a dance with cancer

nine

Valentina Karas

"The food smells so good. I might have to snag some before the other people arrive." Katelyn says when we're in my room.

I chuckle, knowing the potential consequences. "Tread carefully, girl. My parents wouldn't even let Ronan and I into the kitchen while she was cooking. Especially my mom."

"Fuck." She whispers, a smirk playing on her lips. "I only had Celsius and sour skittles today. I'm starving."

"Katelyn, that's not good." I shake my head, thinking about this girl and her energy drink obsession. "Just be patient for a little longer, ok?"

It took a lot of begging and pleading to make my best friend come over, but in the end, it worked. Katelyn often forgets that she's basically part of our family and our house is hers. She said she didn't want to interrupt a "private moment".

Since Wednesday, my parents have been planning a get together with neighbors, relatives, and friends. I thought it was a brilliant idea until Mom made Ronan and I spend our morning cleaning before the guests arrive, giving them the impression we have it together when our family's life is kind of hanging in the balance.

"I'm actually so glad you're here. I know you'd rather be cuddling Sawyer than hanging out with random people, but Ronan loves you so much." I admit, my eyes meeting hers. 

Katelyn nods. "Thanks for inviting me. It means a lot."

I smile, appreciating her presence. "Of course, Katelyn. You're family, and Ronan needs to be surrounded by the people who care about him."

The aroma of home-cooked food wafts through the air, making my stomach growl. I resist the temptation to sneak into the kitchen before the other guests come.

"So, has Sawyer asked you to be his girlfriend yet?" I question.

"Not exactly." Katelyn claps her hands, an excited smile on her face. "Even better, he asked me to go to Mountain View's homecoming with him."

"I'm so excited for you, girl!" I squeal.  

Katelyn can't wipe that smile off her face. "It isn't for another three weeks. Layla and I are going dress shopping next weekend."

"That's exciting." I say, trying to sound genuinely excited. I feel a little left out, but I don't take the focus off of her.

Katelyn, being the telepathist she is, reads my face. "Sawyer mentioned Asher doesn't have a date."

"And?" 

"V, you're blushing." Katelyn points out. "If he asked you, would you say yes?"

I think about my answer. Realistically, he's a junior and I'm a senior and with all of the attention he gets, he probably doesn't even think about me that much. "Why can't he just ask one of the many girls who make googly eyes at him?"

She shrugs. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but y'all would be cute together."

I roll my eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. I barely know him. It's not like anything could happen."

"Come on, V." Katelyn folds her arms across her chest. "What about our two man?"

I frown. "There's no shot he's going to ask me."

In reality, saying I want him to ask me is a huge understatement. I want nothing more than to get to know him better, but getting the super hot Asher Mendez to be my homecoming date is merely wishful thinking.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, girl." Katelyn relents. "Let me show you my top dress picks so far."

As I give her my opinions on the dresses she shows me, I can't seem to focus. Don't get me wrong, we love shopping together and making our parents' pockets hurt, but today I'm a little out of it. A lot is on my mind: my brother, my family, the future, maybe a certain Puerto Rican is included in those thoughts. Why do I give Asher the time of day when he probably won't reciprocate my feelings?