfully, nodding her head pleased with my suggestion.

The entire car ride was silent, aside from the occasional outburst from Jane who claimed she should have dumped Alex ages ago. I was perplexed by how upset she was but remembered that maybe I just didn't understand how she felt since my past "relationships" we're no more than hallways hugs, shy cheek kisses, and sweaty hand holding.

I'd never been in a real relationship before, hence why I had doubts this so called break up could have left Jane so heartbroken. While I wondered about this, my mind also raced with the possibility of seeing Harry again. It's been weeks since I last saw him, and I knew the chances of seeing him again were improbable.

My mind battled between what I would even do if I had the opportunity to see him another time, the person I think about nearly every day. I've stopped talking about it of course but the memory follows me everywhere, in the back of my mind ready to take over, every chance it gets.

"Carolina, we're here." I nodded and stepped out from the back of the van, then walked over to the front of the car.

"Bye Daddy, I'll text you every hour and call you to pick us up." I smile and bend over the edge of the window to kiss his cheek.

"Be careful Carolina." I nod and wave, Jane repeats my actions.

She giggles, taking my hand in her own and dragging me inside the crowded shopping center, greeted with an endless mixture of aromas.

"Why are we in the food court?" I ask dumbly, completely focused on finding someone who probably can't even recall by existence.

"I'm hungry," Jane returns as she tugs on my shirt. I don't respond as my eyes fixate on a tall figure whose back was facing me. My heart raced in my chest and excitement seared through me as I examined the loose curls hanging on the individual's shoulders.