Word has it that opposites attract. Jessica Keith would give the pithy expression two middle fingers because a wild party girl like her and the prim do-gooder, Matthew Parkinson are opposites hopeless to attract, let alone breathe the same air.
Howe...
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Jessica
Matthew canceled our movie night. I knew I shouldn't have waited until morning to apologize. In my defense, I was baking my peace offering.
I had to try three times because the previous two pies had burnt crusts. It was past dawn when I perfected the pie. I figured Matthew must be out for his run, so I showered first. When I got out of the shower, I got his message.
He said he couldn't make it because he was going... on a date. With Harper. Also, I pored over the group chat too many times and hated Harper a bit more.
I was sprawled on my bathroom floor all morning, with nothing on but a piece of towel, my hair dripping wet, tears all over my face, eating the pie I made with a huge serving spoon.
I admit, it's a pretty disgusting picture. But I did it to myself.
Why did I let my jealousy blind me? Like a moronic fool.
I would've stayed there all day long if not for that dinner I owe to my grandma. Luckily, she picked up a place not far from my apartment, so I had time to sulk-walk my way to the restaurant.
As usual, I was late. My mother, whom I didn't know was included in the dinner thing, gave me a black look. I should've known she was going to be here. I just heard she and my dad are gradually easing into retirement. Plus, my father has been sending me pictures of small, disfigured carrots since their surprise visits.
I ignored it. I'm too heartbroken to fight. She must have noticed because her poker face softened a little bit.
I didn't feel like eating so I just ordered a grilled cheese sandwich.
My grandmother went on and on about the party, telling me which cousins had and which ones did not. My mother was on her phone, probably looking up tips on gardening because she and my dad sucked at it. Maybe she's skimming through the group chat she just recently had with the Foresters and Parkinsons. They were all retiring and apparently all bad at gardening.
"Jellybean, you barely touched your food. What's wrong? Everything okay with Matthew?"
Matthew's name brought a surge of bitterness in my mouth. "He's probably doing okay. Probably had a good night at the charity with his date. Probably doing okay that he's going on a date with Harper later tonight."
A fork clattered on the table because my grandmother dropped it, including her jaw. Even my mom stopped scrolling through her phone.
"What do you mean?" My grandmother reached over the table and held my fist on the table. "Are you okay? Did you guys break up?"
My eyes went suspiciously hot. "We were never together. He even asked someone else to go on that stupid charity with him."
My mother set down her phone, confusion cracking the impassive expression on her face. "What are you talking about? Matthew didn't have a date. He went with Chandra. Harper was her plus one."
