per ☹ fect // zalfie

per ☹ fect

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

― Dr. Seuss

Uncomfortable we arrived at the shopping centre which was buzzing with different people, music playing loudly over the chatter. Old couples siting on the benches eating there plain cheese sandwiches, gangs of teenagers laughing and joking. Couples holding hands and kissing, women pushing prams as there children smiled. Families smiling and being happy together.

Happy families.

I looked over at Joe who seemed to be admiring a young family, a father, a mother, a toddler and a baby in the mothers arms. Similar to ours, but happy. A blurry version came to eye silent witnessing the happy family, a swept of jealously. Something I always wanted. Over my thoughts I could hear everyone chattering and Jack squeezing my hand.

I became very aware of the presence of Jack standing behind me, lightly wrapping his arms around me.

"Hey..." That annoying voice said, breaking my thoughts.. "Sweetheart" I swatted away of someone's fingers pushing against my cheek. A groan came out from Jacks mouth as he unwrapped his arms around me. "Why are you acting so weird, staring at that family!" He asked rudely.

"I'm not" I groaned. "I've just got a bad headache" I lied resting my head in my hands shaking. "I better go and catch up with Louise" giving Jack a fake smiling before rushing towards Louise who was texting on her phone.

"Matt" I sniggered.

"Jack" she mocked me, earning a push. "Right let's shop and get your minds out of the clouds" she smiled.

"Zoe!" Louise cries, exasperated. She hanged everything back on the racks and gave me a frown. "Stop being impossible" she stormed her feet, over to another rack. I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Why did you give Jack the cold shoulder then?" She asked eager to hear gossip.

" I didn't" I whimpered. "I'm just in a bad mood" I admitted.

Louise's eyes darted around the room "period?" She whispered.

"No" I gasped then laughed. "It's nothing" I sobbed quietly.

"Zoe, I know you barely know me but I feel like were really close friend. You can tell me anything" she said sweetly. "My chummy" she added.

"It's hard, really" I let the overwhelming of tears pour out as Louise wrapped her arms around me. "My mum" was the last word I spoke.

"Let's go back to the dorm room" Louise said, grabbing her shopping bags and tugging me along as I cried into her shoulder. "I'll get Joe".

"No no no" I whispered. "I'm not allowed to tell anyone".

"Ok" she deeply breathed. "How are we going to be back to school?" She sighed hopelessly looking around outside.

"I don't know".

"Alfie" her voiced lifted as she pulled her phone out of back jean pockets. "Zoe and I need to go back" she explained. "Really? Thanks Alf!" She giggled then swiped the call to end. A neutral smile came to face as Alfie came wondering towards us, clutching his car keys.

"Here comes the hero" He joked, smiling at Louise. " you guys are the heroes, getting me away from Jack. He's really annoying" he stopped and cranked his head over at me. "Sorr you and Jack are dati"

"We're not dating" I said firmly. Turning away from Alfie however I felt his eyes still watching my every moment,

"Sorry" he muffled.

"Thats ok, I'm just in a mood" I quietly responded.

"Right, get in my ladies" he kindly unlocked the car door as Louise climbed in the back.