Summer [Completed]

Chapter Thirteen

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Showtime
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thrill

noun

1. a wave or nervous tremor of emotion or sensation.

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Ethan POV

I promised Kelly a very long time ago that this would never happen again, but I'm conflicted.

I don't want to her to get hurt, especially when she's finally starting to trust me again after what I did last time.

However, my mom's advice keeps dancing in my head. I have to try and show Imani why she should give me a chance. I'm done being the nice guy, this time, I'm fighting for what I want.

If Imani were someone else, I'm sure Kelly would want me to do the same thing.

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I know she's awake.

She almost never goes to sleep before 12 o'clock; she and Kelly normally keep each other pretty occupied—even though we all know Kelly's and old person at heart.

True to her nature, Kelly went to bed around 10:30 tonight, and Imani's been cooped up in her room for some time now.

Her bedroom light glows softly from under the door, and the faint sound of music being played can be heard down the hall.

Jade and I have been planning this for a while now, and the night's finally here.

I pull my head back into my room and softly close the door.

Jade's big brown eyes peer at mine anxiously, and she moves to fix my hair one last time. It flops back to its original spot the moment she tries to smooth it down.

She sighs, before grabbing hold of my shoulders. “You ready kid?”

Taking a shaky breath, I smile. “I'm getting there.”

I wipe my sweaty palms on my shorts. “Thanks again for all your help, I would've never been able to pull this off alone.”

Jade only smiles and waves me away. “Please, it's nothing really. I just want to see my best friend happy.

Plus, emotionally frustrated Ethan is annoying. I want the fun you back.” She punches my arm and chuckles.

I ignore her last comment, too consumed by my own worries to be bothered.

My forehead creases, and I frown when a thought occurs to me. “What if she doesn't like it? What if it doesn't work? Do you think—”

“Ethan.” Jade says sternly, cutting my rambling short. “Everything's going to go fine. You got this.”

“You sure this is the right time?” I ask apprehensively. “Cause I think I heard Kelly come out of her room...”

My heart is pounding in my chest, and it's suddenly so hot in this room.

Why is it so hot in here?