Sweet Revenge

Chapter 13

I step into the house, making sure my footsteps are not too loud so I don't draw attention to myself.
Luckily, my mom is not on the living room couch waiting for me when I first walk in. I wander into my bedroom, close the door, and let out a sigh of relief when I am not stopped by her.

However, when I turn around, I find her sitting cross-legged on my queen-sized bed with a sly grin on her face. An ear-piercing screech immediately escapes me.

"What are you doing here?" I demand.

"Better question. Where were you?" She interrogates me. I can't believe her nerve, coming in here and invading my privacy. It's not even like I was gone for that long.

"I went out with my new friends after school to Burton's Coffee Shop. Shouldn't you be happy that I have a social life now?"

"I am very happy, honey. I was being a little dramatic just now, but I need you to tell me when you go out." She explains, her anger cooling off as she speaks. I sigh and nod my head. I guess that makes sense.

"I understand. Right now I'm tired, but I'll tell you about it tomorrow." I promise her and she smiles.

"I'd like that."

The next day at school, I decide that I am going to talk to Jesse as Samara suggested. However, when I actually arrive in my English class and take my seat beside him, I chicken out. I continue to sneak discreet glances at him while Ms. Burlington rattles on about the book we are reading, wondering how I can start a conversation without it sounding odd.

But, to my surprise, I don't even have to do anything. While I am working on the assignment we were given, he strikes up a conversation with me.

"Hey, Ivy." He begins, turning in his seat to make eye contact with me. A shiver runs through my body when his deep brown eyes lock with mine.

"Ugh, not you again. What is it?" I ask teasingly. At least I was trying to tease him. I hope it didn't come out too harsh.

"I was just going to ask if you wanted to come to my friend Noah's party on Friday. Lots of people in our grade are going." He told me, laughing slightly at my comment.

I had never gotten an invite to a party before and I am shocked he likes me enough to ask me. Ashley, Kelsey, and Samara are going to be ecstatic for me when I tell them about this incredible news later at lunch.

"Of course." I accept in a chill, low-key tone. Meanwhile, I am freaking out on the inside. I finally have my social life back.

I am still internally freaking out during my next two class periods, just half paying attention to what my teachers are explaining. When the 5th period bell rings, I sprint out of my classroom and to the cafeteria on the opposite side of school.

"Guess what, guys?" I shout excitedly when I approach the circular, tan-colored lunch table that seats me, Ashley, Kelsey, and Samara.

Ashley's boyfriend, Luke, sits beside her, listening intently as well. He has golden blonde hair and ocean blue eyes that remind me of Poppy. He is a chill, nice guy and is a good match for Ashley's more energetic personality. I had just met him the previous day during lunch.

"What?" They all ask in unison, interested.

"Jesse invited me to Noah's party on Friday!" I exclaim, the extreme excitement evident in my voice.

"Yes, girl! That's amazing!" Kelsey screams slightly too loudly. A plethora of kids at the tables nearby us turn and give us weird looks. I am too happy to even care.

"Yeah! We're all going too. We can meet up at my house before the party." Ashley informs me.

"Sounds great!" I respond.