She Keeps Passin' Me By

The humid June air hung heavy as you and Jamie Terrell sat outside Sammy's gas station, the sweet chill of freeze pops a welcome contrast to the heat. Jamie, your best friend since forever, was nursing a broken heart, her face a mask of sadness after D'Angelo, her boyfriend, had unceremoniously dumped her after school.

“I know you love D’Angelo,” you started, trying to offer some comfort, though you couldn't help but feel a small, selfish pang of relief that Jamie would now have more time for you. “but in order to get over him, just think about all the bad things about him.”

Jamie shot you a look that could curdle milk. “Boy, you have never had a love life. What are you doing giving me your good for nothing advice?”

Just as you were about to retort, a sleek black Rolls Royce pulled up, and out stepped Anita Jones. The air seemed to shimmer around her. Even from a distance, she was captivating – tall, elegant, and effortlessly beautiful. You felt Jamie nudge you, a smirk playing on her lips.

“Go, ask her out,” she whispered, already knowing the answer. You shook your head, the familiar fear of rejection a cold knot in your stomach. Asking out Anita Jones? That was a level of bravery you didn't possess.

As Anita drove away, you both rose to leave, prompted by Sammy, the grumpy old manager who’d run the gas station forever. Walking down the street, a poster on a pole caught your eye: “The Artist’s Circle.” It promised a space for anyone talented with words, meeting at the Compassion Cafe. Jamie scoffed, calling the attendees 'snobs and wannabes', but a seed of curiosity had been planted. Maybe this was your chance to prove her wrong, or maybe, just maybe, it was the first step towards something unexpected.