You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Forty One: Fall

School started two days later with a heaviness I couldn't shake.

The boys naturally pulled me into our usual circle, surrounding me with jokes and noise until I almost forgot everything.

Almost.

Sam wasn't angry exactly.

Just...disappointed.

I couldn't blame her.

She'd watched Phillip try so hard.

She'd watched me let him go.

Rather than force her to choose between Mark and me, I quietly gave her space.

Maybe everyone needed a little time.

We spend a few Friday nights at football games, standing in our usual spot along the curve. No one bothers approaching us, and we don't exactly invite conversation either. Randy keeps his distance. The only contact we've had since the breakup was one smug text from him asking how my "boring life" was going. I replied with nothing but a tongue-out emoji.

"So, Princess..." Gary begins one afternoon after school.

Jake finishes for him. "Randy's throwing a party tomorrow. He asked us to invite you."

"Not a chance, guys."

"We figured," Gary sighs. "Had to ask."

The conversation ends, but as we keep walking, I realize I just guaranteed myself another Saturday night sitting at home.

Way to live life, Tia.

Athena folds her arms in my head. You broke up with Phillip because you were tired of the hamster wheel. Then you climbed right back on it.

Fine.

Maybe she's right.

"Don't tell Randy," I blurt before I can rethink it, "but I'm going."

Jake and Gary exchange surprised grins.

As we pass Phillip in the hallway, he catches my eye and smiles. I smile back. Maybe we've finally reached the point where seeing each other doesn't hurt anymore.

The next evening, I decide to dress like the version of myself I've been trying to become.

Light-blue Buckle jeans. A hot pink tank top under a white button-down left open. Cowboy boots.

Confident.

Or at least convincing.

Jake, Gary, and Tommy pick me up, and fifteen minutes later we pull into the apartment complex Randy shares with Justin.

The party is already packed.

Music shakes the walls. People spill into every room. Someone I don't recognize greets us at the door with plastic cups already half-filled.

I stay close to Jake and Gary as we weave through the crowd. I know almost no one here.

Suddenly someone grabs my wrist and pulls me onto his lap.

I laugh awkwardly, pat his cheek, and push myself upright.

"Where you goin', girl?" the obviously drunk guy slurs.

Gary steps in immediately, taking my hand.

"With me."

"No way she's your girl."

Jake appears behind me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

"Nope. She's mine."

I roll my eyes.