Lola Swan: Trough her eyes (1)

8 The other movie night

Jessica opens the door: 'Hey.' She greets Angela, who hands her jacket to Jessica.

'Angela, it's good to see you. Are you girls going to watch another movie?' Jessica's mother stands in the kitchen. She looks through the door opening to the girls in the hallway.

'Yes, Mrs Stanley.' Angela answers.

'That's good to hear. Is Lola coming over as well?'

'No, Mom, she stays with her sister.' Jessica says: 'Her sister moved back, and she wants to spend as much time with her as possible.' She told her this many times, and her mother probably gossiped with the neighbours about it, her coworkers and her friends. 'Do you want a soda?' She asks Angela.

She nods and takes the glasses Jessica's mom holds out to her: 'Thank you, Mrs Stanley.'

They go upstairs, and Angela starts looking at the DVDs. They didn't decide on the movie yet. Jessica takes the chips she brought to her room and pours the soda into the glasses: 'Do you want to watch mean girls?'

'Yes, sure.' Angela nods while answering. Jessica is glad. They both know Jessica loves this movie, but Lola doesn't. Angela isn't that difficult and likes to watch most of the movies the other girls choose. It's not that they never watch Angela's favourite movies. It just happens less often.

Jessica puts her DVD in her laptop and presses play. The girls sit against the wall, each on a pillow on the floor. The computer stands a bit further. While the movie plays, they eat chips and concentrate on what happens on the screen. They both realise that this isn't their best idea. Jessica looks at the shape of her nails and starts filing them. 'How do you think Lola's sister is settling in?'

Angela looks up from the movie: 'Bella?'

Jessica nods. She didn't want to talk about it at school anymore. It doesn't mean she wants it to go badly. Lola is her best friend. She wants to at least try to get to know her sister.

'I hope so.' Angela answers: 'But everything will be ok. Tomorrow is her first day.'

'Yes.' Jessica nods. She puts the file away and sits up straighter: 'I'm sure she'll fit in.' She falls silent, and the conversation stops. She never considered that Lola made such a big difference in this friendship.

—last week

The movie is playing, and Lola laughs: 'Jess, stop spoiling it.'

'But we've seen it before.' She counters.

'It doesn't make a difference. Angela, you need to back me up here.' Lola turns towards the other girl.

'Take some food.' Angela holds out the box of chocolate cookies. Lola gladly takes one. 'It helps? Doesn't it?'

Lola mumbles something whiles eating and swallows: 'At least Angela offers food.' Jessica raises her eyebrows. Lola takes another cookie: 'Here, Jess.' She hugs her friend from the side: 'Ok, what's happening next.' Jessica's face softens. Lola goes back to her original position between the other two and grins at Angela.