An Open Letter to Jolene (HS AU)

Kate

No, Harry and isn't my boyfriend, I never said that. He's so much more than that - he's my soulmate, my destined life partner. We're just meant to be, there's really no other option. It's Harry and Kate forever and always.

We've been going through a rough patch lately where he ignores me and dates other women, but I'm sure we'll get over it. We connect on a level that no two people have ever before. We're a bit like Heathcliff and Cathy. If we're destined to be apart, then it will probably kill me as it did Cathy. But as Heathcliff did, I know Harry will come to me in the end.

I went to work that afternoon with butterflies in my stomach. I hoped the letter would have the effect I wanted, and she would leave him as the others had, but I had to be patient. I knew Harry didn't come in much when I was working, but I still kept a watchful eye out for him. I had his order memorized and even practiced making it on my off time so it would be perfect the next time.

The bell over the door chimed as our next customer entered, and I spun around to greet them with my usual polite smile. Yet, upon seeing them hand in hand, the smile faltered, and my heart fluttered anxiously. They were happy, not what I was expecting, not part of the plan. Harry wrapped his arm around her and drew her closer, planting a kiss against her cheek. She giggled and blushed in his embrace, and jealousy coursed through my veins.

"What can I get for you?" I asked, my voice sounded sharp and felt like knives in my throat.

"I'll just have my usual -I think you know what that is- and for my lovely Jolene?" He asked and turned his head toward her. 

"I'll have whatever he's having." She replied in an overly sweet tone, batting her eyelashes at him.

I nodded and turned away from them, feeling sick at their display of affection. I routinely went through the motions of preparing the drinks (one with slightly less cinnamon). They were practically making out when I turned around to place their coffee on the counter, and I politely cleared my throat.

"That'll be $13.75." I stated, and Harry handed me a twenty. They barely acknowledged me as I got change from the register, and left it on the counter beside their drinks. I again cleared my throat, less politely this time.

Harry collected his money and coffee, and she pulled her hands off him long enough to grab hers. Before she left, she reached into her purse to grab something.

"Oh, and I think this is yours." She started to pull something out of her purse, and I froze when I recognized the paper. "You left it in your book, the copy of Anna Karennina you returned to the library earlier. I thought you might want it back."

My hands shook as I took the crumpled paper from her hands, and I glanced at her for a second. The look in her eye told me everything: she'd read it, Harry had clearly read it, and they didn't care. 

A/N: this is it for now! Thank you for reading, I hope you've enjoyed it so far!! 😃 If you like the story, please vote here: https://www.wattpad.com/787297712-styles-of-expression-hs-writing-contest-vote-vote

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