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I pull my soft baby blue blanket tighter around me, trying to stop myself from shivering. I glance outside at the trees dotting Central Park, the vivid orange and soulful yellow leaves a stark contrast to the gray buildings of the city. Autumn had begun to settle over New York a few days ago, which in turn made the day's hot and sticky while the nights gave reason for everyone to stay indoors with mugs of steaming hot chocolate and turn up their heaters. I start to wonder what could be taking my best friend Sammy so long to return from shopping when my phone gives a soft ping.

Sammy: Be home in a few minutes. Traffic is crazy. How was your day?

Me: It's been okay. Though yesterday was really weird… :/

Sammy: Weird how?

Me: Too much to explain over text. I'll tell you when you get home.

Sammy: K, see you then.

I quickly set down my slim phone, leaning over the plush couch to scoop up my furry friend. He meows in protest when I press my cheek against his. I ignore his whining and stroke my fingers in between his ears, causing him to purr deeply.

"You're such a good boy, Pascal," I giggle, seeing his mouth open in contentment, my other hand beginning to rub his spotted back. I shut my eyes for a moment and try to forget about seeing my old high school crush yesterday, who had unknowingly left a strong imprint on my mind. I can't believe that just the sight of Flynn brought a swarm of old feelings to the surface, feelings I thought I'd buried years ago. My heart made me feel as though what he did all those years ago didn't matter.

I'm snapped out of my reverie by the sound of Sammy entering the apartment.

"I'm back!" she announces, walking over to set the bulging plastic bags on the counter. Her smooth brown hair is tied hastily into a messy bun, her makeup faded. "Just wait until you try my homemade stir fry tonight, you'll lo-" She stops mid sentence at the expression on my face. "Was yesterday really that bad?"

I force a smile, suddenly wanting to withhold information from her.

"Nah, I'm good now. No need for me to explain." I'm aware of how nervous my voice has become, but I can't seem to conceal it.

"Uh-huh." Sammy positions her hands on her full hips. "As if I haven't heard that before. Tell me what's wrong."

I sigh, my shoulders deflating. "You can always read right through me, can't you?"

"Always."

I let the corner of my mouth lift into a temporary smile before recounting my conversation with Flynn yesterday. As I'm speaking, her features flit between surprise, excitement, and disappointment. When I'm done, she looks to be collecting her thoughts before replying.

"As your best friend, I know I'm supposed to support how you feel and most of your decisions, but Flynn is not worthy of your affections or your time. Do you not remember how he was in high school?"

"I know-"

"No, you've apparently forgotten, because he was the biggest player in the entire district! And it seems to me like he hasn't changed much since then."

I purse my lips into a pout, thinking. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Of course I'm right! Now sit tight, dinner might be awhile," Sammy smiles, making her way towards the compact kitchen.

Once I'm sure she's too busy singing to Adele to notice me, I swiftly pick up my phone and try to search Flynn on Facebook, despite my brain screaming at me to stop. It doesn't take long for me to find him, as his profile picture is a poor attempt at flirting with the female population. I recognize the pursed lips and knitted eyebrows as part of his old signature move, the Smolder. As I scroll through his feed, one picture in particular catches my eye.

It's a photo of him with his arm wrapped around a short brunette whose eyes are the exact shade of Flynn's. She's got deep laugh lines at the corners of her mouth and though she's middle aged, her complexion is lovely and she wears a simple, yet flattering yellow dress. The original image looks as if it was taken years ago, judging by his adolescent features and scrawny frame. At first glance, it seems like a joyful picture, what with a genuine smile stretching Flynn's lips and the adoring gaze in the woman's eyes, were it not for these words written across the bottom:

~R.I.P to the most wonderful and kind mother I could ever ask for. I'll miss you~

Something wet trickles down my cheek and I wipe it away, beginning to realize I was unconsciously weeping. I check the reflection of myself on my phone to make sure I look okay and visibly cringe. No matter how little I cry, it always looks like I've been at it for hours. My eyes are puffy and irritated, the green in my iris a stark contrast to the redness. My nose is clogged and I can't seem to get rid of the small lump in my throat. I heave a sigh of annoyance, wishing I wasn't such an ugly crier.

Ugh I can't believe I'm crying over Flynn of all people! Rapunzel, pull yourself together!

"Dinner's ready!" Sammy calls, her voice startling me. I jump, my heart racing, and immediately exit out of Facebook so Sammy will never know what I was up to. I reach for my small makeup bag I'd left on the coffee table and with a speed I didn't know I had, I apply a layer of powder around my eyes to conceal the evident crying and quickly stride towards the kitchen.

I'm feeling pretty proud of myself until Sammy asks, "Have you been crying?"

"Not at all," I answer, shaking my head vigorously. I inwardly scold myself for being so hasty. I can tell she wants to know more, but I'm relieved when she instead chooses to change the subject.

For the rest of the evening, I'm constantly trying to read Sammy to see if she suspects anything, but she seems to be totally in the dark.

Glad I dodged that bullet.