Chapter 21
Botanic Dreams, Botanic Goodbyes

"This place is amazing," Dad snapped a couple more pictures. I sighed in content, leaning my head on Jacob's shoulder. He wrapped his arms around my waist and leaned in close to my ear, nudging strands of my hair out of the way with the tip of his nose.

"I like you, Claire." Goosebumps ran up and down my arm, and I shivered, flashing him a grin.

"I like you t--"

"TMI, Claire. Some of us aren't here to watch you and your porn friend make love," Connor commented, not looking up from his phone. I scoffed, then moved away from Jacob subconsciously. He gave me a pouty face, but I shook my head, then pointed at my parents who were staring in awe at the Botanical Gardens. They still haven't rendered the fact that they are here, in St. Louis.

"Lets go get some ice cream." Jenny suddenly appeared, pulling on my hand like a little kid.

"Shouldn't we go with Heather?" She shook her head, and nodded to my left. There, in a little alcove, was Heather with Tucker. Making out.

"That's what we should be doing right now," Jacob came up and caressed my face softly, with love. I stared into his eyes, expecting to see lust, but instead they were full of affection and passion.

"Not now...but I promise to give you the time of your life tonight," I smirked. He lit up suddenly, and squashed me in a bear hug.

"That," he paused and squeezed me tighter, "I can deal with." Then Jacob let me go and shuffled towards my brother, who was still texting on his phone and covering his eyes with his sunglasses.

"How about that ice cream?"

______

In the Botanical Gardens was a little ice cream cart, among the many pathways. Jenny led me to it and bought plain vanilla, while I purchased the lovely mint chocolate chip. Mmm. Heaven.

I heard a ding, and Jenny looked down at her phone as a text came through. Her face suddenly twisted with pain.

"You're so lucky," Jenny mumbled. We were sitting on a bench, watching parents with crying babies stroll by, and grandparents talking with their children. I licked my ice cream and stared at Jenny, who's face was hidden by a curtain of blonde hair.

"What do you mean? You are the lucky one--you live here!" I laughed, but then stopped when she turned to face me. Her green eyes looked tired, and there were dark circles in her flawless skin.

"Jenny....are you OK?" I asked softly. She began to shake her head, and out of the blue the tears came. Rushing down her cheeks, stained black from mascara. She was sobbing like a little girl who just lost her doll.

I quickly stood up, threw away my half eaten ice cream, and sat back next to Jenny, wrapping my arms around her. She leaned her head on my shoulder, and because she was so tall, it looked like she was slouching.

"Tell me what's wrong, Jenny." I gently smoothed her hair down with my fingertips, ignoring the stares of people walking past our bench.

"It's Seb. He...he left St. Louis." Jenny showed me her iPhone screen, and the text that had come through before clouded my memory with discomfort.

hi jen...its seb. i left st louis...things haven't been good w the fam, and mom said i should go to Mizzou instead of WashU for college, bc she and dad are getting a divorce. i should've told u ahead of time...i knew something was up w them but i didnt think anything would change that would cause problems w us. i love u, jenny. i love u so, so much. ill come visit in a couple weeks, once I'm settled in, but plz know...i still love u. i will always love u. don't forget me. bc i won't be forgetting u.

Once I finished reading the goodbye message, I began to cry. I dug my face into my friend's shoulder, and held her tightly, not wanting to let go. This is what it'll feel like to go home after this summer is over. Except I'll be coming back for college, back to my friends, back to Jacob. Sebastian will be in another city entirely.

I know how it feels to lose someone. I lost the person who meant the world to me. So I did the only thing I could do for Jenny; I sang her the song.

"'Don't cry, don't say goodbye. You're dreams will stay by your side, as long as you believe it true. Don't cry, don't say goodbye...'"

HEY GUYS! It has been--what?--almost 6 months I think! I finally updated, because I have been having so much time on my hands. I think I might put this book off hold. I guess I just needed time before I could add anymore to this story. I'm so so so so so so so sorry for the long wait, but the chapter is finally here.

What do u guys think? Jenny & Sebastian aren't breaking up, but they are going to be apart. Are u sad? Angry? Crying?

Sorry again for the rly long wait, my lovely readers.

I love u guys!

-T