Fake It Till We Make It

The Crisis

Part 1: The Plan

Chapter 1: The Crisis

Emma Wright stared at the flyer in her hand, the bold letters spelling out "PROM NIGHT 2024: UNDERWATER ENCHANTMENT" glaring up at her. The entire school was buzzing with excitement, but all Emma felt was a growing sense of dread.

"Emma, are you even listening?" Her best friend, Sophie, waved a hand in front of her face, snapping her out of her thoughts. They were sitting in their usual spot in the cafeteria, surrounded by the chatter of their fellow seniors.

"Huh? Sorry, what were you saying?" Emma replied, trying to shake off her anxiety.

"I was saying that we need to find you a date! Prom is less than three weeks away, and you can't just show up alone. You know how people talk." Sophie's voice was light, but the underlying concern was clear.

Emma sighed, glancing around the room. Everywhere she looked, couples were already making plans. Jake and Lisa were discussing matching outfits, while Maya and Lucas were giggling over some inside joke. Even the shyest students seemed to be pairing up, leaving Emma feeling more alone than ever.

"I know," Emma muttered. "But who am I supposed to ask? All the decent guys are already taken, and I'm not exactly Miss Popularity."

Sophie frowned, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Well, we could always find someone from another school. Or—oh! What about Jack Cooper?"

Emma blinked, her heart skipping a beat. "Jack Cooper? Are you serious? He's...he's..."

"A total goofball?" Sophie finished for her. "Yeah, but he's also charming, funny, and single. Plus, he's nice to everyone, including you."

Emma hesitated, picturing Jack in her mind. He was the kind of guy who could make anyone laugh, even on their worst day. But he was also the last person she'd ever consider as a date. He was so laid-back, so unpredictable—everything she wasn't.

"I don't know, Soph," Emma said slowly. "Jack and I are...different. And he probably doesn't even know I exist."

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Please, everyone knows who you are, Emma. You're the girl with the color-coded planner, the one who gets straight A's and organizes every event. Jack could definitely use someone like you in his life. And who knows? Maybe you two would hit it off."

Emma opened her mouth to protest, but Sophie cut her off.

"Look, what's the worst that could happen? You ask him, he says no, and you move on. But if he says yes...well, you might just have the best night of your life."

Emma bit her lip, considering the possibility. Maybe Sophie was right. Maybe Jack Cooper was exactly what she needed to shake things up, to make this prom something memorable.

But how was she supposed to ask him without making a complete fool of herself?