Careless, Reckless Decisions | ONC 2021

Chapter One

A loud crashing sound was not how I expected to be woken up on a Saturday morning, but, nonetheless, here I was.

I slowly opened my eyes to reveal my best friend sheepishly picking up my desk chair that she had somehow knocked over.

I groaned, turning over and facing the wall, "What are you doing here, Kia?"

"I'm here to get you ready for the party tonight! Duh," I could practically hear her rolling her eyes in annoyance. "John is going to be there!"

At the sound of his name, I quickly jerked around to face Kia, who was now smiling innocently, and sitting on the chair that she had abused earlier.

"What?!" I never told Kia that I liked John, so how could she possibly know?

"Oh come on, don't give me that look. I've known you since preschool, Jenna. I know when you like someone." She gave me a mischievous smile and pretended to be lost in thought. "Especially someone as hot as John. I can see why you like him."

I snatched a pillow off of my bed and chucked it at her as hard as I could.

"HEY!" Unfortunately, Kia dodged the pillow and started to burst out laughing at my terrible aim.

I narrowed my eyes at her, "Yea, yea, you can laugh as hard as you want, but I am not going to that party."

I crossed my arms and shook my head as Kia desperately tried to convince me into going.

"Oh, come on Jenna! If not for yourself, then at least for me! Danielle is going to be there too, and you know how much I'm obsessed with her!" She latched onto my arm as I walked to the bathroom to brush my teeth, a million words tumbling out of her mouth.

"Kia, I still have that science project to do, and an entire book to read before Monday! Even if I wanted to go, I wouldn't be able to." I gave her a stern look, trying to explain to her that she had much more homework to finish than I did.

She let out a frustrated sigh and stomped out of the bathroom that I shared with my brother, Jarred. I cringed as I watched her slam my door shut, and knew that no matter what I did, she would be sulking all day.

I sighed and started to brush my teeth in deep thought, "Why did she have to be so moody?"

After I finished cleaning up, I quietly tip-toed into my room, peeking my head in to see where Kia was currently moping. I found her on my bed reading Twilight and finding my room completely spotless. I coughed back my grin as I walked into my room and sat down in my desk chair, spinning around soundlessly. Whether Kia liked to admit it or not, she was one heck of a clean freak, and couldn't stand seeing any clutter around. She was like my own personal cleaner, tidying up my room every time it got too out of hand.

I glanced over at Kia and instantly felt bad for turning down her offer. While yes, I hated, beyond hated parties, Kia was just trying to keep my social life alive.

Sighing, I knew what I had to do.

"Ok, alright, you've won. I'll go to the stupid party." I watched as her huge sapphire blue eyes widened, and braced myself as she reached her long arms around my tiny body, crushing me into a hug.

"Oh my god, yes, yes, yes!" She got up and started dancing around my room. "I'm so excited, eee!"

Instantly rethinking my decisions, Kia pulled me into my closet and quickly rifled through my clothes to find me an outfit.

. . .

What felt like hours later, Kia finally decided on a short black dress with an open back.

"This is perfect. You're gonna look gorgeous!" She squealed happily and then started rummaging around for her own outfit.

"I don't know Kia, it's not me." I glanced down at the dress that was now lying on my bed and shivered. "No one will even recognize me! I don't even know where I got that dress."

Kia smirked, her eyes gleaming, "That's because I got it for you! Plus, that's the point, Jenna. We want you to stand out! And, this will punctuate the curves that you don't have."

I groaned and flopped down onto my bed, barely missing my treacherous outfit.

"Wow, thanks for the confidence boost." I narrowed my eyes at the innocent smile plastered on her face.

Just then my door flung open, revealing my half-asleep brother, Jarred, "Why are you guys being so loud? I'm trying to sleep here. I don't need to listen to all of your girl problems."

Even though he was sporting one of his famous glares, Kia burst out laughing.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry Jarred. But it's already 12:00 so you have no right to yell at us." She stated proudly, flicking her blond curls off of her shoulder.

"Ugh, why are both of you so annoying?" And with that, he stomped out of my room, defeated.

"That was hilarious," Kia giggled. "Seeing your brother get frustrated is one of the cutest things ever."

"You know he can probably hear you." I gave her a strange look and then went back to staring at the ceiling. "Plus, I thought you had a thing for Danielle. You talk about her all the time."

"I was just joking Jenna," She rolled her eyes, but was still smiling. "I would never date him, but he's still just so adorable!"

"I CAN HEAR YOU!" Jarred shouted from his bedroom, his face probably a tomato red.

Kia and I snickered, laughing like complete idiots.

This was the best thing about Kia. I could laugh with her about anything and anyone under the sun. Sure, sometimes it was annoying when she would laugh in the most serious of situations, but that's just what made her my best friend.

She looked over at me with her orange crop top, and hot pink mini skirt in hand, "Now, let's get ready to party!"