The Atlas Of Love

- fifteen -

2 weeks. What can you really do in 2 weeks? 14 days. How drastically can your life change in those 14 days?

I don't know about you, but my tables turned.

Dean had been away for half a month already and although he called me everyday, I could already feel him slipping through my fingers.

He gradually sounded more detached and it seemed as if the two of us were only sticking by each other for the sake of the friendship we've had over the years.

We usually didn't have anything to talk about. At first, we'd just stay on the line, hearing the other person breathe or hum a tune and now? Both of us seemed to be in a hurry to end the conversation and hang up.

Xander and I sat down very comfortably on the balcony one night and talked things out too.

He apologized and I did too.

Where was my life really heading to now? I had no idea.

With graduation right around the corner, and spring break coming up the day after tomorrow, I was quite excited and scared at the same time.

Kindergarten came and went, then middle school, elementary school and highschool also passed by in the blink of an eye and all I could do was replay those memories inside my head and break a little inside.

Now college. Of course I didn't make that many close friends as I did back in highschool, but the ones I had were just as precious.

Kara and I had booked our tickets for Paris in the beginning of the semester and we were hella excited for the trip.

We had always dreamt of travelling together, leaving behind all our worries. And it was finally happening.

Nick got signed up in the agency we had auditioned in and I couldn't be any happier for him. He will get a much better platform to let the world hear his angelic voice and he truly deserved it.

I, myself also signed a contract with the same agency. They were more than happy to take in 4 of my demos which would soon be sung by their artistes.

Kara said that I was 'living the dream', and although I do very much agree with her, I still felt strangely empty inside.

I was shopping for groceries with Jae after classes ended when I received a call from Kara.

I answered and before she could say anything, I swore at her as a sign of my love and respect for her.

Strangely this time, she didn't say them back and gave me a nervous chuckle.

"What's wrong Kara?" I asked. I knew something was wrong.

"Jane, can you come? We uh, really need to talk." She sniffed.

"Kara, are you crying babe? Oh my gosh what happened?"

"Just get here please." Her voice broke.

"Okay. Just take care and don't do anything to yourself okay? I'll be there."

My heart hammered inside my chest after she hung up. I've known Kara for a while now and she is not one to cry easily. I'm sure something big must've happened.

I informed Jae that I'd be taking off for some emergency and took the key from him.

I drove there in full speed, not caring if I get pulled over or not. Kara tried to take her own life back in 9th grade and I am not going to risk it this time.

My legs were shaking when I reached her apartment. I don't even remember if I locked the car or not. I just had to run there to her.

The elevator was out of order and I cursed out loud as I ran all the way up to the fifth floor.

I didn't bother to ring the bell and just banged on her door. She opened up immediately and came running into my arms.

Her eyes were bloodshot, her hair was messy and her makeup streamed down her face.

I wrapped my arms around her protectively and asked her what was wrong.

"Did you breakup with Nick?"

"No."

"Did he cheat on you?"

"No."

"Then did you cheat?"

"No."

"Then what's wrong honey? Please tell me."

We were now seated on the couch in the middle of the sitting room, I made us some tea and took out some biscuits. Kara sat across me at the other end of the couch, staring into nothing.

Kara stayed silent and I sighed, waiting for her to say something.

"I can't come to Paris."

"Why? What the-- is this why you were crying? Are you out of your mind?! You made me run here like an idiot." I snapped.

She just looked at me apologetically.

I rolled my eyes, picked up the empty cups and walked to the kitchen.

"I'm pregnant."

I dropped the cup right there, breaking it.

"What?" I left the shattered pieces just lying on the ground and walked back to her.

She nodded. "Yes, Jane. I'm pregnant." Her tears slowly trickled down her cheeks.

"Honey. I, uh. I don't know what to say. Does Nick know about this? Is he, is he happy?" I put my hand over hers.

"He knows." She looked away, wiping her tears.

"He hasn't been home since last night."