2:1

Chapter 26 - replaced

Jess / Sophie           

"Don't give me that look!" Jess sighed as herself and Steph walked through town to the shopping centre.

It was about 8pm and they were currently heading to a student shopping night, which claimed it would 'have all the best student discounts for one night only!' Although it did sound quite appealing as anything involving money off did, Jess was being hugely judged right now by her friend.

"I'm not giving you a look. I'm just cautious."

"Which I appreciate but you don't need to be."

Jack had told Jess that he and his friends would be there and that she should come along. At first, the idea hadn't seemed like a good one as Jess didn't want to be surrounded by a bunch of people she didn't know. However, after persuading her course and housemate Steph to come with her, she was sold.

"Well it's going to be as awkward as hell for me. I'm going to be a major third-wheeler." Steph complained as the thought caused her face to scrunch up.

"You won't, I promise. We won't hang out with them, I'll just say hi and we can go and shop." Jess tried to rationalise however, her friend didn't seem all too convinced.

"Just please don't leave me."

"I won't."

As Jess and Steph made their way inside the huge shopping centre, it didn't seem possible that she would even get to find Jack. He hadn't text letting her know where he was or what he was doing so she just assumed he'd mingled himself among the crowds. However, as both girls headed into Topshop to pay Sophie a visit as she was working, they should have guessed that Jack and friends would be there.

Jess spotted them instantly as they were stood off to the side, distracting Sophie who was soaked up in conversation. She had text Jess the following night filling her in on the tragic situation she had found herself in with her parents therefore, it was likely she was appreciating being away from the house for a few hours.

"Jess!" Sophie was the first to spot her as she began waving frantically and ushering her over.

Jess looked to Steph to try and make sure she was okay with heading over as she knew that she likely hadn't spoken a single word to them before. But earning an agreeable look, she then made line for Sophie with Steph following behind her.

It was always awkward when you were stood off to the side while one of your friends chatted to someone you didn't know. You'd always feel as though you were just in the way and an unnecessary part of this group situation. That was exactly how Steph was currently feeling as they exchanged hugs and began engrossing in conversation about things she didn't know about. Therefore, grasping Jess' attention for a moment, she then headed off to have a wander around the shop so she didn't feel so stupid.

"How are you? How is it going with your parents?" Jess instantly threw the questions at her, eagerly wanting to know what was happening.

"It's tragic." Sophie teased, although she was also being deadly serious. "They are staying at my actual house, trying to tell me what to do."

"I couldn't deal with that. I struggle going home for holidays when my mum starts trying to tell me what to do."

That was one of the most difficult interactions that students and parents had to get used to once the process of moving to Uni had occurred. Your child always left needing you and relying on you for virtually everything however, when they came back, they had usually gained enough skills to make them that bit more independent. Each time they came back for a holiday, you'd notice the difference in them and it was about finding that balance where you allowed them the freedom they had at uni but without giving up all of you parental duties.