Parachute [Book 4]

Chapter 43 - Worthless

Angie McGraw

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“…and then I’m almost crying and I’m just standing in front of the three of them, cradling this ticket and I must look like the stupidest person they’ve seen. I bet you a million bucks they’re going to show that part on TV. But anyway, Keith tells me to look at the camera and tell it I’m the next American Idol, which I do, and then they let me go and I run back out there and Ryder pulls me into this huge hug and then he lets go and gives me the biggest kiss and then Ryan-“

“And then Ryan Seacrest gives you a hug, picks you up, throws you over his shoulder and walks away with you.”

Marley had told me about this yesterday afternoon, after her audition, and this was probably the third time I had heard this same story (she had also said this to me last night before I went to bed). The one about Ryan Seacrest “kidnapping” her. I guess I didn’t mind it – I was so happy for her. She got a ticket to Hollywood and was about to start competing for a spot in the top 50 in three days. I was happy for the best best friend in the world; her dreams were coming true, and she really deserved it.

Plus, hearing the story again took my mind off of what was awaiting me at school.

Today, I was going to ask Idony out. I just had this little inkling inside of me that she had no interest in me and was going to turn me down. For the both of us, this would be really embarrassing. For me mainly though, because then she would know about my crush on her. So yeah, I was scared out of my mind about this, but I was going to take a shot in the dark and hope it lands where I want.

I wanted to date her and I wanted to be able to kiss her and hold her hand and treat her like princess. I wanted all of those cutesy couple things with her.

The only thing standing in my way was my courage… and also her sexual orientation.

“Sorry,” Marley laughed on the other end, “it’s my favourite part of the day because well, Ryan Seacrest picked me up and I also got a ticket to Hollywood.”

I kicked a rock in my way onto the road and a car immediately ran it over. I frowned, but quickly pulled a smile for Marley. “I know, and I’m proud of you.” I continued to walk down the path with my head down. “You deserve it; especially after all of the shit life has thrown at you.”

I heard Marley sigh. “Thanks, Angie. You deserve Idony and you deserve her in your life because of all of the shit you’ve been through, too. You need a bit of happiness. Plus, Jake was an idiot for breaking up with you and I honestly believe you deserve someone who’s not going to break your heart over a stupid crush.”

Speaking of Jake like that broke my heart just a little bit more. He was a good person, even if he broke my heart. He didn’t deserve to be talked down to… but I wasn’t going to say anything because I was afraid of starting a shit fight.

“Thanks Mar,” was all I said, smiling to myself as I turned into the school parking lot. People were crowding around one of the popular kid’s cars, all giggling to themselves about something stupid on one of their phones. “I think I need to run now, Marley. School and all…”

“Oh, alright. Just keep your head up high and remember – this girl is going to say yes. Who could resist you anyway?” Marley sounded like she was grinning on the other end. She spoke again, and it sounded like she had her mouth full. “Now I love you and don’t chicken out.”

I kept my mouth shut as I passed the group of popular kids and walked up to the stairs. “Love you, too, Marley.” I whispered before pulling the phone from my ear. “Bye.” I clicked the little red symbol and shoved my phone into the pocket of my jeans, opening up the doors to the school.