Leaving Me Behind

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

On Monday morning I’m up bright and early. Scott and I got along better than I’d hoped. After our little date, I realized I actually didn’t regret the decision. It’s good I met up with him. It’s good that I’m not hung over Dylan much. I’m making myself happy. I’m helping myself by doing this.

And I’m about to help myself a little more…

“Hey guys.” I say, catching my friends at the front of the school.

Hi.” They greeted.

“You okay?” Val asks.

I give her a confident grin, surprising her. “I’m better than okay.” I answer. “In fact, I’m going to the premiere.”

* * *

The week goes by faster than I hoped it would. I was dreading tonight. But I had to go. I know I have to go. Being able to face Dylan as nothing but a fan means I’m finally able to let go. Finally putting our old friendship behind us, and being nothing but a fan to him. I bet I already am. It certainly seemed that way last time I saw him.

The dismissal bell rings. Oh, goody. Note the sarcasm. The more the time goes by, the more nervous I get. The horrible feeling grows stronger and stronger in the pit of my stomach.

Should I just back out? No. this is your closure. But what if he recognizes me? He won’t. How do you know? Half the girls in town will be there. It’s Dylan Tanner. Ugh! Curse my inner voice! I really should stop talking to myself, even if it’s not out loud. Eh. Old habits die hard. And old friendships die harder.

Ugh! Dang, Dylan! This wouldn’t have started if you just didn’t come back here anyway!

My thoughts were once again interrupted. “Jess. Jessica!” a hand waves in front of my face. “Girl! I’ve been calling your name for like, five minutes! Now haul your ass out of that car before I do it for you!” Nancy waves her hand in front of my face.

“Sorry.” I say, shaking my head out of my thoughts. I slowly get out of the car, not really processing anything and still in a daze.

“It’s fine.” She continues. “The girls kind of situated themselves in your house.”

“How’d they get in?” I ask.

“They couldn’t wait to start getting ready so while you were in dream world they may have taken your keys.”

I gave a meaningless laugh. “Okay?” I say, not really sure what to think of it. Nancy and I enter my house and go up to my room.

“I told them not to take them.” Lucy yells once I enter the room, obviously worried I’d be upset.

“No. It’s okay.” I say reassuringly. “What’s mine is yours.”

“Good.” Stacy interjects. “‘Cuz I really like this shirt.”

Tonight was going to be hell.

* * *

By now all of us were hyperventilating, but I was doing it for a completely different reason. They wanted to see Dylan. I wanted to get as far away as possible from him.

We are all in the car heading to the premiere. When we arrive I noticed most of the girls here dressed to impress… or should I say underdressed to impress. That, sadly, includes my friends. They’re all wearing what closely resembles a hooker dress.

Me? Well, I took the clear path of comfort and went with a baggy long sleeve shirt and some light blue skinny jeans. I tied my hair up in a messy bun as well. The others were sporting artificial curls.