cherry flavoured

11

IT'S MONDAY AFTERNOON and Bel and I are sat at a coffee shop in the mall. I didn't bring Parker his clothes. James and I sat on my porch for about 2 hours before he had to leave. I went back inside, re watched all the Spiderman movies before crashing on the couch again. Now, we're at the mall, Bela complaining about her family and me listening.

"My sister has to make everything about her. It's infuriating." she pushes her curls over her shoulder before putting her face in her hands.

I stare at the blank screen of my phone.

"El? Are you even listening to me?" she huffs.

Her voice pulls me out of my trance.

"Sorry. Yes. I am." I look up at her.

My best friend studies my face, her eyebrow raising. "Are you waiting for a text?"

"No." I feel my cheeks hear up and I frown.

Her eyes widen. "You totally are!"

"No I'm not." I groan, looking down to hide my most likely pink cheeks.

"Spill." she says, completely serious.

I look at her. And then I sigh; she's never gonna give up.

"Do you remember James? He was in our spanish class in 10th grade."

Bela looks up in thought, her eyes moving back and fourth. She shakes her head.

I open my phone, going on to Instagram and typing in Parker's name. I'm pretty sure I follow him. It would be blasphemy not to. His account pops up and I scan the photos to see if there are any of them with James in. About 98% of them have.

I click on one, turning the phone to Bela. She takes it from my hand.

"The blonde?"

I nod. "We kinda hung out yesterday. And then he gave me his number."

"He is hot." she gapes at the phone as she scrolls.

"I know." I sigh. "He's so sweet. We spoke for hours yesterday and I feel like I've known him for ages and..."

I trail off as Bela's eyes widen, her mouth making an 'O' shape.

"Bela?" I stare at her as she stares at my phone.

She looks up at me, her eyes still wide.

"I am so sorry." she breathes, pressing her lips together.

"What did you do?" I whisper, my heart racing.

Bela slowly turns the phone towards me and I take it from her hands.

My heart drops as I look at the picture, the little heart that should be empty is filled in red. I look back up at Bela.

"You liked a picture?!" I whisper shout.

"I'm sorry it was an accident." she quickly raises her arms in defence.

"When is the picture from?" I push the phone back to her, unable to even look at it.

"2... years ago." Bela grimaces.

"Isabela."I whine, crossing my arms and laying them on the table, my head along with them.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." she repeats, with a hint of something else in her voice.

I peek up from my arms.

"Are you laughing at me right now?" I raise my eyebrows.

Bela snorts, quickly covering her mouth. "No." she shakes her head from side to side quickly.