FAUX REAL

28

"Rosie!" I cry out, tugging on the frayed edge of the plaid button-up my so-called best friend has forced me to wear. "I look like a lumberjack! All I'm missing is a damn ax!"

"Oh my God!" she groans, sitting up crossed-legged on the bed, various articles of clothing obscuring her bed covers. "Will you please chill the fuck out! You look hot, okay? Trust me!"

"I don't know..." I whimper, catching my reflection in the mirror. "It just doesn't feel like me."

"Well, you can always just put on your Hilton uniform and wear that to the bar if you want," she suggests, casting me a challenging glare. "Nothing says rock show like a pleated skirt and a fucking ascot. I say go for it."

"You are so not helping right now!" I glower at her before checking the time. "Oh God, I need to leave in five minutes, what am I going to do?!"

"Lisa" she swings her legs over the bed, perching on the edge, head tilted to the side. "Maybe this melodramatic tantrum you're putting on right now has nothing to do with the totally fine outfit I picked out for you but with something else? Maybe a someone else? Hmm"

"Okay, number one, I am not acting metadramatic," I scoff. "Number two, what are you implying? That I'm nervous to see her? Is that what you're saying? Huh? Huh?"

"Both of you need some serious help," she mumbles, closing her eyes and sucking in a deep breath. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm implying and honestly, I don't think you need to be so nervous, from what I can tell, the girl's into you, okay? So just chill and stop freaking out over a shirt."

"She does?" I ask, controlling my facial expressions to the best of my ability despite the fact a burst of pride is dancing through my veins. "You umm... can tell? Really?"

"The fact you can't see it is truly mind-boggling," she states, walking towards me. "She likes you, so just go to the show and have a good time, okay?" She hands me a leather jacket. "Here, I called you an Uber, it should be here in three minutes. Let's go."

"But-"

"No buts!" she exclaims, pushing me out of her bedroom towards the staircase. "You're going."

"Okay, okay, sheesh-" I pat my pockets. "Wait, my phone, I left it on your-"

"I'll get it! You go!" She spins around, running back to her room as I slowly make my way down the stairs.

Usually, I can't wait until exams are finished. I always look forward to a few weeks of freedom, of days where I can relax without a cloud hovering over my head. But this semester, I wanted exams to last forever. Because now, there are no distractions.

Nothing I can do or say to Jennie to delay this impending conversation. This is it. It's going to happen. And I'm scared. I'm terrified of showing her my hand. Of telling her how I feel. Telling her what I want.

What I need. What I desire. Her.

I don't know when she went from being an annoyance to being someone I can't stop thinking about, but it happened. And if Rosé is as perceptive as she thinks she is, Jennie is in the same boat.

Oh, God.

I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans as I inhale a long breath, hoping the anxiety fluttering inside my heart will die down.

"Lisa.." Rosé's soft voice floats into my ears and I look up to the top of the staircase.

"What?" I ask, scanning her stunned face, my gaze flitting down to my phone in her hand. "What is it?"