Hopeless

First Kiss

Josie's POV

It is now Saturday night, and I can't ward off the nerves rising up in my stomach. "We're literally all going as a group, Jo," Lizzie sighs, taking in my anxious state. "If anything happens, we'll all be there."

"Exactly," I say, and realization dawns on her that I want to be embarrassed even less than I want to be rejected.

"Okay, take her somewhere private to talk," my sister offers, and I nod.

"Yeah. That could work."

Before Lizzie can say anything cocky, there is a knock at the door. I stare at myself in the mirror as the blonde opens it. I am in a red crop top with long sleeves along with a gray and black plaid skirt and knee-high black socks. I finish the look off with yellow heels, then put on the necklace that Hope gave me; I had taken it off to shower, but it has already been too long since I wore it last.

Speaking of Hope, the tribrid walks into the room, followed by Rafael, but my focus is solely on her. I am watching her in the reflection of my mirror, but I can't help but feel the heat rise in my cheeks at how her outfit is making me feel. Usually I prefer the tribrid in navy blue, seeing as that color makes her eyes pop, but her dress makes me change my mind - black is definitely her color. She's in all black, from her shoes to her leggings to her dress, but she looks amazing.

Hope's eyes meet mine in the mirror, and my cheeks get even redder when I notice her check me out, fully aware that I am watching her. She smirks at my blush, only making it worse, then turns around to engage in conversation with Lizzie and Rafael. I let out a breath that I didn't even know I was holding as I get a grip on myself. It's just Hope.

Except it's never "just Hope." For over three years now, I have had a crush on the tribrid, and it's never "just" anything when it comes to her. She's flawless.

I take another deep breath, in and out, then turn to go over to the group. "You ready?" Hope asks, her eyes moving up and down my body once more, lingering on my necklace which makes her smile a bit, before landing on mine.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I answer.

Hope's POV

Josie and I stay behind Lizzie and Rafael as we walk to the party. I want to reach out and take her hand again, but it's too risky. We're so close to other people. Plus, we're not even together. I don't even know if she likes me the way I like her. Rebekah says she does, but I'm not sure. Why would someone so perfect want to be with someone like me?

I glance over at the brunette to see her staring straight ahead, seemingly lost in thought. My earlier confidence when I caught her checking me out and did the same is now long gone. I don't know what to say or do. I need a cue from her first.

So I follow her lead and stare straight ahead, but I still watch her out of the corner of my eye. I see her look over at me every once in a while, but it's only ever for a split second before she returns her attention to the path ahead of us. The silence is deafening and it sets me on edge; if I wasn't with people I would let my wolf out for a run, seeing as that's usually the only thing that calms me down when I get like this. Why am I so nervous? I've been around Josie millions of times and never gotten this worked up before.

Maybe I'm just anticipating what is to come. The rejection, I mean. I know the group will most likely split up the moment we get to the party, but I plan on sticking by Josie's side until she tells me to get lost.

We arrive at the Old Mill all too soon. I was right about the group splitting up, though. Lizzie goes to get a drink the moment we arrive, and after shooting me a longing look, Rafael heads off to talk to his classmates for a while. That leaves just me and Josie. I am about to say something when I feel her fingers caress mine gently; it's just for a second, but it's long enough to get my attention. "Can we talk?" she asks once my eyes meet hers, and I nod a bit too eagerly.