Falling...into the Dark.

15

Alice

I reached home tired...tired of all the thoughts that had been going through my head. I put my phone on charge and went to take shower. It made me feel a little better but still they couldn't erase the embarrassment I was drowning in. I sat on the bed and checked my phone. Jake's message was there.
Jake Brian- inform me that you've reached home.
Me- I reached.
Jake Brian- okay good.
I was angry with him..not because of the kiss..but his anger. He literally ordered me not to go with him. I don't do that...we are just friends right..friends don't get so over possessive. I texted Max and told him that I would meet him the next day. I felt a little bad...no no Alice don't think..you are not cheating on anyone. You are free to meet anyone you want. That night I slept off without eating dinner..I just wanted this night to end fast in the hope that tomorrow I might feel a little better about this whole situation.

Morning

It was the next day but still no change. A part of me wanted to cancel the plan with Max but a part of me was determined to prove to myself that I'm not influenced by Jake. So finally in the afternoon I got changed and went to meet Max.

"You look pretty" Max said as I sat to his opposite in the cafe.
I just smiled. I was so being used to being with Jake that It felt like I was cheating on him as I was out with Max even when he asked me not to. It's okay Alice..it's your life. Just relax for a while.
"Again in wonderland?" Max waved his hand infront of me.
"Oh sorry...actually it's Mel's birthday tomorrow so I was thinking of what to gift her" I lied. I have become good at it.
"Oh yeah she invited me...even I need to get her something"
"We can go shopping after eating"
"Yeah...so how was your weekend?"
"Umm unexpected" the most honest answer ever.
"Unexpectedly good or bad?" He winked.
"Still trying to figure that out"
Two honest answers now that should neutralize my earlier lies.

After eating we walked through the streets looking for something to gift Mel. I finally got something. I bought a bag, a pair of super high heels and lots of makeup. She would love it all.
"Woah that's a lot of make-up" Max said as we stood at the counter.
"Oh trust me..I know my best friend" I chuckled.
"I bet you know" he smiled.
Max was going to buy a digital diary for her but then after my suggestion he bought some really cool iPhone covers and a choker. She owes me this one.
After we were done we checked out the new bookstore. I didn't know about it but thanks to Max now I did. Time passes so quickly when you're around books. I bought two of them. Max God five. He is greater reader than I am.
The day has been great so far. I reached home around 7. Mel and Case were already there. They are seen in my house more than I am.
"Surprise visit?" I asked as I saw them.
"Oh you know that my parents are out..that's why the party..so I didn't want to stay alone on my birthday so I decided to spent the night here and called Case too" Mel explained.
"Okay great" I said.
"I'll go home from the school to make arrangements for the party"
"Okayy chill now" Case said.
"Umm Ally?" Mel said.
"Yeah?"
"I was thinking you could invite Jake on my behalf...as you are the host too"
"Yeah but I am not the birthday girl"
"But you're my best friend"
"Still Mel...you should invite him"
"I can't Mel...please"
"Why suddenly?"
"We kissed and now it's awkward" I blurted out.
"Whhaatttt??" Both of them shrieked.
"You kissed someone?" Case shrieked.
"Oh my God you kissed Jake Brian" Mel's turn.
I had to shut my ears with my hand.
"Tell us everything right now" Case said.
I told them everything.
"You love him?" Mel asked.
"What? No" I shouted.
"But the Alice I know won't will never kiss anyone without feelings" Mel said.
"No I don't" I said.
"So this is the reason you dont want to invite him?" Case asked.
"Yeah"
"But I want Jake Brian in my birthday party" Mel whined.
"Mel you can invite him yourself..he will come because he knows Alice will too" Case said.
I just rolled my eyes.
"Lets try" Mel said.
She texted Jake. Apparently every girl in my school has his number. I could see she was smiling.
"Oh my God he said he will come" Mel jumped in joy.
"What did you tell him?" Case asked.
"I invited him for my birthday and told them that Alice will really like if he comes too" Mel said.
"What? Are you mad? Why did you say that?" I shrieked.
"Its okay Alice maybe he isn't thinking that much about it...it was just in the heat of the moment" Case said.
I sat silent but somehow when she said that maybe he isn't think about it much..I felt bad. Did I want him to feel something? Maybe cause I feel something?
Soon it was 12. We wished Mel and gave her the presents. She loved it..as I said. Without texting Jake the day felt incomplete so I tested him.
Me- all shifting done?
Jake Brian- yes finally
Me- okay nice
Jake Brian- how was your day?
Me- good
Jake Brian- you were out ?
Me- yeah
Jake Brian- great

I could feel the sarcasm in his words. I didn't text further..he was still not out of his possessiveness..
I slept off keeping my phone on charge.

Next day.

School was awkward too especially the biology class. The moment our eyes met all those scenes came flashing into my eyes. For the first time I was so distracted the entire time. Okay now focus on today's party..it was easy to escape Jake in the school but it will be difficult in the party. I got changed into a navy blue dress.
I entered Mel's home. The music could be heard across the street. I looked around..good no sign of Jake. Alice just behave normally with him..like nothing happened..I promised this to myself.
I was sitting near the bar...busy with my phone. "You look beautiful" I heard Jake's whisper into my ears. There goes my promise.
I looked at him..he was wearing navy blue shirt. Same color...but same feelings? I don't think so.

Jake

She looked at me nervously. I looked into her Brown eyes. She immediately looked away.
"Do I get a privilege to dance with you baby doll?"
"Yeah"
I took her hand and pulled her close. She continued looking down.
"Look at me.."
She was still looking down.
"Look at me Alice"
She immediately looked up when she heard me call her name. Good that it worked.
"Why are you avoiding my eyes?" I asked.
"Am not" she said looking at me.
"Yes you are..you are afraid that I will read something in your eyes that you don't want to show or you will read something in my eyes that you don't want to know" I said and pulled her closer. I could feel her heart beat. It was music to my ears.
"Its time to cut the cake" Casey announced so I had to let her go.
"But Max is not here yet" Baby doll said.
Oh God...Max Max..I tightened my fist. It's okay Jake relax.
"He is stuck in traffic..he asked me to go ahead" Mel said.
Oh great..I'll leave when he comes and take baby doll too.
After the cake was cut every one was back into the dance floor. I couldn't find baby doll.
"Hi Jake" I heard Bianca's voice.
"You are invited too?" I was shocked.
"Yeah it was sweet of Melissa"
Why is she being so nice? I just smiled.
"Jake I'm going to California after graduation"
"If dad has sent you here to convince me to come with you then you are wasting your time" I said.
"Oh no I have come here to apologise"
"Why?"
"I don't know..if by mistake I ever did something that you didn't like"
"It's okay Bianca...only people I love can hurt me"
She didn't say anything. She just smiled.
"So can I dance with you? Last time I promise"
I agreed. As long as she doesn't bother me again.

Alice

I went to the washroom to calm myself down. Why do you do this Jake?
I went down to the party. I saw Bianca and Jake dancing. I felt bad really really bad. I walked straight out her house. I took a cab and went home. A tear escaped my eyes. Why are you crying Alice? Do you love him? What were you thinking? A girl like you isn't good enough for him...
He shouldn't have made me feel this way...this special. I was wrong..we can never be more than what we really are. Forget him. You cannot be around him with all these feelings..it will only bring you down.

XOXO