Three years after his mother's death, Noah Reed is lost once again. Unsure of where to go after running from his problems for so long, he ends up back home, wanting a place to finally settle down. He's ready to tie up loose ends and to try and corre...
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Walking through the city center of Magnolia Heights, I find myself doing a double-take and wondering if my eyes are playing tricks on me.
Across the street, I watch as a girl emerges from the Magnolia Heights Café, walking down the street with an iced coffee in hand. My gaze scans over her before flickering past, not thinking much of her. However, it suddenly dawns on me that something about the girl is all too familiar, and I find myself quickly turning around to get a second glance.
I study the girl as she faces my direction, taking her in. At first, she seems unrecognizable to me. Although there is something familiar about her presence and facial features, I'm almost certain I don't know her. She has shoulder-length honey blond hair, and dark sunglasses block half of her face from view. She takes her sunglasses off just as I'm about to continue walking, and that's when I'm left to realize that I do know her.
Beneath the sunglasses lay sharp cheekbones and a heart-shaped face, pretty yet intimidating all at once. I don't recognize her until I meet her dark brown eyes, and that's when it hits me. The girl that has caught my attention is Jess, as in Blake's best friend Jess.
The last time I saw Jess, she was a lively brunette who had no problem telling people off and speaking her mind. She had been one of my closest friends. No matter how intimidating she seemed, I trusted her with my life.
However, I get the feeling Jess's scarier side would come out to play if I were to approach her. I suppose that's why I merely stand in place, staring at her as I wonder if I should keep walking or go say hi.
I'm still trying to make up my mind when Jess abruptly turns around, her dark gaze quickly landing on me. I watch as her eyes widen in recognition as she studies me quizzically, features pinching in anger. Suddenly, Jess crosses the street and marches my way with purpose, causing panic to flow through my veins.
She reaches me in record time. I don't have a chance to speak or take in her sudden appearance before Jess is all up in my face, pulling her hand back before her palm sharply makes contact with my cheek.
Once I get over the shock of the fact that blonde Jess just slapped me, I somehow manage to cup my cheek and murmur, "Ow."
"Ow?" Jess snaps, glaring at me. "After everything you did, that's all you have to say for yourself?"
Jess pulls back her hand like she's going to slap me again, and I'm grateful that my reflexes kick in this time. Before she can make contact with my face, I grab her wrist and hold it still, keeping myself safe from another sharp slap.
"I'm sorry," I blurt before Jess can go off on me, meaning the words. "I know, Jess. And I'm sorry."
Jess's expression is conflicted, as if she thought she'd have to slap me another million times before I actually apologized. I release her wrist slowly, afraid that if I set her free she will smack me again. However, her hand merely falls limply to her side, though the anger in her eyes still hasn't faded.
