Inside My Head

Chapter 16

To: hopeeeeee💞💞
Jackie: Hey love I missed talking with ya a lot while I was in Karaine. I'm home now tho and well rested!
Hope: FINALLY! TELL ME EVERYTHING
Jackie: Well, I got a solo coronation because my idiot brothers misbehaved. Now Jeremy is mad at me but honestly, screw him. Other than that, it was perfect!
Hope: I saw the pictures on your Instagram and your snap stories were hilarious. Grayson was freaking hilarious 😂😍 and about Jeremy, don't let him bother you. Dillon and Gage got over it and I know you're closer with them anyways🤷🏽‍♀️
Jackie: I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT YOUR CRYSH ON GRAYSON
Jackie: CRUSH*😏🤫
Hope: 🤐
Jackie: I know

To: Shawnie💙
Jackie: imy already :(
Shawn: Hey, I'll come to L.A. soon again. I promised to spend some time with my fam tho. imy2 bbg
Jackie: ofc enjoy the time with ur parents and sister! I'm just being a bit selfish wanting u to stay with me
Shawn: U have every right to be selfish. I want u too
Jackie: Oh?
Shawn: Love ya😉💘
Jackie: Love u too Mendes💙

To: brynnie-boo💘
Jackie: Did you get your phone fixed yet?

No answer, so I'm guessing she didn't. Oh Brynn. I rolled out of bed and walked downstairs to find my brothers and the Dolans eating lunch.

Jackie: Woah I know I slept in but you're already having lunch?
Dillon: It's noon and we're guys. What do you expect?
Jackie: I expected you to not say noon, you old grandma. Any chance you left anything for me?
Gage: No! Why would we get anything for sleeping-
Ethan: Actually, yes. It's in the bag on the counter.

Ethan was being unusually nice, and I was grateful. After being in Karaine and partying all night and most of the morning, I didn't really want to be bothered. I got dressed for the day, then headed downstairs and put on some sneakers.

Jackie: I'm heading out to go for a run, then I'm heading to the studio.
Ethan: Enjoy, my dancing queen!

I blushed and grabbed the handle to close the door. As soon as it was closed, I broke out into a jog. I needed to clear my head. It was filled with missing Shawn, and confusion about Ethan. Why was he being so nice? He's always been the goofy one, and he seemed tense in Karaine. What was with the change?

Missing Shawn was something I didn't think I would remember but I do. It hurts like hell, especially since we had been away from each other for so long, then as soon as everything is right and we are together again, he's gone again. I hope he'll stay in L.A. for a while.

To make things worse, I don't think I ever got over him. I've always love him, but I don't think I was ever as in love with him as I am now. He's such a gentleman, and he knows my brothers are protective. The great thing though, is that they already know him, so their approval will come easier. That, I was glad about, since everything with Alec....

Speaking of missing people, I most of all, miss Hope. After years of being friends and talking over the phone, we still hadn't had the chance to meet up after I vacationed in Connecticut that year we met. I understand where her parents are coming from, since she's only 16 and I'm 18 living in L.A. and I'm famous. What I don't understand is why I can't just fly there. For God's sake, I'm her best friend and she's mine!

That reminds me that she has a crush on Grayson! I can't believe it! Good thing Gray is single, because maybe once I see Hope again finally, then I can set them up! I'm almost certain he would love her! Then again, she is my best friend so maybe I'm just thinking of her fantasy and not a reality.

Ooh, and love is in the air for my other best friend, Sydney! I can't believe that her boyfriend is going to propose to her in 2 days, on her birthday. I'm so excited for her. She's going to freak when he asks her. Artur and Sydney had been together for 2 years now and are the cutest couple ever. One day, I want that for me and Shawn. Their love is clear to anyone. The only reason I know before her, is because he asked me what I thought before buying a ring. What a sweetheart! Of course I said he should propose because Sydney is completely in love with him.

My mind continued to wander as I jogged through the streets of L.A. It was getting close to when I had to be at the studio for rehearsal, so I started jogging in that direction.

While I miss my old studio and friends, I absolutely love my new one and I'd made new lasting friendships. Ella Sinclair had joined the studio the same year I did, and she's literally my other half. She had one older brother, and two sisters. We were both on the competitive team and could definitely pass for sisters.

Ella: Jackieeeeee! We're starting with our duet.
Jackie: Yes! I can't wait for everyone to see the completed version.

We hugged and got prepared for the dance. It was a musical theatre duet to "Sisters" from White Christmas. This is why I said we could pass for sisters, since we are quite literally playing sisters in this dance. Everyone sees the resemblance.

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Ella: So J, do you want to have a sleepover tonight?
Jackie: If that's alright with your parents! Come to my place. Liv and Will aren't home. They're still on their honeymoon, so we can kick my brothers out.
Ella: YES! We can get them to go to Ethan and Grayson's. Especially since Gage is a softie when it comes to you and I.
Jackie: So true. I walked here though, so I hope you don't mind walking back.
Ella: Starbucks first?
Jackie: Heck yes.