The Truth About Nora Jones

Grace's party

"Hey there, you're invited to Grace's party! If you have beef with these people, please let me know:

Avery Hawthorne

Nora Jones

Addison Carter

Sandra Smith

Charlie Clarke

Emmy Evans

Hailey Roberts

Ann-Marie Anderson

Stephany Harris

Riley Moore

Jules Taylor

Jessica Baker

.......(and more)"

The list was exceedingly long, and Ann-marie's name was on it. Dang, I thought, but I guess I can handle it! That's my second party this year, but I guess it's not so important. I mean if those students have hangovers and parties containing beer every month, it's no big deal.

Grace asked the invited people to say if they had beef with some others...I might tell her about Ann-Marie, Stephany, and Riley, but nothing more.

I'm not that excited than at Jules' party, obviously...I'm only glad my parents and grandparents agreed both times...I didn't tell them about my anemia-fainting thing yet though...

That might come out eventually, but not for now. I'll make sure to bring Advils or something. I don't feel like it, but fainting in front of everyone could be a big deal considering who's there.

***

Searching through my closet, I find the perfect dress. Not so chique, nor girlie! A sleeveless sapphire dress, with a soft and elegant tissue. Stopping before my tibia, it perfectly fits my pear-shaped body, with shining aquamarine stones...

Putting it on quickly, I get in front of the mirror, preparing my makeup.

***

Girl, you look so gorgeous! Squeals Addison in front of me

Aw, thank you, you too! I exclaim, entering the party

Loud music and drinks, once again.... Please, don't let anemia come.... I'm feeling slightly off my place, but I don't care. I prefer standing out to others than leaving because of a numb gut feeling.

Nora...I-I... stutters Jules, speechless

Yeah, I know! I joke, laughing at myself a little bit as I join Avery and the girls to a game of truth or dare

Sitting between Jules and Avery, I wait for Grace to come. I'm so nervous, but my friends are helping me. My left hand is glued with Jules, the same with my right hand and Avery.

Jessica, truth or dare? Asks Grace elegantly, replacing her golden dress

...Truth. she responds within a few seconds of thought

Grace pauses and looks at everybody. Dressed nicely and chic, we look like adults in an important meeting.

Well, except Sandra, who is wearing a pink cotton candy dress with orange spots, her hair in a long braid.

Who do you like in this group? Grace finally asks

Jessica sighs and bites her lip nervously, then responds.

Andrew...

A wave of shock passes through the group, but then Jessica clears her throat to get everyone's attention.

Ann-Marie, truth or dare?

Dare. she responds instantly, no doubt visible

Jessica pauses and thinks for a moment, before looking back at her. She gives Ann-Marie an intrigued look, as if she's really cool and special...Cool and special? Yeah right...Says the girl with the ugly looks, talking about the maniac barbie doll.

I dare you to slap me...she laughs and waits for her to slap her, as if it's so funny

Ann-Marie scoffs and rolls her eyes, than slaps Jessica hard.

My turn. She claims coldly, staring at Jules

Everybody remains silent, the tension palpable.

Truth or dare, Jules? She asks coldly yet in a voice that would enchant everyone in the place

Dare. Jules says rudely, waiting for her to speak

I dare you to kiss me.

She smirks, replacing a blonde bang behind her ears with a cheeky grin, her gloss curled up weird.

Why do I feel my heart pounding harder suddenly? Is he really going to kiss her? "Please don't do that to me" I pray mentally, staring at both in anticipation

No.

Ann-Marie's eyes widen and so do mine. I'm so happy, I wish I could hug him and just never let go. He said no! But I prefer remaining calm because it's never that simple with Ann-Marie.

Oh, but it's the game, you must kiss me! Or else it's not fair! She complains

I've kissed you more than enough with that toxic relationship of yours, okay? I've had enough of you. I don't even know why you still have the idea. I don't like you! Jules retorts coldly, staring at her with hatred

I remain silent, not wanting to be a burden. "Don't overcome it and make drama, please...I've had enough me too!"

Did you think it was easy? Ann-Marie screams, tears rolling down her cheeks

Everybody shuts their mouths, the silence being awkward for a few seconds before Ann-Marie speaks up again.

I forced one relationship, one, just because I loved you! I wanted to see if I was good enough for someone like you! Just look at you, you're perfect, but I'm not! It was a test, but you failed it! And now that it's over, I ask you one kiss, ONE KISS, and you decline? I can't believe it Jules Taylor, you're just a selfish jerk!

Nobody tests their luck, but surprisingly, Jules does. He speaks calmly, as is he got used to it. He probably is by now.

You know what? I tried loving you. I tried hard. And you know what? I didn't manage to love you. Not at all, no feelings felt and no happiness with you. Alright, I'll have to admit you're not perfect, but nobody is. If you really want to be perfect, just be yourself, without all that...makeup doll barbie stuff! Now you don't know why I don't care. Looks like you'll have to figure out how to be your little self, Ann-Marie.

Nobody speaks up. I wish I could hug him and tell him how's he's been so great, so courageous. I wish I could though, but I know it's not the moment...

Not the moment at all.