The next day, as Tracy arrived at school, she felt a flutter of hope in her stomach. She searched the bustling hallways for Bryan, but he was nowhere to be found. Disappointment washed over her, but she decided to head to her locker, her mind racing with thoughts of their last encounter. Maybe she had imagined the spark between them, the way he had looked at her with those captivating eyes. Just as she was about to close her locker, she turned and gasped. There he was, standing just a few feet away with a flower in hand and a warm, inviting smile that lit up his face.
"What's this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she approached him, her heart racing.
Bryan stepped forward, a shy grin forming on his lips. "These are the flowers I intended to give you yesterday. However, I realized I didn't have your phone number or address. I felt quite foolish because by the time I tried to find you, you had already left, and I wasn't acquainted with anyone in your circle." He continued, his eyes searching hers, offering her a sincere, remorseful look that made her heart swell. His gesture was so endearing—how could Jenna claim he was a bad influence?
"It's not your fault, Bryan," Tracy reassured him, her cheeks warming at the sight of the delicate flower. "I should have provided my contact details earlier due to my own excitement. I got a little carried away thinking about our conversation."
"Nevertheless, I should have asked for these details before you left. I sincerely apologize for that," he said, gently lifting her chin with his finger, his touch electrifying. She couldn't conceal the blush on her cheeks, despite her best efforts.
"Apology accepted," she replied, taking the flower from him. The petals felt soft against her skin, a tangible reminder of this surreal moment.
"There's a party at my friend's house this weekend, and I'd be delighted if you could join me. I realize this isn't the most conventional first date, but I would really enjoy your company—if you're interested," he asked, his voice laced with genuine excitement.
Her heart raced at the thought; it felt like a scene from a fairytale. Having admired Bryan for so long, this felt like a dream realized, a wish she had made countless times in her quiet moments. She envisioned them dancing under the stars, laughter echoing in the night, and her heart swelled with possibilities.
"I'd love to attend," she said, her voice firm despite the butterflies swirling in her stomach.
"Excellent! Please provide me with your number and text me your address. I'll pick you up at 11:30 p.m. The party starts at midnight," he instructed, his enthusiasm infectious.
"Alright," she agreed, her mind already racing with thoughts of how to discreetly leave her house without disturbing her family. She entered her number into his phone, watching as he responded with a wave emoji, a small gesture that made her smile even wider. She sent him her address in return, feeling a mix of giddiness and apprehension.
"See you at 11:30, sweetheart," he said, leaning in to give her a light kiss on the forehead. The warmth of his lips lingered, and she quietly squealed with joy, her mind dancing in a silent victory. She could hardly believe this was happening. Although the pace felt rapid, she didn't mind. This was the culmination of a long-held wish—a beautiful chapter she had dreamed of writing in her life.
Tracy floated through the remainder of her classes, her thoughts consumed by visions of the party and the potential magic of the night ahead. Every time she caught a glimpse of Bryan in the hall, her heart raced a little faster, and her smile widened.
Once classes ended, she hurried home, the excitement bubbling inside her like a shaken soda can. She chose not to confide in Jenna about the party, knowing her best friend would likely disapprove of both the event and Bryan. Jenna's protectiveness could easily lead to a lecture on the risks of dating someone who seemed too good to be true. Tracy preferred to avoid that negativity; she didn't want anything to rain on her parade. Instead, she went straight to her room to select the perfect outfit for the evening.
In her closet, she rifled through her clothes, searching for something that would make her feel confident and beautiful. After much deliberation, she settled on her black jeans from last year's Halloween; they fit her legs like a glove and flattered her curves perfectly. She paired them with a black sleeveless turtleneck that accentuated her figure and a black leather jacket that added an edgy touch. After laying out her outfit on the bed, she felt a surge of satisfaction. This was the look she wanted—chic and effortlessly cool.
Feeling the clock tick away the seconds, she went downstairs to help her mother prepare dinner, her anticipation growing with every passing moment. The smell of spices and sizzling vegetables filled the kitchen, and she eagerly assisted in the kitchen, hoping the time would pass quickly.
"What's got you in such high spirits?" her mother asked, looking up from the stove with a knowing smile.
"Oh, nothing," she replied, her heart racing as visions of the night danced in her mind. In truth, her mother's question only fueled her excitement. A whole night with Bryan—who knew what might unfold? Would they dance? Would they share secrets? She could hardly wait.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness enveloped the sky, Tracy felt a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety. What if the night didn't go as she imagined? What if Bryan turned out to be different than she thought? But she quickly brushed those worries aside. This was her chance to embrace the moment, to live a little, and to step into the world she had always dreamed of—a world where she could be more than just a girl hiding in the shadows.
The hours crept by, and as her family were settled in for the night, ready for dinner and whatnot. She carefully planned her exit, timing it so she wouldn't draw attention. With her heart racing, she felt a rush of determination.
This was the beginning of something new. As she sat by the door, staring at her phone waiting for the perfect time , ready to meet her fate with Bryan, her heart filled with hope and excitement for whatever lay ahead. Her mother called her downstairs for dinner.
YOU ARE READING
The Devil Doesn't Bargain
Mystery / Thriller"Good morning," Bryan's voice was low and heavy with sleep, and it only served to deepen the ache in her heart. As tears began to well up in her eyes, Bryan's face shifted from warmth to deep concern. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did I do something...
