"Okay ... you have got to up your game and find someone else to obsess about," Jan threw a pillow at her face.
She was flat on her back on Jan's bed feeling depressed yet again over Theo and his dreamy green eyes.
"You're in high school now ... there are a lot of guys out there that you can go out with, have a date with ... someone you can start smooching with ... Valentine is coming ... start dressing your age and not like that 12-year-old who drew hearts around Theo's name in her diary."
Hazel grimaced, "What's wrong with how I dress? And ... I still draw hearts around his name on my diary ... I mean ... he's hot!"
Jan put her index finger in her mouth and acted like she was going to vomit. "He is ... HOTTT ... I'm not gonna dispute that ... but 7 years is enough, okay? You need to move on with your life or otherwise, you'll end up dating your Harry Styles cardboard cutout in your bedroom if you keep doing this to yourself."
She let out a long exhale, it's not like she hadn't tried it. There was just no guy that was able to distract her from the charm of TJ Shanley, that was the name on his jersey, and what all the teachers call him.
"If I hear one more word about how hot TJ Shanley from you again, I will rip all your Shawn Mendez poster and steal your cardboard cutout ... okay? Enough! You're missing out ... and as your best friend of 7 years ... I'm gonna make it my mission that you ... my dear ... are going to get yourself a boyfriend this year!" she threw herself next to Hazel on the bed.
Janice's family moved to Chestnut when she was 9, right about the same time Hazel started developed her crush on Theo. Throughout their friendship, the only boy she ever talked about was Theo. As a good friend, she listened to all her ups and downs no matter how dull it was to hear about Theo over and over again like a broken record.
They giggled over the phone past midnight just to talk about what Theo was doing when he spent the night with her brother.
Ever since Theo turned 14, it was more downs than ups because that's when he started having girlfriends. Five girlfriends later, Hazel was still in the same place where she started.
"I tell you what ... we are going to spend the weekend on a makeover ... we'll clean out your closet and we'll go shopping for some essential items that you can mix and match with whatever you have left in your wardrobe 'cause by the time we're done with it ... this ..." she grabbed the strap of her overall, "This will not see the light of day ever again."
"What? This is my favorite piece of clothing," Hazel protested.
"I know ... you can keep it, you just don't have to wear them again ... not in public ... show off some skin and some of that sexy back, girl," she nudged her.
Hazel laughed, threw a pillow at Jan, "What sexy back? You really think that will get me a boyfriend?"
Jan jolted up on the bed, "No ... I don't think you need to do that to get a boyfriend ... hello ... you're one of the prettiest girls I know ... you're smart, funny, great to hang out with, anyone would be stupid not to like you once they know you ... but it might make you feel better, fresh ... like starting new ... you know? Maybe then you'll be open for options instead of being stuck with Theo all the time."
"Aww ... thank you, that's the sweetest thing you ever said to me ... although you might be the only one who thinks of me that way," she laughed lightly.
"I'm not! I swear! I know that for a fact ... there are a few guys that came up to me asking about you, they're too scared to approach you 'cause you never seemed to show any interest in anyone other than Theo ... that's why ... you need to open up, look at your options ... maybe Theo is the only guy who couldn't see how great you are, don't waste your time on him."
She covered her face with both hands and grunted, "Maybe you're right ... I need to get over him once and for all, he's leaving for college anyway ... I may never see him ever again ... fine ... let's do it!"
"That's the spirit! Let's make it a commitment ... we will find you, someone that will make you forget about Theo Shanley by summer ... you will not be that girl who's never been kissed, that wallflower that lurks around soccer practice to get a glimpse of the team captain ... because you are going to have your first boyfriend ever!!"
The thought of having a first boyfriend was really exciting. Jan had already broken up twice, she was already in pursuit of her third boyfriend. They were all giddy and squealing at their plan because come Monday, Hazel Williams was going to be a whole different person.
Tight jeans, long-sleeved crop top, because she thought showing off the middle part of her stomach was enough for her first day. She clutched her books in front of her as she walked towards her locker. She could see from the corner of her eyes, some students were turning their heads to look at her unusual appearance. Or maybe it was just her being self-conscious. But in high school, kids notice everything. "Looking good Williams!" someone shouted from the end of the hallway. She gasped silently, pretended nothing was out of the ordinary. She turned her head slowly and curved a knowing smile to the person who shouted. "Chin up, Hazel, own it!" Jan came from behind her and whispered in her ear. Her locker was
Lee Dennis Owens. 17. A sophomore. Friends with Kyle. Half Korean from the mother's side. Born and raised in Chestnut. A dance prodigy had been dancing since he was 6 years old."How do you know all that? I didn't know you were friends with him?" Hazel felt betrayed that she didn't know things about Jan when they were practically always together."I didn't, I knew that from Kyle ... anyway, you'd know a lot of stuff about other people too if you weren't so cooped up with Green Eyed Hottie at the soccer field."But lately, Jan had been ditching her to be with Kyle a lot, hence, she was stranded by herself trying to smoke a cigarette with Max's other friends, Joey and Stanley who were quick enough to run away leaving her behind and eventually sent to detention by Coach Garry.
Five: Dear TheoDear Theo,I really don't know what's the point of this ... but here goes ...I love you ... I'm obsessed with you ... I'm crazy for you ...There ... I said it, and it feels really goodNow you know. Although you don't know who I am, that's beside the point.I'm doing this for me.I've been holding on to these feelings for you and I'm tired because I know nothing is ever going to happen between you and me. Ever.I realize even though we sometimes feel so deeply about someone, it doesn't mean the feelings will be returned. It sucks and I'm learnin
He doesn't speak a single word of Korean, even though he was half Korean. Ever since his mother died there was no one who speaks Korean at home. His stepmother was French, so he knew a little bit of French.He danced to the number one Korean boy band without understanding a single word of the lyrics, except for the English parts. He said dancing didn't need an understanding of words but the emotions from the music. It was true for a lot of things.They followed each other on Instagram, he has around 5000 followers there and quite actively posted his dances in there too. While she has less than 300 followers, most of them were school friends and family.Most of her posts were selfies and wefies with Jan, sometimes she posted her journal entries in a blur, and also her favorit
At the end of Valentine's day, all the letters were distributed to their recipients. Most kids received at least one. Everyone made a pact with their best friends that they would send each other something.Theo got a whole bowl to himself. The committee even let him bring home the bowl as a bonus because his letters couldn't fit the largest envelope that was available. He was cheered along the corridor holding the large bowl in his hand.She wondered if he'll even bother to read them later because there were so many.Surprisingly, she got four letters herself. She tucked them into her backpack to read them later after dinner when she usually spends the rest of the day alone in her room.Lee was already gone to rehea
"How's school today?" her mom asked at dinner time the next day.She shrugged, "Fine," she answered almost simultaneously with Max.There was nothing eventful for her except spending the whole day with Jan celebrating her new relationship status with Kyle. He finally confessed to her and asked her if she wanted to be his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. How romantic.There's not much she could say about her own Valentine's Day. That last note she received was occupying her mind, but no one was sending her signals or trying to approach her about it. It was anonymous, it will probably stay anonymous. She didn't want to think about it too much."I have a surprise for you, actually," her dad said as he wiped his mouth wit
She spent the whole day trying on outfits to go to Lee's dance party. Fixed her hair in all the ways she could think of while Jan watched from the other end of their video call."Does this look okay?" she held a pink top over a white mini skirt she had sworn to never wear only a year ago. It was the sixth set of clothes she tried to mix and match.Jan grunted, "That looks adorable ... if you were going out for ice cream in the daytime ... it's a dance studio, everyone's gonna be wearing black, you don't want to be the odd one out.""Are you sure? Black? My first choice was black?""I know, I told you it was fine but you went through your whole closet anyway ... I think black is the way to go."
They grabbed something to eat at a Burrito place not far from the studio. It all felt very casual and not at all felt like a date. They were just two friends hanging out on Saturday night because they both didn't have anything else to do, no one else to hang out with.When they arrived at the dance studio, the day was already dark. He took his large backpack from the back of the car, he brought at least three sets of clothes for changing, knee pads, elbow pads, extra socks, shoes. She never realizes that being a dancer was similar to being an athlete.The entrance of the studio was like a gym, they went through a narrow corridor all the way to the back and went into a double door where the dance hall was. It was a wide room, it was maybe half the size of the whole floor of the building, the walls were lined with mirrors.
Okay ... let me wrap this up for you ... I decided to finish high school at Pinehurst Valley because ... well ... because I wanted to be close to Hazel for another year at least. I've never had a friend like her before and ever since Eli ... she's the one thing that made my life seem livable again. We spent the rest of the summer in Goldstone with my dad's charity program. We worked with under privilege children in the nook and cranny of the city. We volunteered at the nursing home. Hazel loved that one because I had to perform every week for the elderlies, they loved my singing, apparently, they think I was adorable and reminded them of their grandsons. Made me feel less special knowing there are at least 7 kids that looked like me. The whole program went well. She got extra points for her portfolio. So did I. Though it didn't matter to me because I know I'm not going to Uni after this. I'm concentrating on my new channel which Hazel had agreed to help with. She loved that to
She finally came out of her bedroom looking fresh out of the shower. Her mom felt a heavy burden just lifted off her shoulder. Hazel was feeling better. There was still deep sadness on her face but she forced a smile and said 'Hi' and gave her a long hug. The day was getting dark and Claire's relief was short-lived because Hazel was on her way outside to meet the boy in a designer hoodie in his white Lamborghini who looked like he hadn't had a good sleep in days."He's been waiting for an hour," Claire said.She had turned on the light on their porch so the two of them can have a good talk on their new balcony swing. Claire poured a generous amount of red wine into her mug and peeked outside their window and saw the two kids embracing each other warmly."Hey, baby ... how are you doing?" he said and kissed the top of her head.She shook her head and started to cry in his chest."Oh ... I'm so sorry ...""No ... I'm sorry ..." she said and held her tears back. "I'm sorry I missed your
Claire was leaning against the door frame of their entrance with her arms folded in front of her. He waved at Theo as he climbed into his car with all his stuff in the backseat. The boy had been crying, she could clearly see it on his face. She could still remember what it was like to be young and in love and heartbroken. It was the best of times and it was the worst of times. Theo had told her everything. She appreciated his honesty though she was disappointed at the same time. But he was devastated, Claire knew that people sometimes underestimated how deep the emotional scar is for boys. Some men couldn't really recover from the hurt they feel in their younger years. It only goes to show how Theo really felt about Hazel. She wanted to understand the situation though she can see how much it had hurt her daughter too. She let out a sigh as his car drove further away from their house. Theo was going back to Gastonbury after many attempts to apologize to Hazel. She had closed her doo
The party was held at The Silver Tongue, the most exclusive club in Goldstone. As the son of an A-list celebrity, he spared no expense and went all out for the celebration. He booked the whole third floor for the event and invited everyone he knew in the city. Including Mandy and Dennis. As soon as Marlon and his entourage arrived, the party began in full swing. The music was loud and thumping, and the dance floor was packed with guests showing off their best moves. Marlon was the center of attention, surrounded by his friends, who were all dressed in the latest designer clothes and jewelry. The bar was fully stocked with top-shelf liquor, and bartenders were serving up creative cocktails in elaborate glassware. The party-goers were drinking and toasting Marlon's big day, and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. He wasn't in a particularly good mood that day, a big part of it was because he hadn't heard from Hazel since she went back to Chestnut. As if she had disappeared from t
Theo sat on his bed, his head buried in his hands. He couldn't believe the mess he had gotten himself into. He loved Hazel with all his heart, but he had lied to her. He couldn't even remember how it had all started. He left his girlfriend in Gastonbury because he knew he wanted to spend the summer with the girl that got away. The moment he saw her at the dance, he was instantly back to where he left off and his girlfriend just disappeared in the background. Grace ... her name ... his girlfriend. It was never serious with Grace. It was never serious with any of the girls he had been with after Peyton. Subconsciously, he was trying to move on from losing Hazel because he was too much of a coward to fight for her in the first place. He knew it would have to be Hazel. He had taken their relationship for granted for years, but they were just kids. One year apart from her had only made his feelings stronger and he had ruined it for the both of them when he couldn't stop himself from fa
It was a nagging feeling. That's what she had. It was bothering her and she couldn't ignore it any longer. Sure ... she needed to get her stuff to better prepare herself for the summer program. But Theo will only stay for so long and she needed to be with him, at least to explain in person how her summer is going to be.She wanted to stay in Goldstone, it was her initial plan before Theo came along. The nagging feeling told her to go back to Chestnut to see if their new relationship was going to last beyond that summer.She didn't tell him she was coming back, she wanted it to be a surprise. The minute she arrived, she went straight to Theo's house.He was surprised or more like shocked to see her. The look on his face was not what she expected. His eyes bulged wide, his face was drained of colors, and his mouth gaped open."Micky?" his voice was almost inaudible.She laughed, "Yeah ... who do you think it is? I wanted to ask you if you're surprised ... but it's pretty obvious," she r
He had planned to ask Hazel at the end of her stay in Goldstone, but he found himself asking her on the first day she arrived. The thought had been haunting him for weeks since he left Chestnut for his family therapy. The only thing stopping him from executing his original plan was his unexpected friendship with Hazel. He would consider anything not to lose what he had with her. Having her around made him feel excited and energized to do whatever it is he was planning to do. Being with her made it easier for him to forget how fucked up his family situation was. Every day spent with her was joyful. Even Dr. Seymour told him that he made huge progress since the last time he was in therapy. Marlon knew it had a lot to do with Hazel. He introduced her to his YouTube team and let her hang out when they were working on their next project. He wanted her to be interested. He wanted her to want to be involved. He wanted her to change her mind though neither of them had made any decision, Ma
She remembered the first time she arrived in the city of Neon Lights. This time she arrived in style, in a white Lambo with one of the most eligible bachelors in town. He was high, she was laughing, and the music was loud but Goldstone was louder. Hazel had underestimated how famous Marlon really was. It's different in Chestnut where she was used to him being her 'buddy', her celebrity friend from the Big City but Marlon never felt too big for her. In Goldstone, he's a Rock Star. People recognized his car. There were literally fans asking for autographs and pictures with him. She could hear people calling his name while they walk on the sidewalk. Eating out in fast food restaurants was not an option, they would have to go to Hotels or fine dining or have food delivered to his penthouse. "You should try going out in public with my dad," he said and put on his sunglasses at 8 PM. "Worse?" she assumed. He shook his head a little, "You can't," he tilted his brow. "He has bodyguards
Marlon took a drag of his cigarette while leaning on his car. He glanced at the pair after a while and muttered, "For fuck's sake." It's been 15 minutes since they said they were saying goodbye to each other and every time he looked over his shoulder they were kissing passionately on Hazel's porch. They finally stopped when Hazel's mom stepped out of the house. They hugged and her mom said something about not drinking, don't do anything illegal, and calling her once they get there. Things his parents never said to him. He dropped his cigarette on the ground and put it out with his Givenchy sneakers. "Drive safely, young man," Claire said to him when walking Hazel toward his car. "I mean it ... it's a fancy car, and I know what it can do ... but not while you're driving my baby," she tapped on his Lambo. "Yes ma'am," he gave her a two-finger salute. "How about we video call you all the way to Goldstone so you can see how slow I drive?" he teased her. "That's not a bad idea, actua