The True Meaning of Life

Chapter 7: Back to Reality

The following Monday, the social hierarchy was restored to its natural order. Everything was back to normal. In addition to Brianna and Chris, Crystal and Jake had emerged as the second power couple and Jake and I were back on talking terms. The winter formal was approaching and after school today, I was going to ask William if he would consider accompanying me.

I couldn't assume that he would say yes because of his busy college schedule and all but it was worth a shot! It was my senior year and I was going to make the most of it.

In the morning, I helped Justin ask Sophia and at lunch, I would assist Jake with his proposal to Crystal.

Justin had decided follow the traditional method of asking Sophia. Over the weekend, he bought a white poster and I helped him write the word "formal?" in calligraphy. We happened to catch Sophia off guard and she was happily surprised. With Jake, he wanted to send Crystal on a scavenger hunt. In the morning, I had helped him write out the clues while placing specific items around different parts of the school. However, Crystal was not up for it and went up to Jake asking impolitely, "if you were going to ask me babe, just do it! Why do you have to be so fancy about what you do?"

"Well I thought that you would like to do something fun, okay. Sorry."

"I'm tired today babe. I didn't want to walk around the entire school just to hear you say a few words," she responded insincerely.

It was not my place to say but it was unbelievable how horribly Crystal was treating Jake. How could he be with someone like that? I decided to remain quiet because we had just become friends and I did not want to ruin that.

"Would you like to go to Winter Wonderland with me this weekend?" he asked.

"Of course. Let's go to my car. I want to take a nap." And with that, they were off. Will and I were going to meet after school at Tea Leaves.

After school, I headed to Tea Leaves with Sophia and Justin. "Can you believe that Crystal said that to Jake?" Justin asked to no one in particular.

"No but I mean, he knew what he was getting into by dating her. He should be used to the way she behaves." Sophia responded. "What do you think Val?"

"At this point, it isn't my place to say. I've brought it up once before but I don't want to keep pushing him so I'll just let him live his life the way he wants to."

A few minutes later Will arrived and took a seat next to us. "Hi everyone! As promised, Val here's a sweatshirt for you." I looked at the beautiful crimson Harvard labeled crewneck. In the background, I could see Sophia and Justin with huge grins on their faces.

"Thank you. Oh yeah, I wanted to ask you something. So I completely understand if you are busy but I was wondering if you would accompany me to the winter formal?" I anticipated a quick response but Will took a few seconds before a response.

"Well, I truly appreciate you asking me..."

"I'm so sorry. I know that this might sound sudden and understand if you cannot or don't want to make it."

"You didn't let me answer! Of course I would love to join you Val. When is it?"

"Next next Saturday."

"Well it sounds like a date. I guess I better clear my schedule" He joked.

"You're funny," I responded sarcastically. He moved his hand through my hair and lightly laid a kiss on my cheek before switching the conversation. For the rest of the afternoon, the four of us joined in laughter at each other's jokes. Being with them made me forget about college decision letters that would be coming into the mail.