After the long and agonizing morning, Karen and I headed outside for lunch.
We placed our bags on top of the small round table in the back of the warm café and Karen was discussing, or even fangirling because every so often she would squel in pure bliss, about her favourite singer's new album popart...or was it artpop?
"She's just so amazing at what she's doing, she is inspiration to everyone! She changed my whole life, I know exactly what i want and who I am as a person, I have never felt so real before. I love everything about her, I mean she supports gay ri-" Karen stopped rambling when she realised I wasn't paying my best attention. "Mara!" she shouted in complete frustration.
I sighed, "I'm sorry, Karen. My mind is just somewhere else, I can't even think straight and I have to study for that exam next week, but I can't even wake up early and Jerome-" I quickly stopped myself from getting head of myself. Why? Why does he always end up in my head? No. I promised my self that this year will be a different year, a fresh year and a good year. I don't need him ruining everything I have left.
Karen smiled sadly at me and I knew that she knew what I was going to say.
"Mara, you are over Jerome. You don't need Jerome, who's an absolute pig and is always drooling over Joy. And lets not start with Joy, alright." Karen declared.
"Karen, you shouldn't hate Joy that much, it wasn't her fault at all" I laughed, but secretly I liked it. I liked it a lot that Karen supports me no matter what, but then again we are best friends. I never thought that a shy and dorky person like me would ever befriend someone like Karen. Karen's a confident, loud, tall and stunning. Basically the opposite to me, but that's what make us both work.
"No, Joy is all to blame and she's disgusting so please don't try to defend her" Karen protested, her nose all scrunched up.
I smiled and reminisced the first moment I met Karen, it was the first day of college.
Flashback
Joy and I were walking to our first class and I felt excited, but also anxious. I had no idea where all my classes were, what if I get lost or late and I knew no one apart from Joy. But, hey at least I know someone, better than being stuck on my own and looking like a loner on the first day.
We both didn't change that much from back when we were in Anubis, though Joy looked more happy which you could tell by her glowing complexion and I, well I was still the same, but I grew an inch or 2. I was dressed in a floral skater skirt, black modal top with my silver beaded bracelet which my parents gifted me and my comfy, practical flats. Joy was decked up in a green thin strap dress with a golden twisted belt wrapped around her slim waist and matching green heels.
We both sat on the first row and chatted for a few minutes since we were early. We talked about our holidays and how we missed the rest of the gang.
Out of nowhere, Joy jumped up in a spree of energy and I looked up realising why. Jerome had finally arrived. He was dressed in his light blue shirt and white blazer, but he managed to make it look casual and smart at the same time. I had to admit, he looked handsome. His blue crystal eyes shone amazingly and his styled dirty blonde hair just sat on top of his head softly like silk. I hated it. I despised the fact that a person who betrayed one who they loved ever so much, the one who they would do anything for, the one who they promised not to hurt could look so beautiful and all great. I felt sick. I couldn't stand him, even though I told him I forgave him, but what do you expect? He played with my glass heart and smashed it into tiny little pieces without a thought.
Joy ran out of her seat in a flash and she and Jerome were both leaning in to a kiss, i turned my head in repulse. It's was not like they haven't seen each other in the long summer weeks, no. They both met last night, but I was happy for them, I think...
Joy and Jerome linked arms together lovingly and walked to the back of the class. WHAT!? Are they just going to leave me here at the front of the class, are they just going to ignore me, are they just going to not bother to even ask me to join them. How could they? How polite, pleasant and proper of them. My heart sank, I thought he would atleast care for me as a friend, but clearly not.
I felt someone sit next to me and turned to greet them with a smile. She was a tall and blonde, very blonde and she smiled back. Maybe I picked up some social skills during my holidays? She started laughing and I thought she was going to tell me a joke or something to start a conversation, but I realised she was laughing at me.
"First sign of madness is talking to yourself, you know." the blonde girl stated.
That was when it hit me, I have muttered how I got ditched by my 'friends' out loud. Before I could answer, she talked again in her cool, clear and confident voice,"It's alright. We can both go to the mad house together because I do the same thing all the time" she laughed.
I smiled. Yes, I like her, she's funny, pretty and nice."I'm Mara Jaffray" I replied shyly.
"You've got such a nice name, Mara. I'm Karen Payson"
This is really bad, but whatever.
