Magnoliophyta

19. JARED'S PAST

We moved with the crowd, swarming around us as more people boarded the bus that was to take us to the airport from the runway. We couldn't grab any seats, they filled up faster than you could say 'pop', so we hung on to our lives, taking support of seats and rods. After five minutes or so we reached the airport. we quickly came out of the bus and entered the building.

 The air felt cooler because of the air conditioners. Their were stores and shops lined up, containing items from food to toys to books. Everything was available but a little to pricey, so no one hardly even glanced towards the cool aesthetics of the stores because I guess they already knew that it would pinch their pockets. We quickly increased our pace and caught up with Will who was just coming out of the men's washroom.

We all stopped and freshened up over there. I swiftly tied my hair into a neat top bun and washed my face with cool water trickling down my hot and dirty face. We were ready to go in ten minutes. I kinda felt dashed when I saw we were taking a taxi instead of a sedan but I shrugged my sadness off. The ride was still pretty comfy, just not as ... 'luxurious'. 

The hotel we were staying in was pretty well kept, starry yellow lights hung from every nook and cranny. The receptionist was a pretty Indian girl wearing a scarlet sari and a batch that had her initials. After making conversation with her, we found out that her name was Juhi and this was her very first job. We wished her good luck and slid away to our rooms. Again we were paired the same way. Lil and I in one room, the boys in another and Will having a whole room to himself. 

It was decided that the search for the twins would start the next day. We felt relieved after the exhausting day of sedans and planes. Lil and I crashed onto the bed and switched on the TV. 'The Parent Trap' was coming so we just watched that. We were careful not to take anything from the mini fridge since that was not free or complementary. Then my mind drifted to our task for the next day. Troll hunting.

 " Hey Lil, do you know where we will find the trolls?" I asked in a sleepy voice.

"I was talking to Will before and he said that he knew the place, but he didn't disclose it." Lil replied.

"Did you notice anything...'peculiar' with Will. I mean he is Jared's dad yet I he doesn't talk to him or even show his affection to Jared. Isn't it odd?"

"I guess he is just ashamed of his past actions"

"Yeah, that must be it."

" Jade?"

"Yeah"

" Do you like Jared?" The question was so random and sudden it jolted me into an upright position. I gave it a little thought and blurted out.

" Of course I do, he is the first ever friend I ever had. " I  whispered.

" He likes you too, you know. I have seen him smiling when you're around. You are the first true friend he has had in a long time."

"Awww, really!?"

" Yeah! just keep in mind one thing..." Lil paused, her voice becoming grave.

" Just don't break his trust. His friendship."

" What!? of course I won't. Why would you say such a thing?"

" No no..." Lil said with significant alarm in her voice.

"I'm not saying you're like that, I am just making it sure cause he had a friend long ago. She was just like you. They used play in the fields and do everything together. Then one day she left and never came back. She was Jared's best friend and when she left, she took a part of him with her. He has never trusted anyone ever since. Even I am just someone who has been able to break through his first layer of protection but hasn't been able to go deeper. But.... you.... From the day he met you, he has changed. He is tearing through his shell and layers and layers of sadness. He is actually moving on.... because of you." Lil ended with a sigh.

"I had no Idea he had been through so much, but I assure you I am a very loyal person and he is my best friend and I won't EVER ditch him. Once a friend, always a friend." I smiled at Lil and she slowly nodded her head.

" You know... Jared was glowing after that night in the desert that he spent with you.He has really put his trust in you and I am glad that he did, knowing what a wonderful person you are Jade. Truly one of a kind." 

I found myself going red at the mention of the desert and I couldn't understand why. After all it just been a hug between two friends. " hh- hhow ... do you know about that night?"

" Let's just say somethings can't stay hidden forever." Lil smirked and winked at me with a wicked gleam in her eye. 

I laughed a soft silent laugh and lay back on the soft covers of the bed. I twisted my legs around the warm blanket and rested my head on my hands. I felt my eyes closing shut until the room in front of me was nothing but a void of darkness.

It was the time when I could dream and think and do anything. A time where nothing mattered, but my thoughts and emotions. I believe sleep is the most wonderful phenomenon that we experience. And with that my consciousness flickered out and I was experiencing the same phenomenon....'sleep'.