“I can’t believe you did that,” I squeal as JD throws glitter all over my curls. Momma had done my hair for a show, and he thought it would be a good idea to ensure I look like a shimmering disco ball rather than a sophisticated woman.
Only I’m not a woman yet. I’m only seventeen. I’m still a girl. But I’m a girl in love with the boy in front of her. He doesn’t know. I can’t tell him, or I’ll ruin this—our friendship.
He stares down at me. The handsome face I’ve come to care for is painted with amusement. I roll my eyes in frustration, but I’m giggling, so he knows I’m not angry with him.
Over the years, I’ve only ever been angry with JD once. And it was only because I saw him flirting with another girl. And even then, he had no idea what I was feeling. I hid everything inside and smiled when he told me he was taking her to dinner.
The next day, I vowed I wouldn’t speak to him, but when he got to school, he told me she wasn’t at all fun to hang around with. JD’s dark eyes stare into mine as we stand in my bedroom. Me sparkling, him looking dashing as always.
“You look perfect,” he tells me as the corner of his mouth tilts upward.
“I’m a shining ball of glitter,” I bite out, but I’m grinning too. “You’re so frustrating, JD Montagu.”
JD steps up to me, his body so close I can feel the heat emanating from him. He cups my face gently, and my breath catches in my throat. I find it difficult to breathe as he looks down at me as if I’m the only person in the world to him.
He leans in, and I wait for it, holding my breath. He’s going to kiss me. It’s now or never, JD. But he doesn’t press his lips to mine like I expect him to. He merely brushes them along my cheek as he whispers, “But you’re my shining ball of glitter, songbird.”
I wanted nothing more than a kiss that day. But we waited. He waited. We took things slow because that’s what was best at the time. Now I wish we hadn’t waited. I wish I had told him how I felt when I still could.
I wish we had more time.
Sighing, I slip on my sneakers and throw on my hoodie. Even though it’s not cold out yet, I figure if I’m out for a while, I may need to keep warm. Perhaps a walk will do me good. That’s what Momma always says. Being outdoors refreshes you, and at times, it works.
I can’t focus on my homework right now, so maybe Central Park will offer me some form of calm. I’ve been in the park a few times since he left, and each time it still reminds me of us. Holding his hand, laughing and joking, and the thought of having forever to find our happiness together.
The moment my feet hit the sidewalk, I head toward the station. Only a couple of stops before I’m at my destination. It’s not busy at the moment, and thankfully, I don’t get into the throng of office workers who are on their lunch break.
On the train, I take in the passengers, some with bags of shopping, others merely going about their day with earplugs in and music playing. The vibrancy of the city has always been a calling card. I love the diversity that fills the sidewalks, and even the tourists who visit are from all corners of the world.
Taking the steps two at a time, I find myself on the corner, looking out over the entrance to Central Park. With a smile on my face, I fake the happiness that’s evaded me for so long.
I take a left turn, making my way down the pavement to the small café JD and I would frequent. It’s busy today, almost nearing the lunch rush hour, but I sneak in and order my favorite latte and a bagel.
I grab my order, making my way out the café, leaving to find a quiet spot in the park. It’s the only place I can go to that reminds me of JD without breaking down.
I know the relationship he had with his father was volatile. His mother was no different, and that’s what made it so easy for him to spend time with me. We found solace in the friendship that blossomed. I was the girl without a dad, heartbroken and sad, and he was the boy whose parents never cared enough to ask him what he’d been up to. But now that I know his father knew about us, I have a feeling he had JD followed. Spying on him because he couldn’t control him.