-Chapter Two-
Looking back, I wish I hadn't pinkie swore Jenny that night. Maybe if I'd held out none of this would happen. Maybe I'd still be the same happy-go-lucky girl I was. But I guess that's the beauty of life, we don't get a second chance to do it all over again. But at the same time I wish I did, because if given the chance, I'd would do everything differently.
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Since I didn't have any classes to attend to, unlike Jenny who complained to no end about all her assignments, I had to find a job. Jenny was very helpful in the process and pointed out some great choices. I ended up settling on a little bookstore called "In The Corner", which happened to be a five minute walk away from our apartment. It had the perfect feel to it, a warm comforting feeling that made it feel like home. That was how this entire city felt, like one big warm hug on a cold day. It was absolutely perfect.
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"Amaryllis, where are you?" I heard Lily, my co-worker call as I carefully placed the last dusty book on the shelf.
Popping my head from around the corner I looked for her. "I'm right here!" I called and smiled as looked over.
She walked over to me, "I don't know why you always insist on shelving books in the middle of the day. People are just going to move them again." she noted with a smile.
"Well I happen to think it makes the book shopping experience much easier when the books are where they're supposed to be" I replied matter-of-factly.
"You would." she said with a snort. I shot her a glare but soften my face and began laughing. "Man what are we going to do for five more hours Lil? I feel like no one even knows this store exists." I said leaning against the bookcase.
"That's because no one does know it exists." she said with a laugh. I smiled and turned my attention to the front door, that wasn't opening with a crowd of customers.
"That's probably true. But I love this store, it's so.. homey" I replied looking around the small store.
Lily just nodded and grabbed a stack of books and walked off to find their shelves.
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Wrapping my scarf around my neck, Lil and I closed up the shop and began walking down the street. It was particularly cold for autumn, or so I'd been told by the natives. But I didn't mind so much. I stopped into Starbucks with Lil behind me. After ordering our drinks we found a seat. Lil began telling me about her latest problems with her boyfriend James. It wasn't anything new either, James always hurt Lil the same way, but Lil just couldn't see that.
"Lil, any boy that hurts you like this more than once is not a good guy." I said with a warm smile.
She looked up at me, her eyes tearing up, "But I love him Amaryllis." she said quietly.
I sighed, there it was that...that word! Everyone used it but nobody meant it. That more than anything else bothered me to no end. "Okay here's what you have to ask yourself." I said simply. She nodded at me, "Does he ever do anything without having to be asked like buy you flowers or surprise you?" I asked. Lil shook her head. "Does he always say sorry to you, but in the tone of voice that tells you he's probably not sorry?" I continued. Lil nodded silently. I sighed, "Well it's simple then."
"What is?" Lil asked, her eyes widening.
"It simply isn't love. Lil you deserve a lot better than a boy like that. If he loved you he'd surprise you and buy you flowers. And if he loved you, when he said sorry you'd know he meant it." I said with a smile.
"How do you always know what to say?" she asked lightly.
"It's a gift I guess." I replied sipping my drink.
"But you know what Amaryllis? You're so right!" she said with a smile on her face.
I nodded as I began to get up. "I have to get back now, Jenny's probably wondering where I am. I know she wanted to go out tonight but wanted to make sure I got into the apartment. You know so I wouldn't lose the key like last time." I said with a laugh. Lil and I hugged as I walked away from the table.
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That night I sat up sitting on my fire escape looking up to the stars. Even among the brightly lit skyscrapers, the stars shone brighter. I didn't know it then but this wouldn't be the only time I'd sit here looking at the stars. Only the next time it would happen, my face would be covered in tears.
