Red Sparks

Chapter 47: Big Apple

Jane’s POV

I was playing the Coin Dozer game on my phone as I sat in the living room. I had gotten up early as Taegan had asked me to meet him at the Baker’s Park at lunch time. I still don’t know why he’s so anxious to meet me, I thought. Darn! I just used my last coin, as I tapped on my phone screen. Why am I even playing this game? I thought aloud. Both the Browns had already left the house as soon as they had breakfast, as they had errands to attend to; I didn’t mind, but I did feel a little guilty that I haven’t been spending time with them.

Buster came running into the room and jumped on me. “Hey boy” I said, as I gave him a hug. He barked and tugged on my shirt. “I get it. You’re hungry” I said, laughing as I stood up. I had just reached the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Did Taegan decide to meet here instead? “Just a minute Buster” I said, as I headed towards the front door. But when I opened the front door, there was no one in sight. I frowned. I was about to go in when I saw an envelope on the ground. I quickly picked it up and looked around the house. But there was no one in sight. I flipped it over and saw that it was addressed to me, with no return address. Perhaps it’s another CD from Harry, I thought happily. I immediately went back inside and shut the door. I was halfway up the stairs when I heard Buster barking madly. “Ooops! Sorry Buster, I forgot” I said as I hurried back to the kitchen.

After feeding Buster I went to my room and put the CD in the computer. I watched the video and felt like crying and laughing at the same time. Similar to the tape, he ended the video by saying “I care about you Jane. I’m always here for you” Why are you so caring Styles? I thought happily. I glanced at the clock on the computer. It was half past eleven. I better get going, I thought. I went downstairs quickly and locked the front door as I left the house.

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Taegan’s POV

I paced around the park as I waited for Jane to arrive. How am I going to break it to her? I thought. Might as well practice while I’m waiting, I glanced around to make sure she wasn’t in sight. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I turned to face the bench and pretended Jane was sitting there. “Jane, I’m sorry but you won’t see me again after today. I’ve been scouted to play volleyball professionally and I leave for New York at 6pm today with my dad. I promise I’ll keep in touch whenever I can with you” I said, looking intently at the bench. That sounded alright Taegan, I said quietly to myself. “What??!” I heard a familiar voice say behind me. I gulped. I whirled around. I saw Jane standing there, tears streaming down her face. I walked towards her but she took a few steps back. “What do you mean you’re leaving today?” she demanded. I felt my heart breaking. I couldn’t stand to see her crying. “Please let me explain” I said, reaching for her hand. She glanced at it and slowly walked over to me. I pulled her slowly towards the bench and sat down.

I bit my lip to hold back the tears. “Jane” I began slowly. She turned to me, her eyes red now from crying. I put my arms around her shoulder and held her close. “I’m sorry. I just found out last night, when we came back from Mr. Tango. I would have told you sooner but it was already late at night” I said slowly. “You still should have told me” she said, as she choked on her tears. I grabbed a few tissues I had in my pocket and gave it to her. “Thanks” she muttered, as she blew her nose. “I’m sorry I can’t spend summer with you Jane. I really am. Please don’t be mad at me” I said, as I looked at her. She shook her head. “I’m not mad Taegan. I just wish I could have spent more time with you; and I’m happy for you that you’ve been scouted and that you’re going to New York to become a professional volleyball player. But isn’t your dream to be an editor? Like your mom?” she said, as she wiped her cheeks. “I can’t go against my dad Jane. He looked so proud when he found out I had been scouted. I’ve never seen him so proud Jane” I said. I pretended to cough as I felt a tear trickling down my cheek.