The Prom List

CHAPTER | T W E L V E

It has been so long. I'm sorry, but I will try and post as much as possible. This chapter isn't that long and it's also not proof read but I hope you enjoy anyway :)

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I couldn’t concentrate on the game because of the heat and the fact that Jay was sitting so close to me, leaning over to look at my laptop screen.

                                                                                                               

He’d kindly offered to help with the pictures and offered some helpful ideas, telling me what happened at I quickly typed away. He’s also very talkative for someone I’ve hardly seen talk. It’s a new side that I may have unlocked and although I’m happy with how much he’s confiding in me with his parents divorce and all, this all feels like a date. And that’s what I don’t want it to be. He’s smiling like crazy and more than once I caught him looking at me.

Darcy is two benches down, no doubt trying to listen in over the roaring crowd. She’d immediately called it a date that she didn’t even have to set up. She’s convinced Jay is in love with me.

“I think this article is gonna turn out good. Scored three times already.” He chimes and clicks another quick picture. I barely nod and keep my head down because no matter what happens, my eyes drift to Cayden with my ears subconsciously listening to Anna’s cheers. It nagging me because Anna had been particularly clingy with Cayden lately. I feel like and idiot for this because Cayden and I are nothing yet I want us to be as cheesy as it sounds.

A boy called Zac scored from the visiting team and our school groaned whilst theirs erupted into cheers just as a girl with wavy bright hair sat beside me. She smelled of porridge and lavender which was an unusual mix but I recognised her from debating team. She had a pair of sophisticated glasses on and a slightly hooked nose. Jay’s head snapped to her and he cowered back.

He kept sneaking glances as the game progressed. The other school scored again and very close to becoming a tie. The game ended with three all and the crowd began to disperse, heading home or grabbing a beverage. Jay followed me down from the benches and kept a steady eye on the girl that was beside me.

I couldn’t hold my tongue or curiosity. “Do you know her?” I ask him and he momentarily looks confused until he answers, “Err, not personally. Just from her debating team.” He gulps and I tuck my laptop under my arm. “Well you certainly can’t take your eyes off of her.” He gives a short breathy laugh and grins, “I’m hoping to ask her to prom but it’s harder than I thought.”

I was taken aback. He wants to ask her? Then what the hell am I doing and why is he on the list? He likes her and not me, a relief that he’s one less boy I had to worry about.

“Well, you should try and ask her, “ I encourage. “She seems lovely and there’s nothing to lose, at least you’d have tried.” I give him a pat on the arm and understanding or courage crosses his face. He gives me the camera and with a nod he walks towards the girl as I watch with a slight smile on my face.

“Where’s he going?” Darcy approaches with a confused expression. “He’s going to ask that girl out to Prom. See Darcy, you’re not a genius. He likes her you idiot.”

“Wait, no, I was certain.” I said but I shook my head and led her to her car. She reluctantly got in. We passed Jay and the girl who were in conversation but she was smiling meaning a good sign. I hoped for the best for Jay and also because I’m relishing in Darcy’s mistake. She was so wrong it will big her for days.

“I thought he liked you. He does but maybe he’s realised you’re not interested and moved on.” Darcy whines but I zone her out. “Darcy, just admit you were wrong so we can move on and I can do my ‘I told you so’ dance. It’s rather fasinating.”

“Yeah, because I’m dying to se that dance. It was one mistake. I’m human.”

“A human that think she’s perfect and always right.” I countered.

“Perfect? I’m actually flawed which makes a person mor-“

“Perfect?”

“No, shut up, it makes a person more human.” She growls and minutes later she drops me off to my house. With a renewed bounce in my step, I feel elated and stress free. Maybe I was happy to cross Jay off the list or because he’s trying and being brave. I climb the stairs merrily and begin my cafeteria article and the one for the game. I feel motivated and I don’t want that to go away.

***

“Grace! Zeke! Dinner’s ready, get down here.”

With my stomach rumbling, I shut my laptop with no hesitation and run downstairs to the table. Mom’s bringing in the vegetables whilst Zeke and I sit opposite each other. From the steaming pot, she serves us both casserole and mixed veg.

“Did Dad call today?” I ask, since Mom has a hobbit of calling my dad on her days off. She nods and tells us everything he said and how Dad said we couldn’t spend Christmas with him but we could visit him during break. Mom was talking about he she’s gonna book tickets but I could tell she was upset that we wouldn’t be there for Christmas.

“Still, it’ll be good to see him again. Even for a week.” She smiles and eating her food. We eat silently for minutes when the door bell rings and we stare at each other. “I’ll get it,” Mom says and scrapes her chair back.

“Mom’s sad that Christmas is cancelled.” I whisper and Zeke looks up from his casserole.

“We’re still gonna see him.” He shrugs.

“Mom wants Christmas together like a family again. She misses that. I miss that.”

“Seeing him for a week is better than not seeing him at all. Mom will get over it.” He said and stuffs his face.

“Grace! There’s someone here for you.” Mom’s voice comes from the entry way. I put down my glass of water and walk worriedly towards the door. Right there on my porch, a apologetic grimace instead of a smile on his face. It was Cayden.