Dirty Little Secret

CHAPTER 21 (AUDREY)

There was exactly five days until Spring Fling and Audrey had been asked by several people in her grade, but not by the one that she wanted.

The next day, Jacob and Audrey carpooled after soccer practice. As Audrey rode Jacob’s car, she could smell Jacob’s cologne. At first, they had talked about the new soccer coach and how bad he was, but the subject gradually changed to Spring Fling. Audrey decided to make the first move, but just as she was about to speak, Jacob did too.

Audrey said, “You can go first.”

Then Jacob replied, “No, you can.”

“Are you going to ask anyone to the Spring Fling?” Audrey blurted. "Actually, I already did," Jacob replied, looking shy.

There was an awkward silence between them and she turned her back to him. Audrey felt her heart break in two. 

The whole ride back home was silent and there was no talking until Jacob’s driver told Audrey that they had arrived at her house. After quickly saying bye to Jacob, Audrey jumped out of the car, eager to get back home.

“Thanks for the ride, Jacob,” Audrey murmured as she took her heavy bag and headed towards her front door.

"No problem..." Jacob replied, awkward.

"Then, bye," Audrey said.

"Wait... " Jacob stammered, "Is it true you like me?"

At that moment, she wanted to die right there on the spot. Why couldn't a giant earthquake hit right now? Why couldn't a flood come and wash her away instead of those poor people in Australia?

"Because if you do, I thought you should know... I asked Summer, but she rejected me," Jacob continued.

"Oh..." Audrey said, not knowing what to say.

"So I was wondering if you would go with me instead, but just as friends..." Jacob stammered.

Audrey's heart sank. So that's all she was to him? A sloppy second backup? She wanted to scream, but of course contained herself.

"Well, why not?" Audrey said after a couple of seconds.

"But just as..." Jacob started

"Friends. I know." Audrey finished.

After a few moments of just standing by each other, Audrey asked, “Do you want to practice soccer?”

“Sure,” Jacob said.