A Checklist Guide To Mr. Perfect (WIP)

Chapter 1

"That's why they call them crushes. If they were easy, they'd call 'em something else." -Sixteen Candles

"Am I losing it, or did you see that, too?" I nudged Zyon, my lifelong companion. We'd been inseparable since our moms bonded years ago when we were just seven.

"No way. Alexis Montez rocking cargo pants? What a crime!" Zyon's sarcasm never failed to elicit a chuckle. "Surprised you caught that," I quipped, unraveling the latest gossip from girl-town.

Zyon's mischievous laugh filled the air as I spilled the beans. "No, genius. Steve Benson just promposed to Katie Mclaire!" Silence filled the air, Zyon raising an eyebrow at me.

"And what's that got to do with me?" Zyon shrugged, failing to grasp my prom fever. Prom had been my fantasy since childhood. "He did a promposal! Adorable, right? But seeing yet another couple is killing me. Why can't Holden just notice me already?"

"Maybe because you've never actually spoken to the guy? He probably doesn't even know you exist," Zyon's blunt realism stung, but it was his way. "Ouch. Firstly, rude. Secondly, I did speak to him last week!" I defended, showing off the infamous pencil he'd lent me. "I shall treasure this pencil forever."

Zyon's look suggested he'd need therapy for putting up with me. "Seriously? You're making a big deal out of a pencil!"

"Yeah, a pencil from Holden-fricking-Jenson!" He hushed me as he noticed the stares. Perhaps I'd been too loud. "Geez, Jane, keep it down, or the whole school, including Holden, will think you've lost it."

"Not crazy, just madly in love," I retorted. Zyon burst into laughter, finally surrendering. "Sorry, sorry. Just never say that again." I rolled my eyes, watching him laugh hysterically. "Done laughing? You're such a pain."

"You know you love me," he teased as the bell rang. "Yeah, sure. Meet you during the passing period?" Our schedules rarely aligned beyond sixth period, which Zyon often skipped.

"Alright, see ya." We parted ways, and I trudged to my least favorite class, Psychology. What was the point? I couldn't even decipher my own mind, let alone others.

After a series of boring classes, lunchtime arrived. I met Zyon at our table, the sanctuary amidst the cafeteria chaos. "Oh my god, you won't believe what just happened," I blurted, slamming my bag down. Zyon raised an eyebrow, awaiting the latest drama.

"Let me guess, Holden gave you another pencil?" His sarcasm was relentless. I sighed, shaking my head. "No, worse. Overheard him planning a promposal."

"So? Maybe it's for the pencil girl," Zyon shrugged. I facepalmed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "No, this is a disaster! He can't ask anyone but me. I need a plan."

"Maybe you should just -" Zyon began, but my attention veered elsewhere in the cafeteria.

Jacob Palsketi stood atop a table, serenading Sabrina with a promposal. His friends clapped and cheered him on, Sabrina looking like the happiest girl in the world.

The scene mocked my perpetual single status. "Another promposal. Everyone's coupling up, and I'm stuck in singleton limbo," I lamented.

"Jane, it's painful seeing you like this. You need to make a move," Zyon urged, his empathy shining through. Poor guy had to put up with his delusional best friend. "It's not that easy! If I just ask him out, he'll reject me for sure. I need to impress him somehow!"