Against All Odds?

13. Little Black Dress

-♡♥︎♤♥︎♡⁃
𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗦𝗛𝗔

Sitting on my bed, I stare at my phone, debating whether to open Instagram just to stalk him. Even though I left his house feeling foolish for ever thinking he'd be interested in me, I can't stop my heart from feeling the way it does.

It's like he's embedded deeper than skin, and no matter what I do, I can't shake him. Even when I was sitting across from Jake, my mind kept drifting back to Jayden — wondering what he was doing or if he was planning to spend the night with that girl I saw him talking to.

Right after I hurried out of his house, Jake called to check on me. Fueled by anger and jealousy, I agreed to meet up with him — ignoring the plans I had claimed to have earlier.

However, the moment I met up with him at the pizza place, regret washed over me, and I thought about going back home — until I saw the light in his eyes when he saw me.

Deciding not to let what happened at Jayden's house ruin the rest of my evening, I stayed for pizza with Jake. As we sat there, laughter filled me while I listened to his stories — though Jayden still lingered in the back of my mind.

One of Jayden's Instagram pictures catches my eye, and as I tap on it for a better look, a smile creeps onto my lips. It's a picture of him doing what he loves — fixing things. He's in his work overalls, looking as good as ever despite the grease and the bit of dust clinging to the fabric.

Despite the years that have passed, I still remember the day he fixed my bicycle when we were in our early teens. While Corey was in a rush to play basketball, Jayden took the time to fix my bike despite Corey's palpable impatience.

Even though Jayden met me first back in middle school, he gravitated toward Corey since they had a lot in common besides being in the same grade and their love for basketball.

As I scroll to the next picture which is of him holding a basketball, one of his favorite hobbies — I accidentally like his post, the action sending me into a state of panic.

What did I do? What did I do?

Thinking quickly, I unlike the post, desperately hoping he won't notice. Even though we're friends on Instagram, the thought of him thinking I was stalking him is unbearable. I just can't deal with it.

Not long after, Ingrid's name pops up on my screen. I answer her call immediately, and she tells me she's on her way to my house and that I should be dressed before she arrives.

Confused, I start to ask what this is about, but before I can finish, she hangs up — leaving me wondering where she's planning to take me.

Moments later, I hear Ingrid's voice from the other room chatting with Mom and Corey. Her voice grows louder as she nears, and I figure she's coming to my room.

"Hey, you," she says with a smile, pushing the door open and closing it behind her. She then arches an eyebrow as she takes in my outfit. "What are you wearing?"

"What? You said to be ready! I don't even know what you have planned or where you're taking me. This is the best I could find," I reply, glancing at my casual clothes.

"You can't wear that to the party," she says.

"A party? What party? And what's wrong with wearing jeans and a denim jacket to a party?" I ask, confused.

"There's a party on the other side of town. And honey, I know you love that denim jacket, but you can't wear it to every occasion."

As if she can read my mind, she adds, "Don't think I haven't noticed. You wear that jacket like it's the only cool thing in your closet. C'mon," she says, walking over to my closet. "We need to find something better for you to wear. A city girl like you should have more than just a denim jacket in here." She adds as she pulls the closet door open.