Chapter 17
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, casting soft golden rays across Kelly's room. Scarlet was still asleep beside her, her arm loosely draped over Kelly's waist. Kelly turned her head slightly, watching Scarlet's peaceful face, a rare softness in her features.
Kelly smiled faintly but then remembered something she'd been thinking about recently. Her conversation with Sarah about Jax replayed in her mind.
After carefully slipping out of bed, Kelly freshened up and got dressed for school. She left a quick note for Scarlet on the bedside table—"Morning, Scar. Rest up, I'll see you after school <3."—and hurried downstairs, her thoughts shifting back to Sarah.
By lunchtime, Kelly was seated across from Sarah at their usual spot in the cafeteria.
"So," Kelly started, casually stirring her drink with a straw, "how's thing between you and Jax?"
Sarah's fork paused midway to her mouth, and she blinked at Kelly. "What do you mean?"
Kelly smirked knowingly. "Oh, come on. I've seen the way you two talk. You're both clearly interested in each other, but you're stuck in this awkward limbo. Spill it."
Sarah sighed, setting her fork down. "It's not that simple, Kel. Jax is...hesitant. And, honestly, so am I. After everything, I'm not even sure where to start."
Kelly rested her chin in her palm, looking thoughtful. "Have you told him how you feel? Or are you both just hoping the other will figure it out through telepathy?"
Sarah groaned. "It's not that easy! What if he doesn't feel the same way?"
Kelly gave her a playful nudge. "Trust me, he does. I used to have a crush on him, remember? I can tell when he's into someone."
Sarah hesitated, her expression torn.
"Look," Kelly continued, leaning forward, "you're not the only one who's been through tough stuff. Jax is guarded, but so are you. Maybe that's why you're both so afraid to make the first move. But if you want something real, you've got to take that step."
Sarah looked down at her hands, her voice quieter. "What if I mess it up?"
"You won't," Kelly said firmly. "And if you do, you can always fix it. The point is, you've got to try. Life's too short for all this 'what if' stuff."
Sarah gave a small smile, some of her tension easing. "You're right. Maybe I just need to stop overthinking and go for it."
"Exactly!" Kelly said, grinning. "And hey, if you need any backup, I know someone who's got a knack for helping awkward people with their love lives."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Scarlet?"
Kelly laughed. "Who else? I mean, she did help me, didn't she? Let me talk to her. She might have some advice on how to deal with Jax."
"Thanks, Kel," Sarah said sincerely, her smile growing warmer. "You've been such a good friend through everything."
Kelly shrugged but couldn't hide her own smile. "That's what friends are for. Besides, I want to see you happy, Sarah. You deserve it."
Later that evening, Kelly was sitting across from Scarlet at the table in Scarlet's apartment.
Scarlet leaned back in her chair, arms crossed as she listened to Kelly recount Sarah's dilemma with Jax. Her expression was cool, but her eyes glimmered with interest.
"So, let me get this straight," Scarlet began, her voice carrying its usual aloof edge. "You actually want me to help Sarah—your former best friend who, let's not forget, ruined your life for a while—figure out how to win over Jax? The guy you used to crush on?"
Kelly sighed, exasperated but also amused by Scarlet's blunt summary. "When you say it like that, it sounds ridiculous. But yes, I do. Because Sarah's trying, Scar. She's making amends. And...I guess I just want her to have a shot at something good."
Scarlet tilted her head, studying Kelly. "You're too kind for your own good, you know that?"
Kelly shrugged, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You've said that before."
Scarlet's lips quirked into a smirk. "And I stand by it. But fine, I'll help. Not because I care about Jax or Sarah, but because you asked." She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "What's the deal with Jax, anyway? He's always been a little...standoffish."
Kelly nodded, leaning closer as well. "He is, but he's not a bad guy. He's just cautious, especially when it comes to relationships. I think he's scared of getting hurt or tangled up in drama. But Sarah's different now. She's changed, and she's willing to put in the effort. I just need to help them get over that awkward hump."
Scarlet let out a low chuckle. "So, you're playing matchmaker now, huh?"
Kelly rolled her eyes. "Don't act like you haven't done the same. You practically coached me into realizing I liked you."
Scarlet grinned, clearly enjoying the reminder. "True. And look where that got us. You're mine now, little bird."
Kelly blushed but ignored the comment, determined to stay on topic. "Anyway, I think if Sarah shows Jax that she's serious and willing to take things slow, he'll come around. He just needs to see she's not the same person she was before."
Scarlet tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the table. "Alright. Here's what I'd suggest. First, Sarah needs to stop tiptoeing around him. If she wants Jax to take her seriously, she needs to be direct. No beating around the bush."
Kelly nodded eagerly. "Right, that makes sense."
"And second," Scarlet continued, "she should find a way to connect with him outside of their usual setting. Something personal. If he's hesitant, she'll need to create a space where he feels comfortable enough to open up."
"Like what?" Kelly asked, intrigued.
Scarlet shrugged. "That's for her to figure out. Maybe something he enjoys—music, movies, whatever. It's not about forcing a connection; it's about making it easy for him to let his guard down."
Kelly smiled, already thinking of how to relay the advice to Sarah. "You're surprisingly good at this, you know."
Scarlet leaned back with a smug grin. "What can I say? I'm a natural."
Kelly shook her head, laughing softly. "Thanks, Scar. You're the best."
Scarlet reached across the table, taking Kelly's hand in hers. "Anything for you, Kel. But if Sarah ends up with Jax, she owes me. Big time."
Kelly rolled her eyes playfully. "I'll let her know."
Later that day, Kelly met Sarah after school, finding her waiting by the lockers with an unusually nervous expression.
"So," Sarah started hesitantly, her arms crossed, "you said you had advice for me?"
Kelly nodded, smiling encouragingly. "I talked to Scarlet, and we came up with a plan. It's not magic or anything, but it might help you get through to Jax."
Sarah raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical but curious. "Scarlet gave advice? Isn't she...I don't know, the 'play it cool and ignore everyone' type?"
Kelly smirked. "Yeah, but she knows people better than anyone. And trust me, she's helped me plenty of times. So, do you want to hear it or not?"
Sarah nodded quickly. "Of course. I'll take anything at this point."
Kelly leaned against the lockers. "First, you need to be direct with Jax. No dancing around your feelings or hoping he'll pick up on hints. He's not the type to read between the lines, and honestly, he might think you're just being friendly unless you say something."
Sarah frowned slightly but nodded. "Okay...so, like, just tell him how I feel?"
"Exactly," Kelly said firmly. "But don't rush it. If he's hesitant, it's not because he doesn't care—it's because he's cautious. You'll need to show him you're serious but also willing to go at his pace."
Sarah let out a slow breath. "That sounds terrifying, but okay. What else?"
Kelly smiled. "Find a way to connect with him on something he really cares about. Like, not just casual stuff but something personal. Scarlet said it's about making it easy for him to open up, not forcing it. Do you know what Jax is into?"
Sarah thought for a moment, her expression softening. "He loves photography. He's always talking about how he wants to travel and take pictures of landscapes and...well, just about everything."
Kelly's smile widened. "Perfect. Start there. Maybe invite him to a place where he can take pictures, or even just ask him about it. Show him you're interested in what he loves. That'll mean more to
Sarah nodded thoughtfully, her nervousness slowly shifting into determination. "Photography...yeah, I can do that. I've seen him posting stuff online. He's actually really good at it. Maybe I can ask him to teach me or something?"
"Exactly!" Kelly said, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "It doesn't have to be a big gesture. Just something that lets him know you're paying attention and want to share what he loves. That'll make all the difference."
Sarah still looked a little uneasy but managed a small smile. "Thanks, Kelly. I didn't think I'd ever get advice like this from you, especially after everything..."
Kelly shrugged with a warm grin. "We've been through a lot, Sarah. But you're my best friend again, and I want to see you happy. Besides, Jax deserves someone who's all in for him, and I know you can be that person."
Sarah blinked back what might have been the beginning of tears. "That means a lot. Really. I won't screw this up."
"You won't," Kelly assured her. Then, with a teasing smile, she added, "But if you do, you can always come crying to me and Scarlet. Just be warned—Scarlet will probably mock you while she helps."
Sarah laughed, the tension breaking. "Noted."
As the two walked out of the school building together, Sarah seemed lighter, her steps more confident. Kelly felt a sense of pride. Helping Sarah get her life back on track, even in this small way, made her feel like she was growing, too.
Later that evening, Kelly brought the conversation up to Scarlet while they were lounging at Scarlet's house.
"So, you're officially a matchmaker now," Scarlet teased, smirking at Kelly from the couch.
Kelly rolled her eyes, sitting cross-legged on the floor. "I wouldn't go that far. But it felt good to help her. I think she really likes Jax, you know? And he's actually a decent guy—when he's not being stubborn."
Scarlet arched an eyebrow. "You're very generous with your opinions, considering you used to have a crush on him."
Kelly threw a pillow at Scarlet's head, laughing. "That was forever ago! Besides, you're the reason I got over it."
Scarlet caught the pillow effortlessly and leaned back with a smug grin. "You're welcome, little bird. Guess I've been good for you, huh?"
Kelly looked up at Scarlet with a warm smile. "Yeah...you have. In more ways than I think I can ever explain."
Scarlet's smirk softened into something gentler as she held Kelly's gaze. "Well, you've been good for me, too, Kel. Probably more than you realize."
It was late afternoon when Jax found Sarah sitting on a bench near the school courtyard, flipping through the pages of a small leather-bound notebook. The golden light of the setting sun spilled over her shoulders, highlighting the streaks of auburn in her hair. Jax hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should interrupt, but curiosity won out.
"Hey," he said, sliding his hands into the pockets of his hoodie.
Sarah looked up, startled, but her expression softened when she saw him. "Oh, hey, Jax. What's up?"
He gestured toward the notebook. "What're you working on?"
Sarah hesitated for a moment before holding it out to him. "It's...just ideas, really. I was thinking about getting into photography."
Jax took the notebook, flipping through the pages. Her handwriting was neat but filled with little scribbles and notes in the margins. Some pages even had small sketches—ideas for angles and lighting.
"This is cool," he said genuinely. "Didn't know you were into photography."
Sarah shrugged, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I wasn't, really. But...I saw some of your photos online, and they're amazing. Thought it might be fun to try."
Jax's eyebrows rose. "You follow my stuff?"
Sarah blushed faintly but nodded. "Yeah. It's really good, Jax. You've got an eye for things most people wouldn't notice."
For a moment, he was at a loss for words. Nobody had ever really commented on his photography like that—not in a way that felt so genuine. "Thanks," he finally said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That means a lot."
Sarah gestured to the notebook still in his hands. "So...any tips for a beginner? Or is this the part where you tell me to stick to my day job?"
Jax laughed, shaking his head. "Nah, I think it's awesome you're giving it a shot. First tip? Don't overthink it. Photography's all about capturing what feels real to you. Like, don't worry about what looks perfect—worry about what tells the story."
Sarah leaned forward, her interest piqued. "What's your favorite story you've captured?"
Jax paused, considering the question. "There was this one shot—just this little kid chasing a balloon at the park. The balloon got caught in a tree, and the look on his face...you could see everything. His frustration, his determination. Stuff like that—that's what I love. It's the little moments that say the most."
Sarah smiled, her eyes warm as she watched him talk. She could tell this was something he was passionate about, and it made her want to learn even more. "Okay. I'm sold. Teach me everything."
Jax chuckled, handing her back the notebook. "Alright. First lesson? Let's start with the basics. You free this weekend? I can show you how to work with natural light."
Sarah's heart skipped a beat, but she managed to play it cool. "Yeah, I'm free. Thanks, Jax. I promise I'll try not to be a terrible student."
He grinned. "I'll hold you to that."
As he turned to leave, Sarah watched him go, clutching her notebook a little tighter. She felt a flicker of hope—something she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, she could make this work.
It was a quiet evening at home. Kelly was sitting in the living room, scrolling aimlessly through her phone when her mom entered, carrying a laundry basket. Her mom's eyes lingered on her for a moment, a small smile playing on her lips.
"You know," her mom began casually, setting the basket on the coffee table. "You and Scarlet have gotten really close lately."
Kelly's fingers froze on the screen, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "Uh, yeah... We're best friends, Mom," she said quickly, her voice an octave higher than usual.
Her mom didn't respond immediately, just folded a sweater with deliberate care. "Best friends, huh?" she said with a knowing smile. "I've seen the way you look at her, Kelly."
Kelly's face turned crimson, and she fidgeted with the hem of her hoodie. "What—what do you mean? I don't look at her any different than my other friends!" she protested, her voice cracking slightly.
Her mom sat down beside her, the warmth in her gaze steady and reassuring. "Sweetheart, I'm your mom. I notice these things. It's not just the way you look at her—it's how happy you seem when you're with her. Like she brings out a part of you that nobody else does."
Kelly stared at her lap, her mind racing. She didn't know how to respond, so she just mumbled, "It's not like that."
Her mom chuckled softly, reaching over to tuck a strand of hair behind Kelly's ear. "If it's not like that, then why are you blushing so much?"
Kelly groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Mom, please. Can we not talk about this?"
But her mom wasn't letting it go. "Kelly," she said gently, "if it is like that...if you do love her, there's nothing wrong with it. I just want you to be happy."
Kelly hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you really mean that? Even if the person I love isn't...a boy?"
Her mom's smile widened, and she pulled Kelly into a comforting hug. "Of course, I mean it. Love is love, Kelly. Whoever makes your heart happy will make mine happy too."
Kelly melted into the embrace, a mix of relief and emotion washing over her. "Thanks, Mom," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.
Her mom gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Now," she teased, pulling back with a grin, "when are you bringing Scarlet over for dinner? I need to see if she can handle my lasagna test."
Kelly laughed despite herself, the tension melting away. "Mom!" she said, rolling her eyes—but she couldn't stop smiling.
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