Apologize

Officially Official

"He made a list and everything!" I laughed to Tris. She was the first person I talked to after I left school. I just need to clear my head, which is easier to do when I'm able to talk about it. The café was full of it's usual upbeat mood and amazing, mouthwatering smells.

"Seems like someone is paying attention," Tris winked. I wrinkled my nose and made a gagging noise, but internally I'm melting. I wish he actually did pay attention to me.

"I just don't know what to do! This boy has been messing with my head for the past two months and I don't think he'll stop any time soon." I sighed and took a sip of my coffee. It's great to be able to bond with my mother, even after all these years. It's also great that she's willing to waste her breaks to listen to me rambling about something so stupid and cliché.

"Well, since you like him so much, why don't you test your luck? There's not much to lose, just don't do it in public. Do you have his number?" Was she crazy?

"There is so much on the line if I ask him out! If he says no, the whole school will eventually know, and Cartney will tease me relentlessly about it! Plus, he's already fake dating me, it's a lie to keep him from dating another girl. So if he rejects me, it'll be like we're breaking up, to even though we're not officially official. Y'know?" I rambled on, only stopping because my phone dinged. I checked the number, and let out a sigh of relief to see that it was only Dad.

Where are you? Wasn't tutoring over at least 40min ago?

@ the café w/ friends. Will b back asap!💝

Fine. Supper will be waiting for you on the table.

"It's only Dad, he wanted to know where I was," I informed Tris. She nodded quietly. Neither of us are really comfortable talking about Dad when we're together.

"Just ask the boy. I'm absolutely positive that he won't reject you. Maybe you could even play it off in some way to see if he likes you first?" I shook my head. Barely any boy falls for the, "Oops, that was meant for so-and-so!" trick anymore. I'm sure he's gotten it a lot, too.

"Fine. But I'm texting. I won't survive halfway through the question on the phone," I muttered. I scrolled carefully through my contacts until I found Ash's name. I bet he has my name as some stupid nickname or something. I bit my lip and started typing.

What if he thinks this is a prank? What if he's simply playing around and doesn't like me like that? What if he doesn't like me at all?!

I sighed, pushing away my pessimistic thoughts, and hit send. Tris clapped her hands excitedly. At least someone is enjoying this. I took another sip of my coffee and waited in silence, rereading my simple text every couple seconds.

Hey... I have a question. It's serious. Text back when you can?

It took about five minutes for the reply to come, but it came.

same. u 1st?

Nooo, you first.

nope, u go

Fine, but at least talk right. You have absolutely no sense of spelling.

There. I punctuated. Happy?😒

Very. But this is serious. You first.

I was wondering if maybe..You'd ask your question first?

If you insist...

I absolutely insist.

I was wondering if maybe you'd like to be.. Official?

Like, actual official. Not faking it?

Holy shit you read my mind!!!!!!!

My pounding heart only sped up as I read his text. I smiled up at Tris, containing the girly squeal of excitement that was ready to explode at any given moment. I'm surprised I haven't passed out with this much excitement.

So that's a yes?

Yes.

I squealed, covering my mouth with my hand. This is the one thing I've wanted for so long, just to hear--or, in this instance, read-- those words. Tris gave me high-five, then turned it into a hug. She knows what it's like to finally get that one boy that you've loved for a while. That's how she was with Dad.

Maybe someday I'll be in Tris' position, fangirling with my own daughter about a cute boy that she likes. Maybe someday Scarlette will be in my position. Maybe.

I got up, hugged Tris one last time, and walked out of the café with my half full cup of coffee in hand. I felt like skipping, I'm so happy!

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Sorry for this being a short chapter, it's a bit bland, I know, but hey, the ships official... Per ora.                                                  (Good luck figuring out our little riddle 😉)