Addicted to the Billionaire

-26-

"You can't skip your own graduation", Jordan coerces me as I groan. Today is the day that most high school students would be happy about, yet I am filled with nothing but apprehension – maybe because all the students and teachers will be there, or it could also be due to the fact that Xavier might be there, since he owns the school.

Ever since my conversation with Louis two weeks ago, I have been uncertain about Xavier. I related my conversation to Jordan and Linda who were both skeptical, and advised me not to make any hasty decisions. However, I still feel angry, hurt and reluctant to speak to Xavier, hence me wanting to skip my graduation.

However, Jordan wasn't having that.

"You can't stay cooped inside and depressed forever", Jordan states, glaring at me.

"I am not depressed", I shoot back with as much conviction as I can muster. "And I am not cooped inside either."

Jordan raises his eyebrows at me. "Play dates with Asher don't count. You missed out on all the after exam parties, you refused to celebrate your admission to NYU, you skipped your senior prom, and now you want to skip your graduation", he says, arms folded and glaring at me.

I roll my eyes. When put that way, as much as I hated to admit it, Jordan had a point. I had in fact received my acceptance letter into NYU, and Jordan had wanted to throw a party, or at least take me out, but I declined. I just hadn't been in the mood to celebrate, even though it had always been my dream to go to New York. I had also refused to go to prom, mostly because I didn't have a date, but also because I would rather be in doors than outside. Ashe had offered to be my date, but I thought of how awkward it would look if I showed up with another Reyes brother.

And I do not play date with Asher. Over the past few weeks, Asher has taken me out to sample burgers, milkshakes, fries and ice creams from a bunch of fast food places around. We talk about music and literature, and I even told him about my admission to NYU. We don't have any deep discussions though. One time he asked if I was over Xavier, and I didn't have an answer. I think he was disappointed, but he hid it well and moved on to another topic. Other than that, yeah I haven't really gone out, and I don't feel the urge to.

Linda came up and took my hand. "I know that things have been hard on you but today is a monumental day for you." She looks me deep in my eyes, and I waver slightly. Curse her persuasive eyes.

"Fine, I will attend.", I groan, and they start to cheer. They are so cheesy.

"We'll call Asher", Jordan says. "He told me to call him when you decided to get ready."

I sputter. Agreeing to go out was one thing, but having one of the Reyes brothers tag along was not part of my plan. Ever since Asher started hanging around me during my 'month of depression' as Jordan calls it, I have noticed him staring a lot at me, sometimes even blushing. It makes me nervous because I am unsure if I like him that way. Call me stupid, but I feel like I am still getting over Xavier, and I don't want to jump into a new relationship.

As Jordan rings up Asher, Linda ushers me into the room, urging me to get dressed. Apparently, she and I are the same size, so she hands me a tight, black long-sleeved sparkling evening dress with a slit at the side, some silver earrings, and helps me style my hair. By the time we are done getting me presentable, Jordan and Asher are waiting for us outside.

"Why don't I go with Linda and you take Candy?", Jordan says to Asher, giving me a sly wink. I roll my eyes. I know what he is doing, and I do not like it.

"Sure", Asher says, as he moves towards his car, and opens the door for me.

I hate you. I mouth to Jordan.