Here Lies Jane Doe

This Little Bird

I sighed as I dropped my phone beside me because it was my fault that Jane Doe had posted a hit about Sebastian and Emma's relationship, but I had to in order to save him. Jane Doe asked me for a secret, but I didn't have one that I wanted to keep, so the secret wasn't 'deleted'. It was posted. Sebastian had already called me to have a go at me and I had to lie to him to protect our friendship. I hated to think about what might have happened if he found out the truth.

It was the morning after and I still felt dreadful for what I had done. Perched on the alcove by my bedroom window, I hugged a small pillow to my chest. Everything seemed to be falling apart for me. Sebastian was angry at me because his relationship with Emma was breaking down and nearly out in the open. Harper seemed to be avoiding me after some sort of issue with Tommy. I understood that he was her brother, but I couldn't be held accountable for the things that came from Jane Doe. Meredith was still being off with me over the fact that I was 'dating' Sebastian, but that didn't bug me that much – she was still dating that creepy Dustin guy. Then there was Violet who still seemed to judge me over everything that was going on. Henry was about the only person who seemed to be talking to me. Unfortunately for me, he was so engrossed in courting Violet that he didn't have the same kind of time for me and Sebastian that he used to.

"Victoria?" Mom said, knocking on my door.

I wiped my eyes, hoping to erase any trace of tears. "You can come in Mom."

The door opened slowly and Mom stepped in wearing a figure hugging cobalt blue sleeveless dress. If there was one thing I hoped to inherit from my mother, it was her sense of fashion – or at least her wardrobe. She slowly strolled over to me and sat down in the chair by my desk.

"I wanted to speak to you about your birthday. I know that it's Henry's birthday before, but I thought it might be nice for us to confirm a few of the finer details. Your father and I wanted to go over- Victoria, have you been crying?"

My head shook quickly. "No- of course not. I was just thinking."

"About what?" Mom reached out, putting her hand on my leg. "I know that look."

"Nothing special..." I shrugged my shoulders before exhaling sharply. "Sebastian thinks I told someone something that he wanted to keep a secret."

"And did you? Tell his secret?"

"No!" I exclaimed. "I would never do that to Sebastian- he's my best friend. Just like Blair was yours, Sebastian and Henry are mine."

"Then if you haven't said anything, you are in the right and eventually he'll realise that. He'll come around, sweetie. Time will encourage that." Mom paused, pursing her lips slightly. "I have a meeting in California and will be leaving tonight."

"Tonight?" I stammered. "I don't want you to go."

"I know you don't, Victoria, but this is for another potential contract. The studios outside of New York are thriving so the partners and I are looking at studio lots in California and potentially Seattle to compliment New York. The meeting could change our lives again."

Outside, I noticed a lone pigeon flying past the house and settle on a tree down the street. It seemed so calm and at peace that I realised I needed to be positive for Mom's sake. She had her family at heart. Me, Dad, Eric and my grandparents were always at the forefront of her mind.

"You still haven't told me about whether or not I can do work experience at the New York studio?" I asked shyly, trying to keep a positive expression on my face.

Mom stood up slowly, heading for the door with a bright smile on her face. "Oh- didn't I tell you? My assistant Matty would only be too happy to help you out and get you sorted for work experience. Just send him an email to confirm the dates. Even if it's next week, that'll be fine. Matty is a genius, I don't know what I'd do without his organisation. Sweetie, I love you, but I need to go and pack. You can call me if you need me, in the evenings of course."