73: Don't Freak Out

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The party was off to a great start with the exception of the inappropriate joke Bryce told that didn’t seem to go over well with the friend’s your parents had invited. the group of middle-aged party goers all looked around at each other and nervously half-chuckled. You shot Emma a panicked look so she winked and dragged Bryce into the kitchen to get food with her as your doorbell rang.

You opened the door and found Chase standing on the other side with his parents. This was a semi formal party so you shouldn’t have been shocked to see him in a suit but it still caused your breath to catch.

You welcomed his parents in and were relieved when your mom called out to them to come join her conversation on the other side of the room

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You welcomed his parents in and were relieved when your mom called out to them to come join her conversation on the other side of the room. You and Chase were left in the entryway alone together. It felt about as awkward as you’d expect it to be seeing a friend for the first time after accidentally reading how in love with you they were in their journal. Chase beamed down at you in a way that felt as if he still had feelings for you but also confident in a way that spoke to him having no clue you'd read that entry.

Chase: “You’re wearing the necklace I bought you?”

You pulled at the ring pendant, nervously running your fingers along the smooth metal:
“Of course! I love it!! I’m so glad you came. You look really good.”

He leaned over to show you that under the collar of his shirt rested his half of the best friend necklace also. You couldn’t help but smile. It was a small gesture but it hit home. You still felt a little awkward around him after reading how he felt about you and truthfully you didn't know if yoir feelings for him would ever truly go away, but whether he was your best friend or boyfriend you just knew you were happier having him in your life.

Chase looked up just in time to see Jaden walking over and the look of panic on his face sent your nerves into overdrive too. you quickly explained:
“I promise this wasn’t a set up, Chase. We’ve actually become good friends and I thought it’d be okay because so many people would be here.”

Chase nervously fumbled with his hands in his pockets:
“I- gotta go but I promise I will come back later when- I’ll just be back later.”

As Chase raced out the door, Jaden called out his name and followed outside after him.

Emma approached you with a cautious smile:
"Yikes."

You: "Yeah, yikes. When will I learn? I really told myself it wouldn't be a big deal if they both came as long as I took the pressure off to say they were both just their as MY friend and that they could be friends if they tried."

Emma wrapped her arm around your shoulder, squeezed you into a half hug and laughed:
"Well that backfired. C'mon, let's go supervise Bryce before he scares the old people."

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