Burn My Paranoia One Last Time

22. Night at the Fair

More suns and moons had risen than I could remember. The conversation Darren and I had the other day left things a bit awkward between us, to say the least. I could not stand it any longer, so of course, I had to rant to my partners in crime: Sloane and Joel.

"Ask him to the fair going on Friday night," Sloane advises me over lunch one day. "All that adrenaline rush will be enough to bring you two even closer than before."

"I'm pretty sure it's scientifically proven," Joel says before munching on a forkful of steaming potato with sour cream and butter.

"Which is why this is a perfect time for you to ask Holly Jones, Joel!" I remind him while grinning and bumping his shoulder. "Don't forget about the pact we made earlier this year."

"Haha yes, our mutually assured destruction."

"Speak of the devil and angel," Sloane nods her head towards the balcony that looks over the packed cafeteria.

Sure enough, there stood Darren Banks and Holly Jones themselves, presumably on their way from class to the red cart to buy some overpriced snacks.

"Jeez Joel, get a grip! You look like you've seen a ghost," Sloane says while passing him a napkin.

"Oh.. uh... Yeah, I'm just so nervous. I can't believe it's finally happening," he says shakily while wiping away some sweat off his forehead.

Sloane's not wrong. He does look pretty pale, but I'm almost sure I've never seen anyone act so intensely from a crush.

"Should we ask right now?" I wonder aloud while biting my nails.

"Girl, get a hold of yourself too," Sloane rolls her eyes. "Y'all are wild for crushing on the populars, but that isn't to say that scoring a date with them will be impossible. Just act natural," she says all slow and soothing-like. "Think how far you've already gotten. I can tell they both feel comfortable with you guys."

"I think I ruined that already with my questions," I groan and rub my face with my hands.

"Not even. If anything, you can use that information as blackmail," Sloane smirks.

"Sloane!"

"Haha! I'm totally kidding," she says while cackling obnoxiously. "Anyway, it just means he trusts you! Now both of you quit stalling and get your booties up there. Hurry now!"

Joel and I pass each other a look of "here goes nothing" and stand up together. By now, Darren and Holly had separated. Holly is up on the balcony looking into a compact mirror while Darren heads towards the hallway.

"Let me know how it goes," I smile and pat Joel on the back for encouragement as we reach the top of the stairs.

"Thanks, good luck Wilson," Joel grins and scratches the back of his neck before turning to the balcony.

I take a deep breath as I approach Darren's locker. He shuts it and jumps when he sees me standing there.

"Rain?"

"Hey, Darren! I didn't mean to scare you," I laugh nervously.

"Eh, it's ok. What's up?"

"Listen... I wanted to apologize for pressing you the other day. It wasn't my place to ask you all those questions. I feel awful."