Chapter Forty Two: Hello, Goodbye by The Beatles

Jack had made his way to the first row, and now he stood in the audience waiting for Rose's team to hit the stage.

"Please welcome… New York All Stars!"

Rose's team went on the mat and started the cheer. Jack watched Rose the entire time. He watched her fly through the air and flip backwards and do all kinds of crazy stunts.

She was perfect. He always knew she was, but this just reinforced this in his head.

Rose was stunning. She had stunning red hair that was perfectly curled, although a lot of the time she straightened it. She had beautiful eyes that were intoxicating to him, she had a perfect little nose that she always wrinkled as she woke up. She had red lips that felt so good against his. He loved to kiss her and lightly bite her bottom lip.

She was smart. She had gotten into one of the best schools in the country. She was always in the top classes. Whenever there was a test, she would give her study guide to Jack so he could do well too, and he was always so grateful.

She was talented. She was strong. Who else could do seven consecutive backflips? She was one of the most talented people on the cheer team, and she never gave up.

She was resilient. She had been through so much. She had gone through more in fifteen years than most people do their entire lifetime.

And somehow, against all logic, she loved him. How the hell was that possible? She could do so much better, as far as Jack was concerned. But he loved her so much. The most. She meant more to him than anyone or anything. He would do anything for her.

In the middle of the routine, Rose looked down at Jack and smiled. She finally finished the routine. She ran off the mat, relieved that she hadn't hurt herself this time around.

She looked down at her cheer uniform, covered in sparkles and sequins. She knew that it would be her last time experiencing the rush of performing, or feeling the protection of the uniform.

Finally, it was the award ceremony. Just Rose's team and their main competition stood on the mat.

"And in second place… Manhattan Cheer Company!"

Rose's team knew at that point that they had won. They stood still, unable to contain the extraordinary feeling that they had won.

"And in first place, taking it home… New York All Stars!"

Rose's team cheered and hugged before leaving the stage. Jack waited backstage, and he hugged her and lifted her off the ground. "Congrats," he whispered.

"Thanks," said Rose. She kissed him.

"So how does it feel that you're done?" Jack asked.

"Bittersweet." Rose looked up at him, and Jack nodded.

He hugged her tightly, and Rose rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm good."

"I know," said Jack.

They drove back home, and Jack sat down next to Rose on his bed. "I love you," Rose whispered.

"I love you too," Jack whispered back, and he put his hand on her cheek. He kissed her lovingly, biting her bottom lip softly as he did so.

They kissed for a few minutes before Rose rested her head against Jack's chest. They kissed again, but this time, they were interrupted.

Fabrizio walked in. "Oh, sorry."

"That's okay," said Jack.

"I'll come back," said Fabrizio.

"No, that's okay," said Rose. "I'll go."

"I'll see you later?" Jack asked.

Rose nodded before climbing out the window. She was standing on the roof when she got a text from Jack.

J: I guess we didn't realize that if they were breaking up… we sorta would be too.

R: Shhhh, never.

J: Seriously. We didn't realize that if they broke up, we wouldn't be able to have a room to ourselves.

R: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

J: I don't need absence. I need to spend every waking moment with you.

R: We'll figure something out.

J: I know.

R: What about me and Helga? She hates me.

J: No she doesn't. And if she does, it's her loss.

R: I hope you're right.

Rose slowly climbed through her window. Helga was sitting on her bed.

"Hey," said Rose nonchalantly.

Helga didn't answer. She continued to look at her phone, and didn't even acknowledge Rose's presence.

"I was thinking of getting some coffee. Wanna come?" Rose asked. She knew the way to Helga's heart was coffee.

"No," said Helga.

Rose sighed. This was worse than she thought. She slowly walked over to Helga's bed. "Can I sit?"

"No," Helga said.

Rose nodded once. "I'm gonna sit anyway." She sat on the bed. "Listen, I'm sorry things didn't work out between you and Fabrizio."

"Don't."

"No, listen," said Rose. "I'm sorry it didn't work out." She looked at Helga, waiting for a reaction. She thought she saw tears building up in Helga's eyes. "I really am sorry."

Helga finally looked up. "Are you sorry you advised me to get back together with him?"

"I'm sorry it wasn't better advice," said Rose. "But listen, you're one of my best friends. I wouldn't give you advice if I didn't think it was good. And this thing you're doing now where you blame me for the issues in your life… it doesn't work for me. I'm not going to be your punching pillow."

"Fine," said Helga.

"Fine," said Rose.

They both sat in their room, both looking down, both ignoring each other.

J: Well? What happened?

R: Both pretending the other isn't there.

J: And that's okay with you?

R: For now.