The Summer That Changed Everything

Chapter One - Part Four

“You and James have split up?” Jared asked, eventually recovering from his initial shock. He couldn’t believe it. Of all the things Felicity could’ve said, a breakup wasn’t on his bingo card for that year. He assumed they would be together forever and eventually get married.

“Not exactly, I don’t know,” Felicity mumbled, surprised by his reaction. It made her want to set the record straight. “We’re on... a break.”

“A break? What does that mean?”

Felicity wasn’t entirely sure what it meant, to be honest. She tried to explain the situation as best as she could, despite her own confusion. Her tight throat made it even more difficult; the memories were still fresh. She also wondered why Jared, of all people, was the one she chose to confide in. Perhaps it was because he was the only person her age she had spoken to in a long time, and he bore a vague resemblance to her best friend. That would have to be enough for now.

Jared listened to her story with a calm demeanour, though he couldn’t shake the worry that she might become emotional. He wouldn’t judge her if she did—she was completely entitled to, given how awful the situation sounded. However, he was uncertain about how to handle it if she were to burst into tears in front of him. Thankfully, she managed to keep her emotions in check, which was a relief for both of them.

“I think it’s so we can use this time to find ourselves before uni,” Felicity finished her story. “That’s what he told me, anyway.”

Jared said nothing as he comprehended the frankly bizarre - in his opinion - reasoning behind this sudden break.

“That’s stupid.” His simple reply eventually arrived when he realised she expected a response.

“Well, no… not really.” Felicity came to the defence of her boyfriend… or her ex… or whatever the hell he was to her now. “I can see why he suggested it.”

“Surely not even you believes that,” Jared questioned. Felicity felt awkward, and she played with the hem of her skirt. Appearing to spot the tension, Jared continued talking. “As much as I can’t say I understand the logic, nothing can change your situation as of yet, so there’s no point in trying to understand it further. What does Layla think of the ordeal?”

“She doesn’t have a clue.” Felicity shook her head. “It didn’t happen long after she left, and I didn’t want to bring her down. I haven’t even told my parents; I’m not sure what they’d say, but I bet they’d make the situation worse. They’d make it out like it’s somehow my fault. You’re the only person who knows.”

“Wow,” he gasped, raising an eyebrow. “And why have you bestowed such an honour upon me?”

“You were here, I guess,” she shrugged, feigning nonchalance. In reality, she was thinking the same thing, so she flipped it on Jared instead “Anyway, why are you wandering around Manchester by yourself? Usually, you’re with a flock of your friends.”

It was Jared’s turn to shrug. “I enjoy spending some time by myself on the odd occasion. Is that so wrong?”

“No, of course, it isn’t. However, I admit that I didn’t expect you to do that. You’re always so confident and such a people person, I assumed you would love company.”

“Well, we’ve spent zero alone time together in a while. You never know, we both could have changed,” Jared responded, and Felicity had no choice but to agree. “Besides, I’ve been feeling a little lonely myself. Layla going away hit me harder than expected.”

Felicity gasped as her jaw dropped open. Joy filled her brown eyes, and all her previous sad feelings flew away. “Don’t tell me you’re missing your sister!”

“If you tell anyone about this, I will profusely deny it.”

“Who else would I tell?”

Jared pondered for a moment. “… True. Many of my friends are on holiday with their families. Or even in Ibiza on a lad’s holiday.” He rolled his eyes. “So that’s why I’m alone, too.”

“Did you not fancy going on a lad’s holiday with your friends?” Felicity questioned.

“Nah,” Jared dismissed, distractedly wiping the condensation from his pitcher with a long finger. “They’re costly. And I’d rather spend time by myself than looking after my mates, who are too drunk or too focused on trying it on with different girls every night. Not my scene.”

“Speaking of,” Felicity butted in, a glint of a joke in her eyes. “Why aren’t you with a girl right now? You’re always surrounded by them.”

“I’m with you, aren’t I?”

“Ugh, you know what I mean.”

Jared laughed. “I know. None of them was available today, apparently. But knowing me, I’ll meet up with another one soon.”

She rolled her eyes and realised that it wasn’t a proper answer. And she doubted she would get one, knowing Jared’s easygoing attitude. It was easier to let it go instead.

It didn’t take long for them to finish their conversation and pitchers after that. They both stood up and stretched out their underused muscles. They’d spent hours in the pub without realising it, laughing away and talking about nothing in particular. At a leisurely pace, they headed to the door. Like a proper gentleman, Jared held the door open for Felicity, and she stepped out into the warm, summer air that still lingered for sometimes longer than wanted during the summer months.

Jared stopped her before they said goodbye. “Hey, I’ve got an idea.”

“Shoot,” she said without thinking, as she was prone to do. Not thinking before she spoke had actually got her into some trouble in the past, so she hoped it wouldn’t do the same this time. She never would learn.

“Why don’t we be each other’s last resort?” He asked.

“Last resort?”

“Yeah!” Jared nodded, enthusiastic. “If we’re bored or have no one else to spend time with, we’ll call each other, and we’ll do something.”

Oh, what a loving term, Felicity thought. She then thought some more.

“Last resort, hmm? I like it.”