Lilacs Forever

Chapter 23: Boring

"So, Jakey. Are you coming to Sue's party on Saturday? It'll be fun!"

"Sorry, Amelia. I have papers to grade."

"Oh come on, loosen up every once in a while. Since when was the last time you've been to a party?"

Jacob shifted uncomfortably and Delilah watched as they spoke, careful not to get into their personal space. Jacob and Delilah had been regularly going to the library every weekend, and in no time became regulars at Honey Bea's. They tried the muffins and cakes, the donuts and other tasty pastries Delilah could only dream of. It was a wonder that Bea did all of the baking by herself. Amelia was the only other worker but she was only the cashier and took care of things like making the coffee. Nevertheless, they were a good duo with their cheerful personalities.

"So where are you headed, you two?" Amelia broke the silence.

"We're heading to the library".

"You always have your noses in your books, if you had time to read then you'd have time to party! Come on, please Jakey?" She made puppy eyes.

Jacob paused. "Um, okay but I'm gonna be designated driver."

"Thank you Jakey!" Amelia beamed and trapped him in a big hug.

"Oh, and one more thing... Can we bring Delilah along too? I think it would be a great opportunity for her to make some friends." He turned to Delilah, "if that's okay with you of course."

Amelia stared into her and paused. "Of course!" she smiled. "We're going to find you some new friends!"

Delilah stared at the ground, "if it's not too much for you... thank you..."

—

Jacob and Delilah sat down on a bench in a park, books in their hands. Despite the latest romance novel in her possession she couldn't help but feel something funny in her chest. She pushed the thought away, only for it to come back again. She gulped.

"So Jacob..." she started, "have you been friends with Amelia for a long time? It seems you two are very close."

"Yeah, we've been friends since grade school. Her mom was friends with my mom so we played after school and came to each other's birthday parties."

"That must be nice..."

"I mean, don't get me wrong, it was nice being her friend but...."

"But?"

Jacob chuckled. "I can't help but think that we are as different as night and day."

"Why is that?" Delilah was curious.

"As you can see, she's more of an outgoing person. She made lots of friends and hung out with a lot of people. She's like the life of the party... And I'm just someone who keeps to himself."

Delilah listened.

"It was like every time I tried to study she'd push my books aside and say 'you always have your nose in your books, time to have some fun'." Jacob made the motion of his hands like someone talking. "I'll be honest with you, she wasn't really fond of school and would ditch class. And then she would try to get me to ditch class with her."

"And what did you think about that?" Delilah couldn't help but giggle.

"The thought of ditching class? That terrified me."

"I mean, what can I say, you'd be the perfect student."

"Not perfect, just boring." he laughed.

"Then, I'd be boring too. I had a small group of friends but we didn't talk in class while the teacher was talking, or went shopping instead of doing homework, or went to parties, you know the type of parties with girls and boys in someone's house when their parents aren't home..."

"I always thought those types of parties were obnoxious."

"But you were the quiet kid, huh..."

"Yup! I was probably the quietest kid at school, nose in books and all." Jacob laughed nervously.

"I never thought you'd be the quiet kind, you're so cheery and upbeat."

Jacob paused, looking into the distance. "I guess back then I didn't know how to be myself."

"What happened? If you don't mind of course..."

"Well, I made a promise to someone very special to me.... A promise to be myself no matter what." He gave a sad smile.

Delilah found herself staring, intrigued.

Author's note: hi guysss im so sorry for the no activity, I just had so much school work and some family / personal stuff. I won't be updating on mondays anymore so I'll post whenever I finish a chapter. Thanks so much for reading, I promise I'll make it up to you!! 

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