PEACE (A Catherine Peace Novel)

Chapter 2

This night had the potential to be either the highlight or the lowlight of my high school experience. Sure, the idea of seeing Jacob made my heart flutter nervously, but I refused to let it overshadow the excitement bubbling within me. Jade seemed lost in her own little world, her infectious smile lighting up the room.

"Are you ready?" I asked, though it was more of a rhetorical question. The air was electric with anticipation and joy. As the sounds of giggles and chatter filled the room, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. Sure, the noise was enough to make my ears ring, but deep down, I knew tonight was going to be unforgettable.

Despite any lingering doubts, I couldn't deny the truth: I looked stunning.

"Our last dance together," Jade sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of drama. She wore a smile, but it was one of those 'happy-sad' ones, you know? Like when you're thrilled about dessert but bummed because you're full.

I could tell she was wrestling with something, probably her dad. He wasn't just her father; he was practically family to me too. Our moms had this knack for creating a tight-knit group out of thin air. That's friendship for you—turning strangers into VIPs who know you better than your own blood relatives.

Jade's dad? He was a legend. Losing him hit her hard, like missing out on the last episode of your favorite show. But he always said he'd be looking down on us with a big ol' smile from up above.

Being Christians, we held onto the belief that he was in a better place, smiling down at us from beside God. Life goes on, you know? And tonight was the perfect reminder of that. We might carry sadness in our hearts, but we also carry his spirit, his laughter, and his love.

The music was blasting so loud, it felt like it was doing a tap dance on my eardrums. Honestly, it was like the most draining experience of my life. I mean, who cranks up the volume to eleven at a high school dance? It was beyond annoying, bordering on aggravating.

But then I had to give myself a mental slap and shake off the Negative Nancy vibes. It was time to let loose and have some fun, dang it! So, I grabbed Jade's hand and dragged her onto the dance floor before she could protest. She had this way of bottling up her feelings, like she was allergic to admitting she was falling apart or hurting.

I mean, on the day her dad, Uncle Owen, passed away, she didn't shed a single tear in front of anyone. Nope, she spent the whole day being everyone's emotional superhero, trying to comfort her mom and the rest of us. But in the process, she forgot to take care of herself. She was so busy playing the role of everyone's savior that she forgot to save herself.

As we swayed to the beat, I let myself get lost in the music and the moment.

"I'm just not feeling well. I'll be in the bathroom," Jade suddenly announced, darting off into the crowd before I could even offer to tag along. Classic Jade move, always insisting she could handle everything solo. But hey, can't blame a girl for trying, right?

I was about to suggest going with her when she shot me a look that screamed, "Girl, I need a minute." So, reluctantly, I let her go and turned around, scanning the room for a dance partner.

That's when I spotted him: Jacob, strolling in with Elena on his arm. And would you believe it? He was wearing the outfit I had practically handpicked for him. I mean, seriously? Elena's dress had somehow morphed to look eerily similar to his. It was like they had coordinated their outfits just to match mine. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

No one saw that coming, and a little tear slipped out, totally catching me off guard. Quick as a flash, I wiped it away, locking eyes with Jacob. Anger bubbled up inside me, and before I knew it, I was stomping over to give that jerk a piece of my mind.