It Started As A Dare

French Fries

Man do I love these French fries! I dunk another one of Penny's Diner fries in ketchup, popping it into my mouth. Katie sets her milkshake on the table, swallowing.

"So if you keep turning everybody down, are you even going to the dance?"

"I have to. If I don't, I know there will be rumors."

"Like what?"

As if my best friend since second grade doesn't already know the answer to this question. I roll my eyes at her.

"Remember semi-formal in ninth grade?"

"Oh yeah! Grace kept saying you were in the hospital getting treated for explosive diarrhea."

Grace Whitaker is my number one enemy. I don't know why, but she has it out for me. In ninth grade, I didn't want to attend the first semi-formal of the year and she jumped on the chance to spread a rumor. Ever since then, I haven't missed a day of school or any dances. The humiliation she made me endure was completely unwarranted.

"So who are you going with?"

"I don't really want to go with anybody."

Just because everybody wants me, doesn't mean I want them. In my entire life I've only had one boyfriend, Connor Jackson. We broke up because he was moving to Paris with his family.

"You at least have to go with someone! There will be controversy if you don't."

"And? I'm sick of conforming to the rules of the school."

"You are contradicting a statement you said less than ten minutes ago."

"And I don't care. It's senior year, Katie. Next year is a fresh start. Grace is going to college somewhere down south and I'll never have to deal with her again. Same thing with half of those idiots. I'm going to Long Island. That's hours away from here. Chances of me seeing some of these kids is slim to none."

She sits there in awe. Just as she's about to say something, her phone buzzes on the table. She grabs it, punching in her password to unlock it.

"Addy says there is a party at Mia's house tonight. You want to go?"

"Who is going to be there?"

"I'll ask."

Her fingers move across the screen at the speed of light. Well, realistically, they move fast. She gets a response back seconds later. Her face scrunches up into one of disgust, giving me all the answers I need.

"Never mind. Grace is supposed to be there."

"She usually is."

I take a sip of my Dr. Pepper and a bite of my burger. Penny's Diner is by far the best in the area. Katie and I visit at least once a week.

"What are you doing tonight?"

She gives me a weird look. For a smart girl, she is a little slow at times.

"If we aren't going to the party, nothing."

"Want to see if Khloe and Emelia want to hang?"

Khloe and Emelia have been our best friends for ages. Emelia only came to our school in sixth grade, but Khloe has been with us since the beginning of time it seems.

"Sure. Your house?"

I nod and Katie furiously types on her phone.

"What are we going to be doing?"

"I don't know. Whatever you guys want."

Usually we end up watching old Disney movies and eating our weight in ice cream.

"They both said they are down to hang."

"Then we have to make a stop at Turkey Hill on our way home."

Katie smiles and our waitress approaches with the check.