Listen To Your Heart

Blue Roses

Jane ran as fast as she could. The cove was a good five miles away from the school campus, but her mind was a blur and all she could think about was getting as far away as possible from the school. She realized that someone was after her, hearing footsteps behind her. She didn't want to listen to Ali, or whoever it was. Hopefully she'd lose them behind the moss wall.

When she reached "the Spot", she carefully lifted the moss wall that opened up her secret cove. There was a full moon tonight, illuminating the beautiful pool. The stars were out and that calmed Jane a bit. She nestled herself between a tree and a rock and just started sobbing. She was exhausted, physically and emotionally. She was tired of running, she was tired of the stupid heels Evie made her wear. She kicked them off her feet. But most of all she was tired of not being good enough.

Ali never really liked her. Why would he? Even after Mal fixed her hair, there was nothing she could do to change her face, or her shortness, or her chunkiness. There was nothing special about her. She was never going to be as beautiful the princesses at Auradon. Almost every single girl there was a princess, even Mal, her royal status would come with marriage to a prince. Jane wasn't worthy of marrying a prince. She was never going to be that girl. The one that everyone adores, the one that is smart without being nerdy, the one who is outgoing, the one who is gracious and kind and beautiful and can walk without falling on her face. The one that could have the guy she likes, like her back. The one that wasn't absolutely pathetic. She only sobbed more.

Carlos approached Jane quietly, as to not disturb her. He followed her after learning about the whole ordeal with Ali. Her heart wrenching sobs broke his heart. He couldn't bear to see one of his best friends like this. He lightly put his hand in her shoulder and she looked up, wiping tears away from her eyes.

"Carlos?" She said, choking back sobs. "What are you doing here?"

Instead of answering, Carlos held out his arms and Jane collapsed into them, crying her poor eyes out. Carlos wrapped his arms around her and hugged her while she cried into his chest. His tux was probably stained with tears and makeup, but he didn't care. He just rubbed her back while she let it all out. After a while, he realized that she was no longer crying, just shaking and breathing heavily.

She pulled away and wiped away the remaining tears. She knew she probably looked horrible with red, puffy eyes and mascara running down her face, and all over her white dress, but she didn't care. It's not like she has anyone to impress. She adjusted her dress and sat next to Carlos, laying her head on his shoulder and the two just sat in silence, staring up at the stars.

"Ali is an idiot," Carlos said, breaking the silence. Jane gave him a weak smile and merely nodded, looking at the ground. He lifted her chin to face him. "I mean it."

"Yeah, well it hurts," Jane sighed. "But it's not completely unexpected."

"What do you mean?"

"Carlos! What happened?" Jane exclaimed, changing the subject. She was looking at his bruised knuckles. "Your hand!"

"Oh yeah, that." Carlos said chuckling nervously. "I may have punched Ali right in his stupid, cheating face. Oops?"

Jane stared at him wide eyed. "That's so sweet, Carlos. But you didn't have to do that."

Carlos blushed. "I know, but he deserved it. For being a complete jerk and making you cry."

"Well, thank you."

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For everything that happened tonight. I know you really liked Ali and he turned out to be a buttface."

Jane giggled. "It's not your fault. You don't have to apologize."

"Well, I'm still sorry."

"Well, I'm sorry about you and Annabelle." Jane replied. Carlos stiffened at the mention of her name.

"You shouldn't be sorry about that either. Especially considering she stole your dress."

Jane paused. "You know about that?"

"Yeah," Carlos said. "She told me right before she dumped me. Why didn't you tell me?"

Jane looked down. "Because I didn't want to ruin her for you. You really liked her and what kind of friend would I have been to get in between you two?"

"I understand. But if it makes you feel better, I'm pretty sure you looked better in it than she ever will."

Jane blushed at that comment and looked away. Carlos realized what he said and turned a deep shade of red himself. They just avoided each other's gaze and sat there awkwardly.

"Well,it's getting late," Jane said. She got up and Carlos immediately missed the warmth of her bodynext to him. "We should get back to our dorms."

"You go ahead," Carlos said. "I think I'll stay a little longer."

"Ok,"Jane said. She gave a him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Carlos blushed. "Thank you for everything. You're a great friend."

Friend. That word stung a little to Carlos, and he didn't know why. He might have a slight crush on Jane, but he really shouldn't. Jane's not in the place for that now, after her major heartbreak. He would be what she wanted him to be, her friend.

He watched her retreating figure and he became confused. He was pretty sure Jane wore a white dress to prom. It may have been the light or he may have been a little tired, but he swore that her dress was now blue.