Be My Girlfriend

63

Jo's P.O.V.

Lunch was wonderful.

The food was delicious.

We teased each other as we ate, tossing playful jabs back and forth, laughing at the same old inside jokes that somehow never got old. Their dining room was filled with our laughter, echoing off the walls in a way that made everything feel lighter, warmer. At one point, one of their maids even chimed in, repeating a joke I had made to Brittany earlier, and we all burst into fresh laughter.

It was perfect.

Or maybe too perfect.

As we cleared our plates and carried the dishes to the kitchen, a thought crept into my mind, hesitant but insistent.

Is this one of those calm before the storm moments?

The kind where everything feels easy and happy, and for a few hours, nothing exists but this small bubble of laughter and teasing... and then reality hits.

Later, when we finally sit down and talk about graduation, about what comes next, about where we're heading... maybe we'll fall apart. Maybe the conversation will be full of tears, confessions, and all the fears we've been holding back.

I shook my head slightly, trying to push the thought away, but it lingered at the edges of my mind.

"You okay, babe?" I felt Brittany's elbow gently nudge at mine.

"Y-yeah, yeah, of course." I forced the smile back onto my face and carried the dishes over to the sink.

Mrs. Rose shooed us away to the pool area, asking us to wait there while she prepared our tea.

We settled onto a sun lounger side by side, close enough that our legs and arms were tangled without even trying. I could feel the warmth of Brittany's body against mine, steady and comforting.

"Could we stay like this forever?" I heard her murmur softly.

I let out a small laugh, resting my head against her shoulder.

Mrs. Rose came and smiled at me. She placed the tray down to the small table beside us and left.

The weather was nice today, a calm late-January afternoon that felt like spring was coming but still had the coolness of winter. The sky was a soft, pale blue, and the sun was warm enough to sit outside comfortably. A light breeze moved through the palm trees, keeping the air fresh and clean.

I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the sun and the soft breeze. For a little while, all my worries seemed to fade away.

Brittany was beside me, steady and close. I could feel her shoulder against mine, her arm brushing mine—small touches that made my chest warm.

I took a deep breath and let the sounds of the pool and the quiet around us fill my mind. I felt safe, calm, and happy.

I turned my head a little and saw her profile. Brittany's lips curved into a small, playful smile, like she was thinking something only she knew.

"Didn't I say we'd hang out in my room?" she said, our eyes meeting. Her smile was playful, teasing.

"Shhhh!" I whispered, holding a finger to her lips, pretending to be serious but failing miserably.

She laughed softly, taking my finger in hers and leaning a little closer.

"Let's go," she whispered back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Go drink your tea, it's cold now." I pretended to scold her but ended up bursting laughing.

I had no idea how much time had passed. It was so calm and relaxing out here. I might have even fallen asleep for a little while, or maybe just nodded off—I wasn't sure.

"Babe?" I heard Brittany call softly.

"Hmm..." I murmured, running my fingers gently along her arm as it hugged my waist.

"Do you really not want to go to college?" Her eyes were on me before I even turned to face her.

So... I guess we were having this talk now.

"I told you," I said honestly, "whatever I've saved up won't be enough for college. And no, a student loan is not an option for me."

She stayed quiet, so I continued, needing her to understand.

"And now, I don't play volleyball anymore. So what you suggested before—using a scholarship to get in that way—is... well, out the window."

I spoke as honestly as I could.

That had been my plan since I started high school, finish it, get as far away as I could, and start working.

I'd be lying if I say I didn't want to go to college. Of course I did. But realistically... I can't. I could try to work while studying, like I do now, but the expenses—rent, food, bills, school supplies—would be too much. Maybe I could save up enough in the future and try later... maybe. I don't know.

"Well, let's say... you had the option to go. Expenses covered, worry-free. Would you?"

"You're not letting this go, are you?" I tried to joke, nudging her lightly.

"Just answer the question, Jo." There was a seriousness in her voice now, soft but firm.

I took a breath. "Well... if I were given the chance, of course I would. Who wouldn't? I mean, I'd love it if I could go without having debt hanging over me, or killing myself trying to pay for it and everything else."

Her eyes softened, and she tilted her head slightly. "What course would you take then?"

I shrugged, thinking for a moment. "Hmm... I don't know. Maybe something about business and management?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking me or telling me?"

I chuckled, looking at her again. "What's up with you?"

She smiled a little, quiet and warm. "I'm just curious about your future... you're my girlfriend." There was seriousness in her tone again, but it still felt easy, like she was letting me peek inside her thoughts without pressure.

I returned her smile, a little soft now. "Okay... well, how about you? Have you decided where you want to go?"

Her eyes flicked away for a moment, thoughtful, before meeting mine again. "Not really... I'm still figuring it out."

"Are your parents pressuring you to go to Princeton?" I asked, curious.

"No," she said, shaking her head slightly. "We actually never talked about it again... except for that one time."

"Oh, okay. What course do you plan to take?" I asked, leaning a little closer, genuinely interested.

She smirked at me, her tone playful but mocking. "This isn't me asking you, Jo... I'm telling you. I'd take business and management."

I laughed, raising my eyebrows. "Hilarious! You are so hilarious." 

We both laughed at that.

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