"You didn't call me," Jen whines over the phone the following morning. I roll my eyes.
"Sorry, I was busy," I hold my phone to my shoulder as I finish doing the dishes.
She laughs. "I guess Jack is keeping you pretty busy." I sigh.
"Don't be ridiculous," I say, and she clicks her tongue.
"I saw the picture too, Ri," she rebukes. "He's totally into you." My face burns, and I dry my hands, taking the phone into my hand.
"Yeah," I reply softly, and she giggles on the other end.
"Jessica must be livid that you're getting all this attention," I sigh as I hear Jessica's music blaring from upstairs.
"She busted my lip yesterday," Jen gasps on the other end.
"You seriously need to take a self-defense class or something," I can just imagine her shaking her head.
"Jack offered to teach me how to put her in a headlock," Jen bursts out a laugh.
"I'd love to see that!" I smile and head upstairs to finish getting ready.
"You coming to school today?" I ask, and she sighs.
"No, I have to be fever-free for 24 hours, and my fever broke last night, but I'll definitely be back tomorrow,"
"I hate not having you around," I grumble, and she laughs.
"I'm sure you're doing just fine. Besides, you've got Jack," she giggles, and I roll my eyes.
"Talk to you later," I say.
"Text me!" We hang up, and I sigh, gathering my things before taking a deep breath. Jessica's music pounds through the walls, and I'd rather jump off a cliff than ask her if she was riding with me. The last time I assumed she didn't want a ride, Karen lectured me for an hour and a half. She said I was irresponsible, rude, inconsiderate, and selfish. And ever since, I've asked Jessica every morning (if she was home) if she was riding with me. I head to Jessica's room and knock. She doesn't answer, but that's because she probably can't hear me. I knock again, harder, and she flings the door open.
When she sees me, her eyes narrow and her arms crossed over her chest.
"What?" She snaps.
"Are you riding with me?" She rolls her eyes.
"You honestly think I'm gonna ride with you? To school? Where everyone hates you for what you did to me?" I look at her, confused.
"What did I do to you?" She scoffs as if me asking was the stupidest thing she ever heard.
"Don't be an idiot, Riley," I continue to stare at her, completely bewildered. "Uh, Jack? Remember? The guy who I want and you're just, ignoring the girl code and taking him anyway?" I shake my head.
"Jack and I aren't anything," I say, and she rolls her eyes, not believing me. "He's just a friend." She stares at me, a blank look on her face.
"Don't tell me you guys aren't exclusive when I have a photo of you guys nearly kissing." She then slams the door in my face. I sigh, frustrated. Why couldn't she just believe me? Why would I lie to her about something like this? I have never lied to her, and I wasn't going to start now. I grab my backpack and slip my shoes on, snatching my keys off the hook before heading out to the driveway. I unlock the door and am disgusted by all the trash in the front and back seats. I groan in annoyance, though not surprised that she left my car a mess.
I manage to clear my seat and back out before heading to school, deciding to clean out the car and give it a car wash when I got home. I'm not surprised she left the car in this shape, but I'm even more surprised there aren't any dents, and nothing is broken. I park in my spot and play on my phone a bit before I look up.
My eyes can't help but wander over to where I know Jack parks and am perplexed that he isn't here yet. I check the time on my phone. He's usually here by now, I think to myself. I have an inclination to text him, but then I hear the roar of his motorcycle in the distance. My anxiety begins to pool in my stomach as the butterflies come to life. He glides into the parking lot, and my heart skips a beat. I remember the ache in my chest from last night and look away, a twinge of longing striking my soul.
Jack takes off his helmet, and he immediately looks over at me, smiling, and then waving. I wave back and watch him dismount before he heads towards me. I swallow hard and get out, meeting him halfway, setting my bag on the ground.
"Good morning," he says cheerily, taking me surprise when he leans down and kisses my cheek affectionately. My face burns from the unexpected gesture, and I immediately look around to see a few people watching us.
"Uh, hi," I swallow hard.
"I have a question," he asks, and I meet his captivating gaze. "Are you available tonight at 6?" My cheeks pound, and I remember that I accepted his date request.
"I am," he grins.
"I'll pick you up at 6 then." He winks at me. I take a deep breath, and he touches my arm.
"What's the matter?" I force a smile and shake my head.
"Nothing, why?" He searches my eyes, and I know he can see right through me.
"You can talk to me, you know," he says reassuringly, his fingers brushing against mine.
"I know," I sigh. I hesitate. I want to say something, but I don't know how to say it. Jack senses my hesitation, and I watch as his index finger wraps around mine. His small touch is warm and calms me. He smiles reassuringly at me, and I take a deep breath.
"This is a lot," I say with a sigh. "I... I haven't been on a date, I haven't had anyone want to go on a date with me. I don't... All my emotions are new, and I'm just trying to understand them." He searches my face.
"I know," his middle finger wraps around mine, and I look down at our conjoined fingers. "This is all new to me, too." I gape at him, bewildered, and he chuckles.
"I've never dated or been with someone either," he says.
"I don't believe you," I say, narrowing my eyes at him. He laughs.
"I'm telling you the truth, promise," he smiles, eyes warm. I shake my head.
"But... How?" I gesture to his body, and he raises an eyebrow at me. My face pounds. He shrugs and looks at our conjoined fingers.
"There hasn't been anyone that's... Intrigued me as you have," he says honestly, eyes meeting mine. I blink at him.
"Me? Intriguing?" He smiles and nods, and I scoff, rolling my eyes. "Okay, now I know you're just messing with me." I walk away, reaching down for my bag, but our fingers are still together. Jack laughs and pulls me back to him. I suck in a breath, his arms wrapping around my waist as he buries his head into the side of my neck. All at once, my whole body is buzzing, and I forget how to breathe. His scent and warmth wash over me like a hot shower, all at once and very delightful.
"Oh, you have no idea, Riley." He breathes against my skin, and I can't help but shiver, my entire body covered in goosebumps. His nose brushes over the large artery in my throat, and it lingers, him chuckling because I know he can feel my heightened heart rate. Embarrassed, I pull his arms off of me and clear my throat, quickly picking up my bag as he smirks at me, eyes dilated.
"Um... Class, now," I turn and walk away, eyes cutting between all of the onlookers who saw our embrace. I duck my head, hiding behind my hair as I head inside.
~•~
During lunch, I finish the project and email it to Mrs. Hawkins. It's a few days early, but it's complete. I'm relieved, and I rub my eyes, gasping as Jack suddenly appears in the bean bag next to mine. He grins at me as I glare at him.
"Hello," he says. I sigh.
"I submitted the project," I say, and he nods.
"Wonderful. Hey, quick question," I meet Jack's gaze. "You aren't allergic to anything, are you?" I look at him, confused, but I laugh.
"That was random," he grins. "But, no, I'm not."
"You're sure?" I nod, and he nods back.
"Perfect," he surprises me again by leaning over and kissing my cheek. "Gotta go, see you in class." My face burns as he walks out of the library. I sigh and pull out my book, spending the rest of the lunch period reading, but my mind doesn't take long to wander.
Why would he need to know if I'm allergic to anything? What did he have planned for tonight? Then I wonder what kind of date is it. Formal? Informal? Casual? I feel so overwhelmed. I take my phone out and text him.
There isn't a dress code tonight, is there? Because I honestly don't have anything fancy.
A few minutes later, I get a reply.
No dress code.
I nod and am about to leave it at that when he sends another message.
You could be wearing the ugliest dress in the history of mankind, and I'd still think you'd look beautiful.
I blink, re-reading the message multiple times. He's called me cute, flat out told me that he wanted me, and asked me out on a date, yet this is what really solidifies the notion that he likes me. My face burns as I type my reply.
Well, I'll make sure to wear my ugliest then.
He doesn't take long to reply, and all he sends is an emoji
;)
"Oh, my God, what a punk," I whisper to myself, smiling. I pack my things up when I see that I only have a few minutes left of lunch. I head to my locker and finish off my sandwich that I couldn't eat in the library. The bell rings, and a minute later, Jack is by my side.
"Ready?" Before I can stop him, he's taking my hand and leading me towards history. People look at us and roll their eyes. It's as if we're that couple that has just a little too much PDA that it becomes cringy. Wait, couple? I look at Jack as he pulls me to class. Could we... Be a couple? My heart skips, and he suddenly squeezes my hand, as if to reassure me of that thought. We arrive at Mrs. Hawkins', and he lets go of my hand. We enter the classroom and take our seats. The bell rings, and I glance at Jack, but all he does is shoot me a wink.
The rest of the day flies by and next thing I know, Jack is walking me to my car.
"So, I'll be at your house at 6 pm sharp, okay?" I nod and smile.
"I'll be ready," he grins and kisses my cheek, his lips warm and my mind imagines them against my lips. My face heats up as I unlock the door, and he opens it for me. I get in, tossing my bag in the passenger seat. Jack looks in, and I quickly cover his eyes so he can't see the mess. He laughs.
"Riley, I didn't know you were so messy," he teases, and I sigh.
"It was Jessica," I groan, and he pulls my hand away from his eyes.
"I know; I've seen your room. It's immaculate," even though my face is burning, I smile.
"Thanks,"
"I'll see you soon," he winks at me as I close the door. I smile at him and watch him head to his bike. I head home, and my heart is all aflutter. Excitement and anxiety pool in my stomach and veins. I notice that Jack doesn't leave the parking lot until I do.
Once home, I head upstairs and head straight for my closet. I frown because I don't have anything nice to wear except the black dress I wore to my mother's funeral, but I doubt that it even fits me anymore. I rifle through some clothes, and even though I feel overwhelmed and panic begins to rise up my throat, I decide just to keep it basic. He said there isn't a dress code, so I could be casual and comfortable. I pick out my outfit, laying it out on the bed.
I start on my homework, focusing on that rather than on the swarm of bees in my stomach. An hour later, I head to the bathroom and take a shower. I brush my dirty blonde hair, blow-drying it and braiding it over my shoulder. I head back to my room, changing into my outfit: a pair of skinny jeans, my converses, and a light pink t-shirt. Since this is a special occasion, I don my mother's sapphire pendent and her earrings. I take a deep breath, checking the time: 5:45.
My anxiety shoots up my throat, and I put my phone in my pocket as I grab my light grey cardigan. I hear Jessica's music blaring from her room, and I roll my eyes, heading downstairs to wait on the couch. As soon as I sit down, I hear a beep from the driveway. Confused, I get up and head to the door only for it to open, and my dad and Karen walk in.
"Hey, there!" Dad exclaims happily. Dread fills my body as my eyes land on Karen, and her face is already screwed up in a sour look. I can't help but smile thought as he approaches, giving me a tight hug. He pulls me away and holds me out at arm's length, looking me over, brows together in confusion.
"Why are you all dressed up?" He asks, his green eyes meeting mine. Even he can tell that this is me all dressed up, even though the outfit is very casual.
"Well," I say, smiling, and he looks at me expectantly. I glance at Karen, who looks at me suspiciously. "I have a date tonight." Dad grins and holds a hand up for a high five. I meet his hand, and he laughs.
"Do you really? Wow, you really are growing up," he says, his tone melancholy. I smile as Karen rolls her eyes, taking her and Dad's luggage into their bedroom.
"Is he coming here?" I nod, and he grins. "Perfect, because I want to meet him." Trepidation suddenly fills my heart as Karen pokes her head out of the bedroom door.
"Oh, Dad, you don't have to-"
"Is there something you don't want us to know?" Karen accuses, looking at me as if I had ulterior motives. Dad waves her off and squeezes my hand.
"I would really like to meet him if you're comfortable with that," he looks so happy and excited, how can I tell him no? I smile and nod.
"He should be here soon." Jessica's music suddenly turns off, and I hear her coming down the stairs. She doesn't even look at us, heading straight for our parent's bedroom and closing the door behind her. A few minutes later, Karen and Jessica come out of the bedroom. From the sly smirk on Jessica's face and the scowl on Karen's face, something is wrong.
"Ken, it seems that Riley here has had that boy over already has been alone with him up in her room while we were gone," Karen says, crossing her arms over her chest. Dad looks at me, eyebrow raised skeptically.
"Riley knows the rules and respects them," Dad fires back. "Even if he was up in her room, I sincerely doubt anything inappropriate was happening, right, Riley?" I nod, and Dad smiles at me.
"I don't know why you're so convinced that she's irresponsible. You can't be reckless and be charted to be valedictorian," Dad says, defending me. My heart swells. Karen rolls her eyes and is about to say something when the doorbell rings.
"That's him," Jessica says quickly. "His name is Jack, and Mom, when you see him, you really think he'd have anything to do with her?" Dad glares at her, his hand squeezing mine before getting up and answering the door.