Dear Jenna….
I gripped the pencil tightly between my fingers. I had been trying to write something for the past few days, but it was turning out to be much harder than expected. I reminded myself no one ever has to see it before I continued.
We were together for the past three years. I know that seems like a long time, but I feel like I didn’t even really know you.
And I don’t think you really knew me either.
We had a typical high school relationship I guess. I was the quiet nerd and you were on the cheerleading team. We just started texting one day…I don’t even know how it happened but then we got together.
Honestly, I think the worst part about ending things was that I lost not only you but also all my high school friends. I haven’t spoken to Robyn, or Rowan, or even Alex since it happened. I know they were your friends first…but they were mine too. I guess that’s why everyone always advises to date outside your friend group.
It’s less messy that way.
I groaned and crumpled up the paper, tossing it into the wastepaper basket. It bounced off the edge and fell outside the target. I sighed.
My phone beeped, displaying a new message.
-E
Clementine?
Oh, hey
Sorry, I didn’t get a chance to reply
-C
I winced at the lie. I had been staring at his single ‘Hey’ for the past three days.
-E
Hey it’s fine, don’t worry about it.
I just wanted to ask if you wanna go somewhere fun.
Yk, for homework xD
Where did you have in mind?
-C
-E
The zoo!
Hahah that was fast xD
-C
-E
I wanna go see monkeys! Come pick me up from the cafe?
Your shift’s over already? It’s not even 11.
-C
-E
No!
I’m gonna make a run for it.
It’s like you want to get fired xD
-C
-E
Trust me, I do :p
Lol.
Be there in 10.
-C
-E
See you! <3
I let myself stare at the text heart for a long time before I snapped out of it. Running a brush through my hair, I grabbed my sneakers and the car keys. My sister stopped me just as I was heading out. Her university is close by so she’s usually at home, even during the semester.
“Where are you going?” Jamie asked, slurping chocolate milk straight from a one liter carton. Her dark brown hair was almost as short as mine and we had the same high cheekbones and sharp features. But she had colour in her sun-tanned cheeks, and her eyes were a warm, honey-flecked brown compared to my pale purple.
“Just to a cafe and then the zoo,” I said. “Did you need the car?”
“No no, you can take it.” She took another noisy slurp. “I hope you’re not going for a date dressed like that.”
“No, of course not!” I exclaimed, flushing at the thought. I paused. “Why? Is it not okay for a date?”
“Does it matter, if it’s not a date?” Jamie asked infuriatingly.
“But hypothetically, if it was—I mean it’s not! Whatever, I gotta go,” I huffed.
Jamie snickered. “Wait wait, hang on…just change your shirt. Wear that green one I bought you last month.” She leaned in and sniffed me. “And maybe spray on some deodorant.”
Mortified, I rushed to the shower and spent a long time shampooing my hair. I then spent a long time with the hairdryer. Finally, I shrugged on the green polo shirt and then buried my dignity and went to ask Jamie which jeans to wear.
“They’re just jeans dude, they all look exactly the same,” she said, smirking at me. “Soo…already dating again huh? Who’s your new girlfriend?”
“No one,” I said irritably.
“Boyfriend?”
I coloured. “He’s not my boyfriend.”
“Ooooh, it’s a boyfriend!” she squealed. “You’re blushing so hard right now.”
“I don’t blush!”
“Yeah yeah, whatever.” She waved away my protests. “Anyway, I’m honestly glad you’ve moved on from Jenna. I was worried you might pine over her forever.”
“I do think of her sometimes,” I admitted. “But I think I’m going to be okay.”
Jamie winked. “Cause there’s a certain someone else on your mind now?”
“Shut up.”
She cackled evilly behind me as I left the house.
Soon I was on the road, driving towards the cafe. I ran a hand through my hair and fidgeted with the radio, finding the silence too difficult to concentrate in. A loud crackle sounded and I sighed as I turned it off.
“Gotta get that fixed,” I muttered to myself like how I did each time.
It’s been broken for weeks now.
A pit of nerves fizzled in my stomach as I turned into the cafe parking, crackling and popping in a wholly uncomfortable sensation. I shook my head slightly, trying to ignore the feeling. I told myself there’s no reason to be nervous; it’s not like this was actually a date.
And it’s not like I had a crush on Everett.
Not one bit.
A/n: if you’re enjoying this book, you’re sure to love this sweet romance by zoe_grimm
When Ethan Wong finds out his professor hasn’t secured a hotel room for his violin concerto, Cameron Langley, college baseball star, decides to take his chances and offers to share a hotel room with his ex-boyfriend for the weekend. With no alternative, Ethan and Cameron must face the music or strike out of each other’s lives for good.
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