The Summer That Changed Everything

Chapter Seven - Part Three

Over the next few days, she put all her energy and thoughts into packing everything for university. She had already cleared a few boxes’ worth, something she considered an achievement. But she had spent so much time with Jared that it became a chore of little importance to her. Since neither Jared nor Felicity had texted the other, she assumed he was too busy for her. Thus, she set her mind to getting some university maintenance done.

Every night, however, when nothing distracted her, Felicity dreamed of Jared and that almost kiss. Not in a dirty way - she didn’t know how she would’ve coped with that - just in a slightly intimate, a little bit more than friends way. But it was still weird enough just having him as a constant figure in her dreams.

Felicity awoke one morning around 4 am after another one of those strange dreams and decided she could sleep no longer and not risk any more worrying thoughts. She slid out of her bed and headed downstairs in her pyjama shorts and top. Today, her choice of pyjama set featured Aladdin and Jasmine riding the magic carpet, with the words’ A Whole New World’ printed in bold colours.

Felicity owned more sets of Disney-themed pyjamas than any other clothing, probably. Each pair held a special memory, a connection to her childhood and the comfort of home. How she would fit every pair in her suitcase for university, she didn’t know. She wanted to cry at the thought of leaving some behind. They were like her children. How could she possibly choose? Those pyjamas were almost as important to her as her books.

Knowing she wouldn’t get to sleep, Felicity plugged the kettle in and poured herself a cup of coffee. Once she had caffeine in her veins and clear thoughts in her head, she reprimanded herself.

Why was she acting so ridiculously about Jared, one of her oldest friends since childhood? Why was she letting that fleeting moment stop her from speaking to him? She assumed he hadn’t thought about it at all, so why should she? She’d been having fun with him, too. Why should that stop her?

It was more fun than I’m having with my parents. She let her bitter side out, just for a second. Because of the business, her parents ditched her and deprived her of the promised beach trip. Their absence was a constant reminder of her loneliness and disappointment.

That’s it!

That was the perfect way to get back in Jared’s good books! And find a way to get back into contact with him. As well as fulfilling something off her metaphorical summer bucket list.

Her eyes widened as she dumped her mug of coffee on the side. Was that her third cup? Fourth? She wasn’t sure. She had lost count after her entire body buzzed. But she used that energy to propel herself upstairs, then threw on some clothes. Then she ran downstairs, grabbed her bag and a jacket, and didn’t check if they even matched her outfit. After that, she pelted out of the front door, only briefly stopping to lock it behind her and not even thinking about letting her parents know of her whereabouts. She would text them later if they expressed concern. But she knew they would be busy all day and would hardly notice her absence. Her impulsive decision to visit Jared early in the morning was a testament to her intense emotions and determination.

There she ran, as fast as her legs would allow (which, granted, was not all that fast, but the copious amounts of caffeine in her system made the journey a little easier) and straight to Jared’s house. When she reached the front door, she lifted her fist and banged on the piece of wood in front of her.

Felicity’s impatient knocks were hurting her knuckles, but she remained relentless. She stopped mid-knock as the door swung open to reveal a disgruntled yet bemused Jared. She realised the impulsive nature of her actions and the potential consequences.

“What are you doing here this early?” Jared asked as a form of greeting, rubbing his eyes. It only hit her then that she did not know what time it was. She might have guzzled a few cups of coffee in only two hours. For all she knew, she had awoken Jared from a peaceful slumber at 6 am. Dressed in everyday clothes, he looked awake and alert. But judging from the glazed look in his eyes, he hadn’t been up for long. “Don’t you enjoy your lie-ins?”

“I do, usually,” Felicity said, bouncing up and down on her heels. Jared watched her dance around with a bemused smile on his face. “But I couldn’t really sleep, so I got up, got dressed, had about 3 coffees and decided you’re not busy. I’m not busy. We should get on a train and just go somewhere.”

Jared looked confused at the pace at which she was talking. But otherwise, he appeared to understand her incessant ramblings, and the explanation of the copious amounts of coffee made more sense as she carried on. He also ignored the fact that she had assumed he wasn’t busy. I mean, he wasn’t, but that’s beside the point. And he would tease her about it at the first opportunity.

“You want to go somewhere random?” That was all he really gleaned from that one-sided conversation. Upon seeing her nod, he continued talking. “How spontaneous.”

“That’s me,” she grinned. She even gave Jared a thumbs-up as she quickly shifted from one foot to another. Was she just energetic, or did the coffee make her need to go to the toilet?

“And pray tell, where were you thinking of going?” He leaned on his door frame with his arms folded across his chest, and an amused glint danced in his eyes. His calm demeanour completely contrasted with the dancing Felicity.

Felicity couldn’t contain her excitement as she squealed. “Blackpool!”