Truly Free // COMPLETED

15. Like Gatsby

"So," Gray starts, pointing his spoon in my direction, "rumor has it that Howard is gonna ask you to homecoming."

We're sitting in his back yard eating ice cream straight out of the bucket. School has been in for almost a month and things could be better. I've gotten tripped up twice in the hallways (both by Ashley) and last week, Nat-like a first grader- accused me of cheating on a quiz, landing me a zero. Homecoming is at the beginning of October and I'm really not in the mood to go with him- or at all.

"I really-"

"And before you say anything," I'm interrupted, " I think you should go with him."

Um. What.

"What the hell, no! Why would I go with him?"

"Addison, you hardly ever leave the house," Gray says. "I think it'd be good for you just to go and spend time with someone other than me for a change."

" Are you going?"

"Nope."

"Then why would I go?"

"This is what I mean! You're like a leech! A precious leech that I love and wouldn't trade for anything, but you seriously need a boyfriend or something. Get a life you're so lame," he teases.

He's right. I should probably get out more, but where would I even go? I don't go anywhere unless Gray, Andrew, or Grace drags me there. And, I'm most definitely not getting a boyfriend any time soon, that's for sure. There's no one worth dating anyway.

"I'm not getting a boyfriend. That's a joke," I inform him with a scowl.

"Oh, come on, Addison! Just go on a date! It'd make me very happy to see you happy. Homecoming would be a nice way to start. A nice kid wants to ask you and I think you should at least consider it. "

He's not wrong, again. Howard is sweet, but I just don't want to go to homecoming. Last year someone spiked the punch and three freshmen got drunk off their minds. I'm really not into grind - trains or screaming teenagers, either.

"It's a no on homecoming, sorry."

"What about a date, then?"

"There's no one worth dating, and no one would want to go on a date with me anyways."

"Addison, plenty of guys would love to take you out. I'm sure at least two are worth trying out. "

"First dates are so awkward, though! Like, what if he takes me to somewhere expensive? Forgiveable, but not my taste. When we get to said expensive restaurant, he might not open the door for me, points deducted. He could be a total square and I'd most likely want to leave within the first five minutes. "

"Addison Louise," Gray groans, dragging out my name, "you're overthinking again, just shut off your brain for like two seconds. Tell me exactly what you want, personality wise, and I'll try to find you someone, deal?"

I nod and begin to get my thoughts together so Gray the Matchmaker can attempt some magic.

"Charming. Like Jay Gatsby. I want someone who'll stand up for me, like Johnny Castle. I can't date someone who's a total loser, either. He needs to be a little reckless, but still sweet enough to make a good impression on my parents. Someone like um, Sodapop Curtis," I finish with a sigh and a small smile.

"Okay so you want fictional characters from the Great Gatsby, Dirty Dancing, and the Outsiders. Nice choice, one of em even died. " He says, sarcastically.

"You know what I mean. If you can come through, I'll go on a date. "

"Challenge accepted. "

*****

It's been two weeks since Gray and I had that conversation. It's now mid- September and he has yet to find a date for me, not that I want it. Howard asked me if I was going to homecoming and I said that I wasn't. He looked a little upset but I acted oblivious to his disappointment.

On the flip side, I have a group of about ten girls all asking me the same questions. Does Gray have a girlfriend? Is Gray looking for a date to Homecoming? Do you know who Gray is going to ask to Homecoming?

It's the same routine every. single. day. It doesn't matter where I am, either. This morning I was at the store picking up some stuff for my mom and this girl from school just starts making conversation with me, and I'm like cool, okay. But, she just had to slip in the Homecoming question and all I had to say was that I didn't know. I'm getting really tired of this.

But back to now. I'm in my room, getting ready to go out to eat for my cousin, Victoria's, birthday dinner. It's some fancy steakhouse place so I'm wearing a nice, yellow, long-sleeved top, dark jeans, and brown boots. It's a cute outfit, really, and I'm quite proud of myself.

My mom calls me down to leave and before I go, I hear a muffled call of my name. I turn to look towards Gray's house, because he's the only one that uses my full one, and he's motioning for the window to go up. It does.

"You look nice!"

"Thanks, you too! I love those sweatpants. "

"Don't meet anyone too charming tonight, they might take you away from me," he says.

Huh?

"What do you mean?"

"Even when meet your Gatsby, don't forget about Nick, okay?"

He shuts his window with a smile and I wear one as well. I never even knew he read that book, so I'm happy he used those references. But, how could I ever forget about him? Even if I do meet someone special, Gray'll always be there, and he's worried that he won't.

You gotta love him.

....
A/N: Hey what's up its been a while.
Hope you all got my book references, I couldn't help myself! Love you guys! VOTE!
COMMENT!
SHARE!
LOVE ME!

-K. x