The Feel of Water

Six - When I was Your Age

A/N: So here are the next five chapters. I just wanted to put this out there for anyone who wants to keep reading. I've been pouring a lot of time into this story recently, so I might as well release more!

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"It was fine. We grabbed some food and talked. He seems nice but we all know what's going to happen."

"I mean, obviously. Jen has probably heard that he went out with another girl by now, and soon enough she'll go running back. But at least you can say you went out with Sean."

"He probably pulled the same moves on you that he did on me," Allison mutters. "I'm just glad I have Nick now. At least you're aware that Sean is nothing but empty promises."

"Yeah, no," I clarify, "it was just for fun. I'm not expecting to hear from him ever again."

"What about Jamie? Is he really going to homecoming with Jen?" Alisha asks.

I rest my elbows on the lunch table. "Whatever. Maybe I'm over Jamie too. High school boys only want one thing anyway. I just want to focus on my classes and make sure Emilie makes it through outpatient."

Becca sits up. "Wait, wait. No. Dani, this is only the beginning. You're finally stepping into the world of romance not completely giving up."

"I agree with Becca. Don't give up," Alisha says. "Who knows, the next guy might be your Javier."

"Hey guys, look," Allison points to the doors, "it's Jen."

We all turn to the cafeteria doors and watch as Jen walks through. She heads straight for Nick's table where Jamie sits like a duck, ready to be shot by her bullet. He smiles when he sees her and moves over so she can sit down. I look away and clasp my hands in my lap.

"I guess that answers that," Becca says.

"Poor guy. He seemed so genuine," Allison mutters. "How did he fall under her evil spell?"

"Maybe it's her crop top. Guys like the skin," I mumble.

"I wonder what Sean's gonna do."

"You think he'll try to fight him again?"

I leave the conversation and drown in my own thoughts. I know it shouldn't bother me-nothing happened between Jamie and me-but it's as if a rain cloud has drifted over my head.

The rest of the day teeters by. Jamie was suddenly all over the place, but now it feels like he's moved schools again. I wander the hallways as if the layout of each building has been rearranged, as if I haven't gone to this school for three previous years. Everything feels off right now. Jamie isn't supposed to be with Jen. Sean is supposed to be with Jen. Emilie is supposed to be away at college. Mom and Dad are supposed to be alive. I try to recall when everything got messed up, but I only end up back at their death.

Staring into my locker, I understand that this is a bad day. I have good days, and I have bad days. I've learned that's it's best to just make it through and hope tomorrow is different. If I could, I would be at home, in bed with my Dad's jacket on. It feels like he's there with me.

"Dani."

I emerge from my locker and find Sean nearing me. Confused, I close the small door and ask, "Yeah?"

"I want to see you again."

I breathe in, then out. "Yeah, I saw Jen and Jamie. I'm sure it won't last too long. Maybe until homecoming is over."

He leans against the lockers beside me. People begin to glance our way. "What do I have to do to get you at my party Saturday?"

"I'll be with my sister."