Windows to the Soul

Chapter Three

Jake just stared at me, seeming unsure what to say next.
"I woke up at 1:30 a.m., drove all the way out here, then snuck you into my bedroom without my grandparents knowledge, all for what, a practical joke?" I said, my voice rising at the end.
"Shay, please! I'm sorry. I didn't think it would be a bad idea, but I see now I was wrong," Jake pleaded.
"You lied to me, Jake! Do you not understand that? I could have gotten in so much trouble for this!"
"I am so sorry. I just wanted to meet you in a normal setting, not at a party with a bunch of people you don't know asking us both a lot of questions. I had good intentions, I swear."

I was quiet as I leaned against my car, burying my face in my hands. How could he possibly think this would be a good idea?

*ring, ring, ring*

Jake looked down at his phone. "I have to answer this," he said before walking away, "Hello? Yeah, I know. I'm with a friend, mom. Okay, I'm on my way." He walked back to me. "I have to go. My mom got called into work early and there's nobody home to watch my siblings. I'll talk to you later," he said, getting into his car and slamming the door.

I just stood there watching as he sped away from me. Am I making a mistake? I thought to myself as I got in my car and drove home alone.

12 p.m.
I pulled into my driveway and saw Ethan was home. Weird. I walked in and saw him sitting at the dining table.

"Ethan? What's up?"
"Hey, not much. Is grandpa here?"
"No, grandma said they had a meeting with the property owners this morning. I figured they'd be back by now, but I guess not," I told him, sitting in the chair across from him.
"Maybe they went out for lunch or something. Speaking of which, have you eaten?"
"I ate breakfast but I'm pretty hungry still."

12:30 p.m.
"I made grilled cheeses, I hope that's okay," I said, putting the plate in front of Ethan.
"I love grilled cheeses, thanks," he said, smiling.
"Me too!" I laughed, "So, what have you been up to lately?"
"Mallory get accepted into Grand Canyon University last week, I'm still waiting to hear back from some places. What's new with you?"
"Well, Kaci and I are going to a party in Phoenix tonight. That's about it," I say, giving as few details as possible.
"A party? Sounds fun. We're having dinner with Mallory's parents tonight."
"Boring. I think I'm gonna go take a nap. See ya later," I said, heading upstairs.

6:15 p.m.
"Shay!"

I heard Ethan calling my name up the stairs.

"There's someone at the door for you!"
I walked down the stairs and into the foyer to see none other than Jake Hamilton with his back turned towards me.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, crossing my arms.
Jake turned around, taking off his sunglasses. "We have a party to attend. But you're not dressed for a party," he said, noticing I was in athletic shorts and a t-shirt.
"I'm sick. Can't go," I faked a cough.
He smirked. Wow, he's so handsome. "Come on, Shay. Give me a chance. The party is supposed to be really fun, and I'll let you control the aux on the way there."
"And back."
He was silent, as if he was actually thinking of changing his mind, then smiling, he said, "Deal."
I smirked, "I'll be down in a few."

I went upstairs and opened my closet. Why did I agree to this? I flipped through my nicer outfits and finally settled on an olive green romper and gladiator-type sandals. I did my hair into a fishtail side braid and walk back downstairs. When I reached the landing, I saw Jake and Ethan shooting baskets in the driveway. I walked outside and noticed how nice Jake was dressed this evening. He was sporting a maroon polo with khaki shorts. "Very chic," I laughed to myself.

"So are we gonna go or just play basketball? Because I am really good at basketball."
Jake turned to look at me, "Wow, Shay. You look great." Am I swooning?
"Thanks, you look alright. I guess."
Jake rolled his eyes, "You ready?"
"Yep!" I said, walking to his car.

As I reached for the handle, he locked the doors, jogging over to me. He grabbed the door handle and unlocked the car.

"My lady," he said, opening the door for me.
"Why the sudden gentleman act?"
"Just get in the car, Shay."

I got in and plugged the aux cord into my phone and pressed shuffle. Come Out and Play by Billie Eilish started playing as we left my neighborhood.

*You don't have to keep it quiet
And I know it makes you nervous
But I promise you it's worth it
To show 'em everything you kept inside
Don't hide*

I whisper-sang along with the song, tapping my fingers lightly on my leg.

"Do we need to pick up Kaci?" Jake asked, slowing down.
"No, she's going to meet us there. I'll ride home with her."
"Oh, okay." Is that sadness I hear in his voice?

We rode the rest of the way in silence, other than my quiet singing.

7:50 p.m.
We turned down a street flooded with cars and pulled up to an enormous house.

"THIS is where we're partying?"
"Technically most of the party is behind the house. But yeah, my friend lives here."
"Great. What should I expect?"
"What do you mean?"
"I've never been to a party before."

Jake turned towards me and smiled before getting out of the car.

"Get ready for a life changing night," He said as he opened my door and held out his hand. I took his hand and stood up as I saw Kaci walking down the front steps.

"Kaci!" I yelled, waving to her.
"Shay? I thought you weren't going to show."
"I didn't have a choice," I said, motioning to Jake.
She turned to Jake and said, "Hi, I'm Kaci. And you are?" she asked, flirting with her eyes.

OH NO SHE DIDN'T.