The Summer That Changed Everything

Chapter Five - Part Three

“That’s me,” he winked, sending an odd blush to Felicity’s cheeks. Her eyes widened. Why was she doing this? Why was she behaving like a child? Why did that one wink from Jared - an action that he did a lot, by the way - make her blush? Jared removed one of his hands from behind his back and thrust it out in front of him. Clutched in his fingers was a wicker basket. “I had an idea. We could head to the park down the road and have a picnic?”

Felicity used a finger and opened the basket a little and peered in. It was full to the brim with delicious treats-sandwiches, fruit, a bottle of pop, and a variety of pastries.

“You did all this in less than half an hour?” Felicity questioned.

“I can do anything I put my mind to,” Jared shrugged. Felicity shook her head in mirth at the vague answer.

“Shall we go then?” Felicity moved the conversation along. “Are we driving?”

“Nah, I walked here. It’s a nice enough day for a stroll, don’t you think?”

“Lovely,” she smiled in agreement. Felicity grabbed her jacket and slid her arms through the holes. She stepped over the threshold next to Jared, closed the door behind her, and locked it. “Let’s go then!”

And thus, they began their meander to the park.

Felicity tried her hardest to keep her spirits up as she walked. But the dark cloud that was her absent parents was a constant presence hanging over her head. Her parents, who were always busy with their business, had often missed important events in her life, but she could justify it to some extent. It didn’t mean she didn’t get upset about it, though.

Without wanting Jared to notice, she slowed her pace a little and kept her head down. She inspected the floor with her hands in her pockets. On the odd occasion, she kicked rubble with her white shoes and hoped they didn’t scuff. They would be a nightmare to clean.

“Hey, are you sure you’re okay?” Jared asked, his eyebrows furrowing in concern. Felicity stopped kicking the stones and looked up at him. Damn, her sadness was too obvious.

“Yeah, I…” she huffed, not knowing how to word it, and not wanting to sound whiny and spoilt. “I had set my mind on spending time with my parents today, you know? I was really looking forward to it. Like, of course, the business comes first, I know that. But I’m moving away soon, and I wanted to make memories with them while I had the chance. I’m aware it sounds silly.”

“It’s not silly at all, don’t be daft,” Jared cut her off with soft eyes, his understanding evident. Felicity felt at ease at once under his compassionate gaze. “Layla and I argued when she told me she was going to America for that same reason. It was petty, but I wanted the chance to spend time with her while she was still in Manchester. Family is important. I understand.”

“I’m glad you do,” Felicity smiled, her determination shining through. “Don’t worry, I shall try to cut out the moping from here on out. I apologise.”

“You mope if you want to. I’ll be here to listen.” Like an eagle, Jared, Felicity's, spread both arms to the side, swinging the basket as he did so. Felicity, his childhood friend, ducked out of his way to avoid a black eye.

They continued their walk in relative silence, making the odd comment when inspiration struck. To protect Felicity, Jared kept quiet and did not force the conversation. She was clearly down in the dumps, and he felt bad for her. The least he could do was attempt to take her mind off it. Taking her out for a walk to the park was the best way he thought of at short notice.

He hated seeing her sad and loved seeing her smile, so the urge to make a joke to lighten the mood was strong. But again, he didn’t want to force a reaction out of her. He wanted it to come naturally. If it took all day, then so be it. He was willing to wait for it. He had waited for enough in his life, mainly concerning Felicity. Waiting for her to smile was nothing compared to everything else. He remembered the time when they were kids, and she had lost her favorite toy. He had spent the whole day looking for it just to see her smile again. It took all day, but boy did her smile make it all worth it.

It didn’t take them too long to reach their destination, a serene park with tall, green gates. They walked through the gates and into the park, the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling filling the air. They plodded through the park, trying to find a suitable spot to perch and eat.

“How about that bench over there?” Jared asked, pointing toward the wooden seat attached to a wooden table, perched seemingly at random next to the path.

Felicity pursed her lips and sighed. “Nah, I kinda wanna sit on the grass. It'll be more comfy than that wooden bench. How about over there, on that hill?”

“The grass? Won’t it be muddy?” Jared groaned.

“Duh, that’s why you brought the blanket, isn’t it?” Felicity said, indicating the piece of fabric perched on top of the basket. “Besides, it hasn't rained in forever. The chances of mud are very slim. It'll just be a bit of soil we can brush off, in anything.”

“Oh,” he rolled his eyes, looking at the object in question, and understood her ironclad logic, but didn’t quite want to admit defeat. Jared bent at the waist in a mock bow. “Yes, your majesty.”

“Ooh, majesty, I like it.” Felicity chuckled, her laughter a testament to her resilience and light-heartedness.

Jared’s heart swelled with pride as he heard her genuine laughter, brimming with joy. He was the reason for that smile on her face; he did that. And it didn’t take as long as he initially thought it would. She strode right past him, her eyes fixed on the hill, on a mission. He watched her go with a smirk on his face, his heart full of satisfaction.

What was this girl doing to him?