When I'm with you

Chapter 21

I regretted accepting Chad's request to go with him on a date on Saturday, since I had always considered it as a day for myself. So yeah, I woke up early in the morning just to find a dress to wear, since I didn't think that jeans and a t-shirt were appropriate for a date, although Chad told me not to push myself too hard and just be myself.

Unfortunately, Jane and I were not on good terms so I couldn't ask her for advice, but it was also a good thing since I didn't need to think of an alibi to explain why I was going on a date with Chad. If Jane found out that I was going to pretend to be Chad's girlfriend, she'd surely give me and Chad a good slap on our faces, or maybe a punch on Chad's face.

I ransacked my closet to find the perfect dress, but I really wasn't used to wearing them so I couldn't decide which one was fit for me and for the event. I had bought some dresses with Jane before, but they were for parties. Well, yeah, I wasn't much of a partygoer myself. I only ever went to parties Jane forcibly dragged me to, so I thought that it'd be better to have some for emergencies. In the end, all I had in my closet were flashy, enticing, super form-fitting dresses, which were too inappropriate to wear on a date, in my opinion. I also couldn't understand why I agreed to buy them. They were pretty useless anyway since I would never wear them for any other purpose than to please Jane, who thought that they were good enough to attract guys.

I continued searching in my closet, throwing everything I didn't like on my bed. The pile of clothes steadily grew bigger and bigger; my closet was almost empty. Just when I thought I was doomed, I finally found the perfect dress. I quickly snatched it out of the closet and checked it out: it was a pale peach floral sleeveless dress, pretty and simple, not flashy in any way.

After a quick shower, I put on my dress and was surprised to see that it fit me perfectly. It was fitting around the bust area, not too tight, and a bit loose from the waist down. It was my first time wearing a dress of my own volition, without anyone (e.g. Jane) forcing me, so I was kind of proud of myself, and even more happy since it looked good on me. Then I curled up my dark hair, and put on some eyeliner and lipstick for good measure. As I was busy preparing, two little voices in my head were arguing whether to wear heels or not, but then I remembered what Chad told me: "Just be yourself". So yeah, I neglected the heels and chose the boots.

As I stood in front of the mirror, I couldn't believe how I looked. I liked the way the dress showed my slim and fit body, which I gained by swimming, of course, and couldn't believe how well I had dressed myself. I don't know how long I stood there like a dummy, but I snapped out of my daze when someone rang the doorbell. I quickly went downstairs to open the door since my parents were out. It was a good thing they weren't home because it would've been extremely embarassing if they saw how girly I was today.

Chad stood on our doorstep wearing jeans and a plain red shirt. It was weird how he gave off such a cool aura when he was dressed so plainly. I tried not to blush at that thought. I was busy covering my embarrassment when I noticed that Chad was silently staring at me in awe.

"Wow, Anne, what happened to you?" He asked. I debated whether it was a compliment or not.

"Do I look weird?" I asked nervously. I pulled on my dress a little, suddenly self-conscious. Did I overdress? Did I put on too much eyeliner or something?

"Weird? Anne, you look hot!" Chad exclaimed. I was surprised. I didn't actually expect him to say that so I punched his shoulder out of embarassment. Besides, his voice was so loud, the whole neighborhood probably heard him.

"Ow! What was that for?" He complained.

Instead of answering, I rolled my eyes and went back into my room to grab my bag. The perfect escape route. As soon as I gathered all the things I needed, I immediately followed Chad, who was already waiting in the car.