Not Over You // j.g. (wattys 2015)

One.

Lia Conrad
        As I rummaged through my drawer trying to find my favorite necklace, I came upon something else that brought back so many memories. I took one look and it was like I was watching a movie in my head. But, I didn't want any popcorn. He was in my mind once again and it would be hard to get him to leave. I still love him but remembering these things makes everything harder. I started to remember everything that happened. But the most distinct thing right now was what started it all.

                                                                    *flashback*

        It was a sunny day in Los Angeles, California. The beach was the same as always. Busy. Filled with families and elders. Penny boarders and surf boarders  As I stopped on the boardwalk to admire it all, I soaked in the warm rays and took in a breath. I grabbed my surf board and headed for the water. My wetsuit making it hotter than ever but I knew that once I hit the water, everything would be fine. I walked on to the white sand, letting it fill between my toes. Even though it was hot, it was my favorite feeling in the world.  I stepped up to the water, letting my feet get attacked by cold, foamy salt water. The wind whipped my long brunette hair in front of my face, but I didn't care.

         I took my board and got into the water, letting my waist get devoured by salt and sea. I laid on my belly on the board and started paddling out. When I finally reached the distance I needed to go, I sat up on my board and waited.  I spotted a huge wave coming in from the horizon. I got myself prepared to surf the wave. As the wave clung to my board, I stood up, keeping my balance like a professional. I fell beneath the ocean after the wave had died down and released my board from it's powerful grip. I came up from under the water and looked for my board. But it was no where to be found. I searched frantically around me, praying and hoping that it didn't get washed out to sea. I ran out of the water and I heard someone trying to get my attention. I turned around and noticed a boy with brown hair and a blinding white smile. He looked about my age.
        "Hey!" He yelled. "Looking for this!" I nodded and ran over to him.
        "Thank you. Thank you so much." I gasped. "I thought it washed out to sea." I said through breaths. I gave him a weak smile.
        "No problem. So, you're a pretty good surfer. I saw you out there today. We should go surfing together some time." Suddenly he got very nervous. His toned body clenched and his hands looked clammy.
        "Yeah. That'd be pretty cool actually. I don't really surf with anyone. So, yeah. That'd be great."
        "Do you have your phone on you?"
        "Um, no actually. It's in my car."
        "Alright then. We'll have to stick with my phone. What's your name?"
        "Lia. Lia Conrad."
        "Well, it's nice to meet you Lia. I am Jack. Jack Gilinsky." He flashed a dazzling smile as he handed me his phone to put my number into. "Thank you. I will be texting you soon." He said, still smiling. I nodded and took my board. It was time to go home. I climbed into my car and closed the door. I leaned my head back onto the seat and chuckled to myself, thinking how a guy like that could like a girl like me.

*end of flashback*

        Tears began streaming down my face as the memories started flowing back to me. I picked up the thing that started these reminders: the bracelet he gave me for our 11 month anniversary. I remember it well, but I keep trying to block it from my mind.
        I call Jack Johnson, Jack and I's best friend. It started ringing and he picked up on the third ring.
        "Hey Lia." I could tell he was smiling.
        "Jack. Please. I need you to come over."
        "What's the matter? Are you okay?" Worry edging his voice.
        "No. I'm not." I said through tears.
        "I'll be there in 5." He hung up the phone. I walked down stairs to the living room, holding the bracelet in my hand. I sat down on my couch, tears still flowing. I started thinking about the day that it all ended, which made the tears come more.

*flashback*

     I was sitting on the couch watching a stupid tv show, waiting for Jack to come over for our weekly movie night. He was more busy lately due to Magcon. I was proud of him that he got this far and that his dream was coming true.
        I heard a faint knock on my front door. I got up and padded to the door. I opened up seeing a sad looking Jack.
        "We need to talk." My stomach dropped. I knew almost immediately what was coming next. He waved for me to join him outside. "Lia, I love you. So much. But I don't know-"
        "Stop right there." I said cutting him off. "I know exactly what you're going to say. 'You don't know if you can do this any more and that it's not you it's me.' Well save it. Because I don't want to hear it."
        "But, Lia. Please just give me a chance to explain."
        "No. I refuse. I don't need it." Tears started to well up in my eyes. "You know what Jack? Just go. Please." I ran my fingers through my hair.
        "Lia, I still love you."
        "I don't care. I don't care. Just go. Please." He looked at me with sad eyes. He turned away from me and walked to his car. But he didn't look back. He just kept walking.

*end of flashback*

        My thoughts were interrupted by the door bell. I walked up to the door and looked through the peep hole. I saw the blonde haired boy and my tears came to a halt. I wiped my eyes with my sweater sleeve as I opened the front door to let him in. He took one look at me and knew something was extremely wrong.
        "Lia. I knew you didn't sound alright over the phone but now I know how bad you really are. What's wrong?" I held out my hand to show him the bracelet that Jack had given me. He looked at it and immediately knew what was wrong. "Oh Lia." He said with exasperation. He wrapped me in his arms and I started to cry into his chest.
        "Jack, I don't know what to do. I miss him so much." I sobbed.
        "Come on. We're going for a drive."
        "A drive where?"
        "Any where but here. And leave the bracelet." I nodded as he kissed the top of my head and and released me from his embrace. I slipped on my black vans and we walked out to his car and started on our way to no where.

        "Lia tell me why you had that."
        I sniffled and hesitated before speaking. "Well, I was looking for a necklace and I just found it in my drawer." He nodded. A comfortable silence arose into the air. I didn't trust my voice right now but I used it anyway. "How is he, Jack? Is he doing alright?"
        "Lia, from that day foward, he hasn't stopped thinking about you. He wants to talk to you but he's afraid of what he might cause so, he hasn't." I sat up straighter. Hearing Jack say these words made me feel warm inside. There might still be a chance for me. For us.
        "So, he still loves me?"
        "I never said that." I shrunk down.
        "Then what are you saying?"
        "Lia, he's over you."

okayyyy well then. awk.

thanks for reading the first chapter! just to let you know, I'm caitlin and I hate the nickname cait or caity and idk why. but anyway thanks for reading and I hope you keep reading and voting. no one really comments but it'd be nice to get some comments :)

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