CHANGING MATT

DON'T

Jenna

I sneak in as silently as possible into my room, desperately hoping that Carolina wouldn't catch sight of me. But it doesn't work, that girl sees everything like a hawk.
"Where have you been?" She asks, staring up into my eyes. I notice that like me, she's been crying. Something feels amiss in my room, but I can't point my finger at it.
"At the reception with Lauren. Matt and I finished off early." I head over to my bed, and she halts me in my tracks.
"Flora's gone. She said to tell you not to go near any of her stuff"
I roll my eyes.
"Well, that explains the unusual joy that hit me the second I stepped in here" I joke, but Carolina doesn't even make an attempt of a laugh.
"What's the matter with you?"
"Flora and Jones happened, again" she twists her fingers, and her sadness reflects in her eyes. She needs to be consoled, but that's something we mutually need.
"Oh" I mouth out, stretching out on my bed and shutting my eyes in an attempt to zone out of reality.
"I'm just confused, you know? But at least I know that staying angry would only hurt me. I should apologize for walking out on Jones" she continues, and I almost choke on my surprise at her words. I want to render a little piece of advice, but I realize she isn't talking to me at all. I've been in this kind of state many times, where my good side holds conversations with my bad side.
"I should get used to it" she continues, "seriously, I can't blame him for not being able to resist Flora Grey. She's a walking goddess. And just look at me."  She breaks into little sobs, clutching her pillows and searching frantically for comfort.
" and look at you, you have everything going for you too" she blabbers on, and I almost burst into laughter at her words.
"Besides my academics, I can't name one thing going for me"
"Well at least you have something"
"Matt kissed me" I blurt out subconsciously, and she squeals with surprise, practically hoping over to my bed, like a lost rabbit, might I add.
"Why didn't you tell me? Give me all the details Jennifer. NOW." But in all reality, there's no detail to give
"It lasted for three seconds. And he shoved me right after it" I reply  dryly, picking at my nails. From the corner of my eye, I can see her eyes widen with sympathy.
"I'm so sorry Jenna. Matt, he's-"
"I'm over it" I snap, hating the attention I'm suddenly receiving as though I'm a dying person.
"Just stop it, okay? Seriously, the encounter with Matt doesn't make me less human. Okay?" She nods obediently, returning silently to her side of the room. Minutes go by without either of us saying a word to each other.
"Do you love him?"
"Wh-what?" I'm clearly taking aback by her question.
"I'm asking if Jenna Moore loves Matt Miller" I try to say 'no', but for some reason the word can't leave my mouth. I'm almost tongue tied.
"Yes" I reply honestly, avoiding her gaze.
"Don't"
"What did you say?"
"Don't. Matt Miller, I've known him for years. He would ruin you" And I know that Carolina Dallas, has never been more right.