I FEEL JEALOUS AND SAD AT THE SAME TIME

I woke up with a sense of trepidation, my stomach twisting into knots as I thought about the day ahead. I had been dreading this moment for weeks, ever since I found out I didn't make it to the list for the school, I didn't know how to face James, after all our plans of schooling together. It wasn't that I didn't want to spend time with him, but the thought of looking at him and remembering our dreams of staying in the same house.

I knew I couldn't avoid him forever. So, with a heavy sigh, I threw off the covers and got out of bed. I dressed mechanically, my mind elsewhere, as I prepared for the day ahead.

The warehouse was a special place for me now, cause that's now me and James meeting place. Especially the tree at the back of the warehouse was a sprawling space, filled with natural light and the smell of its leaves, making me feel like I was in a garden, something like that. I never knew I would love it there, surrounded by the chaos the staff makes every day and the energy of taking records of the goods. But today, I felt like an outsider, a fraud who didn't belong in this world of hardworking people.

As I made my way to the warehouse, my heart raced with anticipation. What would James say when he sees me? Would he notice my sadness, my fear? I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment, as I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The warehouse was quiet, the only sound was the creaking of old wooden beams and the distant hum of traffic outside. My eyes adjusted slowly to the bright light, and I made out the familiar shape of James, busy with his work.

"Hey, Amy!" he called out, his voice warm and welcoming. "I was starting to think you'd never show up!"

I smiled weakly, my eyes fixed on the ground. "Sorry, James. I didn't mean to be late."

James' eyes narrowed, his expression concerned. "Hey, what's wrong? You seem a little off today."

I shrugged, trying to brush off my tears. "I'm just a little tired, that's all."

James nodded understandingly. "Well, let's get some coffee into you, then. I've got a fresh pot brewing over here."

As we sat down together, I felt a small sense of comfort. This was what I needed, a reminder that some things in life remained constant, like my friendship with James. We chatted idly for a while, discussing everything and nothing, as we sipped our coffee and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the warehouse.

But as the conversation turned to James' computer science school acceptance, my anxiety returned. I felt a pang of jealousy, mixed with a deep sadness. Why had I been rejected, while James had been accepted? What was wrong with me, that I couldn't seem to achieve my dreams?

James noticed my distress, and his expression softened. "Hey, Amy, I know this is hard for you. But you have to remember, this is just one setback. You'll get in next year, I promise."

I smiled, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Thanks, James. You're a true friend."

James grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's what friends are for. Now, let's get back to work and forget all about the school thing!