A Jar of Gummies

Walking down the street, Kelly abruptly stopped. Standing just over there were friends from another lifetime, another story. She tried ducking into the convenience store, but she was far too late. They saw her and started chasing after her, squealing with excitement.

“Kelly! How’s it been?” one gushed. Another piped up, exclaiming “What’s your new life like?” Kelly shifted nervously. “Hey Madeline, hey Jess, oh it really has been a long time, hasn't it? I wish I could stay and chat, but I’ve really got to head home” Hoping for a quick escape, Kelly started briskly walking in another direction aimlessly, with the sole goal of evading her former friends’ gazes.

Madeline attempted to intercept Kelly. “At least give us your number, it would be amazing if we got together for some coffee to catch up on the missing years.” Kelly grew tense as she turned around to face them, the distance she’d retreated had been far from enough. “I still don't have a phone”, Kelly blurted. Jess interjected, “But we can still get in contact, right? Do you remember your parents phone number?” “No, not at all”, Kelly replied. “In fact, I have an after school activity I need to get to right away. Yep, theater. Very very important, so nice seeing you two!” Kelly rushed away in a whirlwind of panic and emotions, her head spinning with memories of years before.

Unfortunately for Kelly, Madeline and Jess started tailing her. “Hey, give us a chance! And why don’t you have a phone at 17 anyways? Relationships are so much tougher without them”, Jess informs the very aware Kelly. “Also, your parents didn’t seem like the type to withhold a phone from you for this long, are you sure you don’t have one?”

Kelly stops and turns around with the hopes that they give up their endeavor. “I don’t have time for this. I wasn’t joking when I said I have homework and things to attend to.” Kelly said tersely. Madeline’s face twists in confusion.. “I thought you said you had theater practice.”

“That’s exactly what I said. Don’t you two have somewhere else to be?” Kelly retorted impatiently. Jess sighed. “Fine. Get it your way. Just like last time, huh?”

Kelly’s face falls, her eyes glazing over with memories long buried.

-*-

Kelly was furiously working on a science project, every detail of her diorama laid out to her ideal. The trees she’d fashioned from paper were all evenly distributed, the vines made from painted hot glue strands draped from one tree to another. Kelly had even used glossy paint for the miniature lake, the ripples carefully measured. Being eight years old wasn’t going to stop her from having the superior project and winning the fabled jar of gummies that’s been sitting on her teacher’s desk all year long.

With the project completed, she swiped a bit of sweat from her brow. “Perfect, simply perfect. I’m going to be getting that candy tomorrow.” She breathed gleefully.

Laying in bed, Kelly dreamed of gummy bears and paper trees.

Her eyes flying wide open, the covers tossed to the side, Kelly got up with such vehemence that her mom thought her little heart might burst. Kelly sprinted down the stairs to marvel at her diorama before being shipped off to school. All she could muster thinking about was the awe her classmates were going to feel, and jar of gummies she was sure to win.

Spotting her best friends, she giggles while calling out “Madeline! Jess! Take a look at my project! I’m so super excited for today.” “No way, your diorama is so amazing.” Jess and Madeline chorused. Taking a closer look, Madeline goggled at the flawless trees and vibrant vines. “This project is sure to be the star of the day, don’t you think?” inquired Madeline. “For sure,” replied Jess.

“Also, guess what I got before school today! I got a coffee!” Jess cheered. As she did a little happy dance, disaster struck. As if in slow motion, a stream of liquid came flying out of her cup.

Straight at Kelly’s diorama.

Frantic to stop the onslaught of Jess’ decaf, Kelly threw the diorama out of the way. Her immaculate white shirt and shorts were now stained a repulsive shade of brown. Her diorama and dreams were shattered, and as the little paper trees came flying from their glued positions, the vines were strung left and right in the busy hallway.

Distraught, yet hoping to salvage the prized creation, Madeline and Kelly pursued the scattered pieces in vain. The trees were woefully disfigured and trampled on beyond repair, her once breathtaking project suddenly rendered into trash. Kelly’s eyes welled up with tears, staring at everything and nothing.

Amidst the chaos, Jess stood with a dumbfounded expression. Her coffee slipped from her hands, spilling a greater mess as she attempted to help Kelly to no avail. Kelly turned towards her, seething in a way she never thought possible. “Get. Away. From my project,” Kelly spat, tears streaming down her face. “And don’t come back with an apology.”

With tears forming in her very own eyes, Jess retreated a step, then two. And then she was gone.

Madeline looked up at Kelly from where she was, hurt for Jess painted all over her face. She got up and left to go find Jess.

Walking to class, Kelly felt so angry and embarrassed as she presented her dull, broken diorama that reflected her mood. A kid named Tyler got the jar of gummies that day.

-*-

“Well? How could you still be bitter?” Jess challenged. Kelly paused before responding.

“Bitter about what? Honestly, do you think I hold onto anything these days? I still have things to do regardless of what you say or do,” Kelly said carefully, counting each word while hoping to dissuade them from talking to her.

Madeline scoffed. “I think you would remember how your precious diorama and a silly jar of gummies was more important than your two best friends.” “Oh, and don’t forget how you replaced us with some other kid so easily,” reminded Jess. Kelly’s face twitched, yet remained indifferent, though she was panicking on the inside.

She sharply inhaled, then exhaled. “I have no idea what you guys are talking about. I’ve got to go,” replied Kelly. She spun around her heels and left, leaving two people that once knew her behind.