- 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AND 5 DAYS LATER -
J A Z L Y N
She lets out a sigh of relief as she closes her overflowing suitcase.
Her freshman year at The Royal Academy of Music has finally come to an end. Although playing the guitar is Jazlyn's passion, all the gigs, concerts and exams have left her fingers feeling like they could snap off at any second. But as much as Jazlyn is glad her fingers are finally getting a break, leaving the academy for the summer left her with a sad feeling.
Her time there this past year was freeing, mind-opening.
She got exposure to new methods, views and morals from my teachers and classmates.
And with Fawn Brookes— her crazy red-haired, free-spirited roommate by her side, she gained great advice on handling stress from schoolwork and it changed the way she dealt with things. At times, she was reminded of Kayla and although I vowed never to talk to her, I do miss her dearly. The way she acted, how every night she would either be at a party or out at nightclubs or bars whether or not we had school tests the next day. We were table mates in kindergarten and clicked over our love for the colour green. An odd thing to bond over, but it was their spark.
~~~
Currently seated on a Bakerloo line train, suitcase rolling between her legs, Jazlyn was headed to her family's pizzeria in Oxford Circus.
Her mum and 3 sisters resided there from Italy and opened up their restaurant and as the family grew, everyone was brought up and taught how to work in the kitchen- along with Jazlyn.
As the train screeches into Regent's Park Station, Jazlyn whipped her hands up to her ears to block out the displeasing sound. The carriage doors open and to her surprise, a very familiar face steps into the train.
"Nah, because I know that ain't Jazlyn Rose Parker," the boy smirks and slides into the seat next to Jazlyn. "Long time no see, JJ."
The two give each other dap and do their special handshake. "Long time indeed, Malachi James Walker," Jazlyn chuckles and he rolls his eyes. "Haven't heard from you since graduation. What you been up to?"
Malachi shrugged innocently, "Oh you know, just being the cool, awesome person I am."
"Boy please," she scoffs, punching his arm lightly. "See that big head of yours ain't shrunk yet."
He gasps, "hey, I take that quite offensive."
"Of course you do, you big baby,"
Malachi sulks and turns away, causing Jazlyn to burst out laughing.
The two go way back.
Jazlyn was Malachi's first friend in the 7th grade. He would constantly make remarks about her books and she would take videos of him when he fell asleep in class. Within a week, the two became the best of friends and they were inseparable. Wherever Jazlyn went, Malachi was bound to be by her side.
"So, what have you been up to this past year?" Jazlyn asks.
"I've been taking time to figure out what I want to do." He smiles, "and I spend all of my time with my Nan."
Jazlyn raises her eyebrows, "All of your time? I think you forgot to mention the parties and one-night stands every night."
Malachi's smile fades and he goes silent.
The train pulls into the station with another ear-piercing screech and the doors open. The pair leave the train in silence and head for the exit.
"Oh."
"Yup."
She fiddles with her drawstrings, rolling them between her fingers.