Just One

Chapters 3 and 4

Chapter 3 – NICK: "Let's see how it goes."

I always feel like the days fly by too quickly; 24 hours turns into at least 18 hours. I usually can't manage everything I have to do in a day, but this Saturday seems to have already passed 24 hours, and the evening hasn't even started yet.

I got an early start because I couldn't sleep. I had time to wash my car and leave it spotless for the evening. I mowed the lawn since we haven't hired anyone to do the gardening yet. I spent an hour and a half at the gym, not just to keep fit but especially today to reduce the adrenaline in my system. I also got my sneakers changed at the mall because I wanted to wear them to complete my look and leave a good impression.

Today, I'm energized, and I plan to spend the whole night at the party, preferably dancing and kissing a lot. Do people actually dance or drink at this party?

It's 8 pm, and I'm ready. I'm sitting on the sofa, waiting until 8:30 pm to go out.

My mother comes out of her room and admires me: "Wow, what a handsome, fragrant and elegant boy!"

On the other hand, my sister is already mocking me: "Jeez, what's that strong smell? Did you shower with water or perfume?"

That's it; my sister has ruined my self-confidence. Then I started sniffing myself all over: "Why? Seriously, is it too strong? I just applied a bit."

Pri bursts into laughter and assures me: "I'm kidding, you idiot, you're a cutie!" She adds: "Aren't you going to call her before you leave? To make sure you can go, because you know, girls are always late."

I didn't even think about it because my impatience wouldn't let me, but anyway, I'm going to call. "Hello, Anna?"

"Hi, Nick, are you already coming?"

"Yes, I'm ready; I'm just calling to check if I can come over?"

"Yes, you can, I'm good to go."

"Fine, I'll be there in 10 minutes, ok?"

"Okay, I'm waiting for you."

"Guys, wish me luck." Damn, I'm nervous. I have one last look in the living room mirror, check my wallet for the fourth time, and my sister literally pushes me out of the house.

©©©

I pull up in front of Anna's house, turn off the engine, and get out of the car to ring the doorbell because I know that the girls' parents don't like when the boys honk their horns instead of coming out and introducing themselves properly. I know this because my uncle, my father's brother, always complains when my cousin Cris's boyfriend honks the horn when he picks her up to go out. Whenever this happened when I was there, he told me never to do it when it was my turn. I've been hearing this since I was about 13.

Anna opens the door, and I almost fall backward. For God's sake, she's just stunning: a tight black dress, high heels, hair half curled at the ends, and eyes outlined with eyeliner, almost like a cat's eyes. And what are those legs?

I'm speechless; I can't say or hear a word. Anna says a few things, but I don't pay attention. She asks me: "Did you hear what I said?"

"Hum..., yeah..., we can go, right? But what about Kate, hasn't she arrived yet?" I answered with a question to hide the fact that I hadn't heard a single word, but I only made things worse.

"You haven't heard at all; I've just told you that Kate isn't coming." Anna smiles, knowing I'm in such awe of her now.

Obviously, I restrain myself from jumping for joy and don't even ask why Kate isn't going because I don't want to know either. In fact, I want to thank her later for not going.