I didn't see Nolan for the rest of the day.
Nonetheless, my phone still whistled.
One Instagram notification.
nolan.hudson wants to send you a message!
Accept Deny
I clicked "accept" as I got into Jasper's car for the ride home.
nolan.hudson: hey qt, my house is the third one on the right off 7th street. Can't wait to see you ;)
calypso-ogygia: Haha, okidoki. I'll see you there :)
Smiling like an idiot, I shoved my phone in Jasper's face.
"Look! I think he likes me! What if he's Anonymous?"
I said excitedly. Jasper pushed my phone out of his face so he could actually read the messages.
"Nolan Hudson? You think he could be Anonymous?"
He seemed skeptical, and my elation started to deflate like a balloon.
"What, do you think it's so impossible?"
I said, a little annoyed that he wasn't sharing my enthusiasm.
"Well no, I suppose the idea isn't entirely ludicrous. I just can't see it being him."
He said, starting the car.
"Why not? 'Cause it's you or something?"
I shot back. I knew I was being mean, but I was annoyed. Jasper gave a small scoff.
"Yes, because Hannah would be thrilled with that."
He said, ignoring my sharpness.
Hannah is Jasper's girlfriend that he's been dating for almost a year.
"Oh... right... sorry, I forgot."
I said, embarrassed that I would even suggest the mere idea.
Jasper's expression remained unchanged.
"Quite alright. Sometimes I forget we're dating too. Plus you haven't had your afternoon snack, and you get cranky when you're hungry."
He said, completely unfazed.
"Still, that's no excuse to snap at you. I'm sorry. Although I am really hungry."
I noticed, my hand going to my tummy instinctively.
Without even taking his eyes off the road, Jasper reached into his bag and pulled a granola bar out.
"Way ahead of you."
He deadpanned, handing me the granola bar.
"You're a life saver... this is why you're my best friend."
I didn't even notice how hungry I was until Jasper pointed it out. He smiled as I took a bite.
"I know."
He said, switching on the turn signal.
"Oh, by the way, Nolan said I could bring some friends. Would you be interested?"
Jasper scoffed.
"Not in the slightest."
He said. That was not the answer I had anticipated.
"What? Why? You go to parties all the time."
I questioned, taking another bite of granola. Jasper tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in thought.
"How do I put this?"
He said.
"Nolan Hudson and I should not be in a room together."
He said, as if that explained everything.
I arched an eyebrow.
"Uhh.. care to elaborate?"
Jasper sighed.
"Alright... he's a player. Last year he was acting all sweet with Hannah, and then once he got what he wanted, he moved on to her sister....The day after."
My heart dropped.
So much for Nolan liking me.... but he seemed so sincere when he was with me earlier today.
"Of course, don't let that stop you from going. He might have changed from when I last... encountered him..."
He added, noticing my fallen face.
"Do you think he likes me, Jasper?"
I asked.
Jasper sighed.
"Honestly Calypso, I don't know. For your sake, I hope he does. Just promise me that you won't do anything dumb. I know you won't, you're smarter than that, but still. Nolan can be really.... persuasive..."
Suddenly, the car lurched. Jasper's arm shot out like a shield over my chest, but it nothing other than a scare.
"Jesus! Jasper you've gotta get that fixed. You're gonna get into an accident one day."
I said, my heart pounding as he withdrew his arm.
"Shit, I know. I just gotta wait until my dad forks over the money. He's in the Bahamas with his skank, I know he's got it. He just won't hand it over."
Jasper and his father have a very strained relationship since he left his son and wife for an awful secretary just barely out of high school.
I mean, my dad died when I was around eight years old, so I've had time to get over it. I'm almost seventeen in about a month and a half.
But it must really suck to know that your dad is alive, but he doesn't give two shits about you.
Too many times have I watched Jasper break down, too drained to even cry, and reassure him that even though his dad is a piece of shit, that he's turning out just fine.
I watched as Jasper's knuckles turned white from gripping the steering wheel.
"Jasper, hon, breathe. We'll try to get the money somehow."
I watched his clenched jaw loosen. His golden eyes became softer as he relaxed.
"Yeah... thanks Calypso."
He said. I smiled warmly.
"Of course."
We were stopped in the parking lot of my condo now. I got my stuff together and ruffled Jasper's hair like I know he hates.
"See you tomorrow, nerd. Drive safely, please."
I said, getting out of the car. Jasper poked his tongue out at me.
"See you tomorrow, brat."
Was his farewell. With a laugh and a wave, I watched him drive away.
As soon as he was out of vision, I headed up the stairs to my living space.
Pulling out my phone, I texted Kristen and Lucero in a group chat.
Hey guys, you won't believe what happened today. Also, can you come to a party tomorrow night?
AN
SJSBJANDKRJ IM SO EXCITED
THERES GONNA BE A MAJOR HINT ON WHO ANONYMOUS IS WHEN THEY GET TO THE PARTY ITS GONNA BE LITTTT
ANYWAY
DONT FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT PLEASEEEE
THANK YOU ILY
