The Deal [(SLOW) EDITING]

CHAPTER TEN

EDITED [08/07/2019]

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It's my final exam today. Second year of college will come to an end. It's surprising how I don't have anxiety right now. I drank tea last night and had a bath. Shut off my phone and just had a 'me-time'. It was amazing, let me tell you that. I just wish I could throw my phone away and move to Greece by the sea, with chickens and no internet. Or even better, travel around the world; meet new people and never get too attached with anything I meet there. I just wish I could live my life the way I want to.

I take my assigned seat and it's only one minute until the exam begins. I look at Nancy who is sitting at the back of the class and smile. Jack's seat is at the very front and I see him peeking behind him in my direction. I force a small smile. He smiles back. The exam begins. I start writing.

Two and a half hours later, I walk out of the classroom with Nancy by my side relieved that this year of college finally came to an end.

"I can't believe we are done." Nancy exclaims taking my hand in hers. I can hear the excitement in her soft voice.

"Me neither." I say before feeling something vibrating in my jeans. I pull my phone out of my back pocket and stare at the screen.

Party tonight at 8 in Luke's place to celebrate. You must bring: a swimsuit and a sexy friend.

I show my phone to Nancy. She laughs.

"Am I going to be the sexy friend?" My best friend asks before laughing again.

"Why not?" I simply say. "Tell Rachelle to come too." I unlock my car and wait for Nancy to get in. She stops and stares at me.

"Nope." She opens the door and gets in the car. I roll my eyes before mimicking her actions. I start the car and pull the windows all the way down.

"Why? She's a sexy friend." Nancy's cheeks turn red.

"Shut up and drive, I'll think about it." I make an excited sound I didn't know I could make before turning on the radio in full volume and begin driving.

Rachelle is a girl Nancy has been talking to for a little while. She takes art, has pink short hair and knows how to skateboard. I don't know how they met and honestly it doesn't even matter. They seem to have a lot of chemistry and the way they look at each other is just adorable. Nancy is scared to make a move though. After coming out to me she seems a little less confident than before. That's what worries me. But I guess all I gotta do is trust her and hope she finds true love and happiness.

I go to my dorm, and Nancy goes to hers. I start packing and stop in the middle remembering that I should call my mom. I leave everything down and grab my phone before dialling mother's number. Seconds later, I hear my mom's smooth voice from the other end of the line. She asks how my exam was. I tell her it was fine. She asks when are the results ready. I say I don't know. She tells me that my bed is waiting for me. I tell her that I'll be home in two days. She asks how Nancy is doing. I tell her she's great. She says Jace is not doing very good and asks if I know something. I tell her I had no idea. A couple of minutes after, we hung up. I call Jace right away.

Jace doesn't answer so I text him asking to hang out. Ten minutes later he doesn't answer. So I leave everything behind and walk to his dorm. Jace and I kept doing those lessons but stopped because he didn't have the time anymore. I wasn't even able to hang out with him; he was that busy. A few minutes of walking later I found myself outside the apartment block, Jace was living in. Outside I see Calum, a friend of Jace. I smile and wave at him. He mimics my actions.

"Mel! Long time no see." Calum exclaims walking closer for a hug. A light laugh escapes my lips as I hug him back.

"I know right?" I say. Calum is around my height, short dyed hair with black eyes and some acne. His eyes are large and his eyelashes longer than mine. Faint freckles paint his nose and under his eyes. Calum is a really nice guy. He is studying Mathematics and he is one year older than me; he's graduating this year.

"So how's life? You graduating?" I ask and he nods closing his eyes in relief.

"Yes! I can't wait!" He says. "I got a job offer at some high school in Montana, so I can't wait to see what's that like."

"Oh that's amazing! Good for you." I smile. "So is Jace here?" I ask. Calum shakes his head.

"Nope." He pauses. "He's at Luke's making preparations for the party tonight. Are you coming?"

"Yes I am. Thank you Calum. It was nice talking to you. See you tonight?" I take some steps back.

"Yes. See you tonight." We wave goodbye at each other. I start walking back to my dorm thinking of ways to approach Jace in talking to me and expressing his feelings.

•

It's time. I am wearing a black swimsuit underneath some denim shorts with converse at my feet. No make up. No straightened hair. No fancy jewellery. Just me in my swimsuit. Nancy and I walk to the party together. She is wearing a light blue bikini and a black tight dress above with flip flops. She, on the other hand, has some mascara on and eyeliner. I love my extra friend.

We step into the house and the first thing I notice is the obviously extremely loud music. The house is almost empty as everyone is outside at the pool. I see Jace in the kitchen. He has no shirt on (obviously) with some shorts. He is talking to some other guys holding a bottle of vodka in one hand. I walk closer to him with the intention of talking to him. He doesn't see me. The moment I'm close enough to him to talk, he moves away. He left. Just like that. He ignored me and left. My anxiety turns the overthinking button on but all I can think of is

what the fuck?

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Sorry for being so late

Hope you enjoyed

Stay safe,

-M