How I Played the Playboy

Chapter 19

{•••••}

"Standing in silence

Surrounded by new air

I'm free"

The end of my pencil is pressed against my lip as I stare, eyes-wide at the page in front of me.

"Oh, no... Was it really that bad?" Owen questions from beside me.

Our English assignment was due by tomorrow, so we decided to finish it in the library. Anthony had hockey practice, allowing us to work on the project without interruptions. Even if Anthony weren't busy, he'd still never set foot in the town library.

"No, no," I reassure Owen with a smile. "It was amazing, just..."

He bit his lip and twiddled his thumbs nervously.

"How did you come up with something like this? I mean, I was absolutely blown away, but it was so... Sad."

"It's based around my dad," He said, readjusting his glasses. "He had severe depression and when I was 10, he... Committed suicide."

"Owen... I'm so sorry,"

"Don't be. It wasn't your fault." He gives me a weak smile which I gladly return.

"Anyways," He quickly changes the subject. "About that thing I wanted to ask you."

"Yeah?"

"Well, I got invited to Kyle's party tomorrow - and I think you did too?" He asks. I nod. "Okay, well, this girl I like is going to be there and, um... Oh god. Okay well her name is Adison Mclean."

Upon hearing my best friend's name, I squeal loudly. Owen clasps a hand over my mouth to shut me up.

"So I was hoping, since you guys are friends and all, if you could maybe..."

"Et oo uh?" My voice is muffled from his hand, which he removes. "Set you up?" I repeat.

He covers his face with his hands, blushing. In all honesty, I didn't intend on going to the party. Kyle is one of Chase's really good friends, so there's no doubt I'll be seeing him there. I was planning on visiting my mom too... But, if it's for Owen, then I suppose it wouldn't hurt to help him out.

"I'll need a ride - my dad has a business trip and he'll be taking the car this weekend."

"No problem. I can drive you."

"Fine, then. I guess it's a deal."

{•••}

As soon as I got home from school the next day, I changed into my pyjamas and prepared for the weekend. Stretched out on the couch, a bowl of chips beside me, I scroll through Netflix. Suddenly, my laziness is interrupted by a text from Owen.

I'm coming to pick you up in 20 minutes

I furrow a brow. What would he need to pick me up for? The memories rush back into my head, causing me to drop the T.V. remote.

"Butterfingers!" I exclaim, shouting the first thing that comes to mind.

I cram a handful of chips into my mouth before racing up the stairs. I quickly run through my closet, looking for something decent to wear. Finally, I settle on a simple dress and a jean jacket. Since it was still a bit chilly outside, I also pull on a pair of warm stockings.

I rush to the bathroom and quickly apply some lip gloss, then check my phone for the time. 10 minutes. I bring out my curling iron and attempt to do my hair as quickly as possible.

Not my smartest move, there.

After burning my hand in three places and even managing to get a small on my neck, I frantically unplug the curling iron, and take some Spongebob bandages from the cupboard under the sink. The door rings, and I snatch my phone, running down the stairs.

Also, not a smart idea as I fall on my face.

What is up with me falling on my face every time I run downstairs? Luckily, Giselle answers the door to keep Owen from waiting. Picking myself up, I pull on a pair of short, lace-up boots. Once we finally get in the car, Owen notices my hands.

"What's up with the Spongebob band-aids?"

"Let's just say I now know not to use a burning hot curling iron when in a rush."

Owen only shrugs and hits the gas pedal.

{•••••}

Butterfingers and Spongebob band-aids. What more could you want? xD