Eternal Moon

CHAPTER 6

I spent hours talking to Ven on the phone that night. I was scared. This was a big deal, and I had no intention of being conspicuous with Meryl Grace at prom.

Everyone wanted her.

I knew they'd slice my throat open just at the sight of me standing next to someone like that. I was out of her league, and I knew that too well. Ven told me to just accept it. There'd never be a chance like that, ever again.

I was unsure. I didn't know whether saying yes would be the right option. Moreover, was this her way of apologizing to me for the stupid little misunderstanding we had? Or was it just a prank? I didn't want to assume anything until she really wanted to speak up about it.

I also wasn't exactly excited about it, but a part of me was curious to know what her motives were for inviting me to be her date. With that, I decided to accept her invitation. Mostly out of stupid curiosity.

Prom was going to be tomorrow night. I had to tell her before then. Tomorrow would be the deadline.

After talking to Ven, I tried to sleep. I kept tossing and turning in my bed, unable to sleep properly because of the anxiety and because of all of the thoughts that plagued my mind that night.

I awoke the next morning, exhausted and mentally drained. I didn't want to go to school at all. With little to no motivation, I got up and dragged myself to school. I needed to accept the invitation today, or there could be more drama unfolding without warning. I didn't want to seem rude.

I was lucky that my first block was English. I'd be able to tell her. Walking inside, I saw that Meryl was there earlier than expected. Usually, she rolled in with everyone else when the bell rang. There wasn't anyone else in there. I shuffled over, and sat next to her. She returned to her original seat beside me. It took me a moment to strike up a conversation.

"Hey," I waved my hand, just a little. Meryl was already looking at me with that intoxicating, sweet smile. She was waiting for my answer.

"About the stuff you said yesterday.. I..." I began talking, but then stopped to think for one last moment. Was this really a good decision? I thought, and thought. There's no backing down now.

"I'll go with you. But only if you tell me one thing." I let my curiosity get the best of me.

Meryl's breath hitched at that comment, as if she hid something from the entire world. She looked down, her lashes sparkling under the light of the classroom. Meryl thought about an answer.

"What do you want to ask me?" She looked at me.

"I wanna know why you asked me. Out of all the boys in school, why me?" I nearly started rambling on with self-deprecation. I didn't find any worth in myself, so why would Meryl?

Meryl looked as if she needed to think about her answer again. She did, and then opened her mouth to speak once more.

"I'm facing my fears, Jason." Meryl's gaze shifted back to the book she was reading.

"I'm sorry." I said, flatly. Meryl burst into laughter, her giggles filling the air. Eventually, she calmed down, her laughter fading into a gentle smile.

"Look at you. I didn't elaborate, but you apologized." Meryl had a permanent smile from laughing so hard. I merely felt stupid, or guilty. What could I have done to scare her so bad?

"But you said you were facing your fears. Can't you at least tell me what I'm doing wrong?" I sounded disappointed. If anything, I didn't want people to feel scared or bad because of me.

"It's not like that, Jason. It's something personal. All you need to know is that it's some irrational fear." Meryl half-smiled. "Well, are you coming to prom tonight, or not?" She asked.