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~ Day Dreams ~
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~ Chapter Sixteen ~
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~ Rumours ~
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~ Eighteen-Years-Old ~
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~ Hazel's POV ~
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Crispy aircon removes the humid moisture draping around in the muggy Parlor. With my elbows glued to the smooth, concreted table as one of my slender hands holds my head upright.

The Ice-Cream Parlor has a retro 80's vibe design throughout, with blue jazz playing in the background. I uncomfortably shift on the leather booth as my body sweats in places that are better off left unmentioned.

"Hazel..." Honey's calming voice brings me back to reality, as she digs into her sticky date ice cream bowl. "...your ice-cream's melting, dude."

"Oh... sorry, I was just daydreaming," I said into my bowl of rainbow ice-cream, stirring the bamboo spoon in circular motions.

"I think you were more than just 'daydreaming', babes," Jordan said with an amused expression, as he brushes invisible flint off his work uniform.

I roll my eyes and observe the loud group of people in two booths across from us. The entirety of the swim team as well as Chanel and Brooklyn chat like the whole world revolves around them. Except Jake seems to be the only one off into his world of imagination.

I catch sight of Ethan staring at me, conveying a heartthrob smile, which would make anyone swoon for his appearance and Swedish accent. My gaze falls to my lap as I fiddle with the threads of my threading jean skirt. Ethan is attractive no doubt about it, but I do not like him in the same way he may like me. Why would Ethan like me anyway? He does not even know me and I know nothing about him. Probably the freshman, target thing going around again. I need to figure out a way for him to realize that Honey has feelings for him.

"Well, I better get back to work, ladies. Even though it's Spring break, I still have to work this whole week," Jordan sighs to himself, "So, no week holiday for Jordan and no having fun without me, babes," Jordan announces in third person and points a finger at Honey and I. Jordan stands from the booth, smoothing out his creasing work uniform.

"We're not making any promises," Honey said with a giggle. Jordan rolls his dark eyes playfully and waves us off, strutting back to his work duties.

"So, how long have you've liked Ethan for?" I said abruptly changing the subject.

"What? I—ah... I don't know what you're talking about?" Honey's cheeks turn to the shade of scarlet.

"You heard me," I said with an amusing expression. I set aside my bowl of ice-cream and focus my full attention on the uncomfortable Honey in front of me.

"Is it that obvious?" Honey said sheepishly, sinking into the leather cushion of the booth. "Oh boy, do you think he knows?"

"Don't sweat it, he seems oblivious," I said reassuring Honey, "But why do you want to hide your feelings?"

"It's not that I don't want him to know. It's just that I–ah..." Honey glances down at her lap in thought as wisps of chestnut hair fall behind her ears. "...I don't know..."

"Easier to not show your true colors and afraid of rejection," I said as Honey smiles in return, "I know that feeling, all too well."

"Yeah, exactly. Not knowing if they like you back is a scary thing," Honey's smile fades, shaking her head from further thoughts. "Anyway, how are you dealing with Jake being back in your life?"

"It's not the easiest thing I've done, but lying about my name is what makes the situation a whole lot more complicated than it needed it to be," I say as my eyes observe the popular group again scanning for Jake. Mentally reminding myself that would be a bad idea, but before looking away, Jake smiles as I return a smile and bite my bottom lip and pick at my fingernails. Blood explodes through my body, rushing to the surface of my cheeks as I return my full focus onto Honey.

"Yeah, time will only tell," Honey trails off deep in thought, "Also, when do your private lessons start?" Honey wiggles her eyebrows.

"Hey, it's not like that... and after Spring break," I said my cheeks burning as hot as the satan sun as my stomach twists and turns with butterflies. Why am I so nervous? It is only Jake, after all...

"So, next week then huh..." Honey's smile widens, showing a toothless grin. "Oh my, what shall you wear."

"Ha... very funny," my emerald blue eyes roll in an ironic manner, "Hey, do you want to get out of here? I'm starting to feel claustrophobic."

That is a lie. I need to escape the shady stares from the booth full of arrogant assholes laughing at me. Except for Jake and his friend, Ash. Jake and Ash frown at their group of friends, giving an apologetic smile towards me.

Honey agrees with a nod and drags me along with her, "Yeah, let's go, dude."

Honey and I leave the bill on the stone of the table and disembark from the Ice-Cream Parlor, entering the smothering, Florida heat. Our reckless feet carry us towards the main beach, as we stroll along the sand of the shore.

Honey fixes her leather, black jacket around her waist, her ripped, skinny jeans, and her punk, oversized t-shirt. "So, why nightmares? Sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound like that. I'm just curious is all," Honey's eyes widen with hesitation plastered on her face.

"No, that's okay, and I couldn't tell you to be quite honest," I gaze at my shoes, studying the loose shoelaces slithering through the blazing hot sand. "But it's only a stupid nightmare that haunts me in my sleepless daydreams and dreams."

"Well, if you ever need someone to listen, I'm your gal," Honey lingers a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Thanks, it's just every time I have a night terror it's still as terrifying as the first dream was," I fiddle with the tips of my slender fingers, then letting gravity drop my hands to my sides. "It's the same nightmare every single time there's sudden darkness and it always swallows me whole."

"Damn woman, that's quite a nightmare. No wonder why your so introverted — which isn't a bad thing, of course," Honey's smile reaches her hazelnut brown eyes as she rushes to explain herself, "I usually have extroverted friends — but as they say, opposites do attract." Honey's boots shuffle and slightly sink into the sand underneath her footsteps.

"Yeah, I guess your right," I peer towards the afternoon sky as the dying sun causes a beautiful scenery. I could stay here all day, but I have papers due to be finished after Spring break. "We better head back to campus, I've got papers to write."

Honey nods in agreement and we head towards my parked car. The pastel green-blue Volkswagen makes me smile knowing I now have a loving family and an anxious Forest waiting when I visit for Summer break. I could visit home for Spring break but I have essays building up by the minute and I need to catch up to date with my schedule.

The couple-minute car ride goes quicker than I thought it would. By the time I park the car, the sun begins to die off over the horizon. Honey and I amble throughout the campus towards dorm room, C, 124.

Feeling prying eyes lingering on my skin down the hallways of the campus, I tug on my casual crop top in order to hide myself from further embarrassment but fail horribly. Why am I so self-conscious? How does Honey do it and not care what anyone thinks of her? She is a force to be reckoned with.

Once safe inside the dormitory, I say in a curious manner, "That was really weird. What was that all about...?"

"Okay, Jordan said not to tell you, but how can I not. It'll ruin you..." Honey trails off, rambling to herself.

"Tell me what?" I said with a confusing expression.

"So... you know the incident at the pool with Weston Miller right?" I nod and Honey continues. "Well, rumors are going around saying that you're... promiscuous, to say it lightly."

My face flashes satan red, ready to explode like a volcano as my jaw unlatches itself and falls agape. "What, that's not true and doesn't make any sense! Weston is the one who was sexually aroused and a desperate asshole."

"Haha... sorry," Honey's hands cover her mouth as she laughs hysterically. "That was an accurate description of Weston. But don't worry about the rumors, they'll pass like the freshman target thing did. Come on, it's the holidays, let's enjoy it.

I do not think the target incident will ever pass and nor will the rumors. I am being punished for lying and I deserve it...

* * *

After finalizing my papers and synopsis for all of my subjects, I grab a novel from the bookshelf and relax on the daybed underneath the bay window. I release my high messy bun from its hold, as I loosely wrap the chunky scrunchie around my wrist. Honey blonde curls fall down the length of my back and cascades around my face as it hides me from the outside world. Honey continues with her studies at her desk, as the room next door slams their door shut, causing both of us to jump.

"Jake, we've been dating for two whole years now, and not once have you ever touched me like you needed or wanted me," Chanel yells and continues, "I know we were forced to be together by our families, but we can still make this work. I just want you to need me."

'Oh snap' Honey mouths. We did not mean to pry on their fight, but both Honey and I remain dead silent listening to the commotion happening on the other side of the plaster of the wall.

"I've been busy with work, training, swimming, and studying, Nell," Jake said emphasizes on Chanel's name, "Sorry, but I can't always make time for you every single day."

"Fine, whatever. Do you even mean it when you tell me you love me?" Chanel's shaky voice questions.

Chanel's definitely playing the victim card.

Jake huffs loudly, "Why do you always make everything about you and make such a big deal out of everything? This isn't the Chanel Brooklyn Heather Reality tv show. I have feelings too."

"Sorry, I guess... I just have a lot on my plate right now. You wouldn't understand," Chanel remarks snarky.

"This is what I'm talking about, Nell," Jake heavily pauses then continues, "You think being popular and starting rumors is all fun and games to you?"

My heart falls to the bottom of my stomach, as my facial features become numb. Chanel does not even know me and she has already made an enemy out of me. What a low blow.

Chanel scoffs, "I don't know... she hangs with the she-devil, so I don't like her," Chanel simply said, "And she was eyeballing you today and the other day, so I taught her a lesson."

"You don't know her, Nell. She's a nice person," Jake said.

Chanel scoffs, "What, you do?"

I can feel Chanel's sneer from the other side of the thin, plastered wall.

"No, I'm just saying you can't go around and puppet with someone just because your jealous of them," Jake raises his voice.

"Who says I'm jealous? And why are you defending her?" Chanel shouts, "She's a slut, Jake. She tried hooking up with Weston."

What the hell! Calm down, Hazel. It is not true. Do they even know everyone on the fourth floor can hear them? Or is this a normal thing?

"I find that very hard to believe," Jake said defending me, "Just end the rumors, so she's okay for swimming lessons next week."

"So, you're giving out private lessons to the 'charity case' now?" Chanel said with hatred in her tone of voice.

"This conversation is way off context. I'm done," Jake said and I assume he halts towards the entrance of the door which causes the wood floorboards to squeak underneath the pressure.

"What do you mean you're 'done'," Chanel's voice box breaks and echoes throughout the room.

"I'm done with this conversation. I have work early for the rest of the week and I don't have the mental capability to deal with this right now," Jake says as the next-door handle rattles ajar.

"Fine, whatever! Leave then!" Chanel yells, as the door opens and closes shut and footsteps ramble through the echoing corridors.

Well... that went differently than I thought it would.

Why were Jake and Chanel forced to be together by their families? Because they're rich? Because all they care about is their selfish selves and more income? No matter what the reason is, it is entirely insane and disgusting. Just because they're rich does not mean they can play around with someone else's life. It is not fair, but life is not fair. That I know all too well...

Jake never answered Chanel if he loves her or not. Does he actually love her? Why should I even care? It has been years, he is allowed to move on. Get over him, Hazel! How can I get over him when I am spending the whole damn afternoon swimming with him next week...? Oh my God! Swimming! Yep, it is official. I will make a fool out of myself and drown out of embarrassment...

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~ Cheers ~
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Please, tell me in the comments what you thought about Chapter Sixteen? 🙈 I'll be greatly appreciated. Thank you, you very kind soul!
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~ Chapter Sixteen ~
~ Dedications ~
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HeliiBoh
DebMorey
PeterPetruzzella
CaitlinWoodward9
DaniJones_14
ChloeMayerhofer
savvvy1998
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You guys should totally check out PeterPetruzzella short story! Lighthouse. It's amazing! Please also go check out Peter's YouTube account pure56 for awesome content on movies, tv-shows, and game reviews!
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You guys should totally check out ChloeMayerhofer story! Fallen! It's awesome!
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C.Morey 🥕 xoxo
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