CHAPTER TEN
I stared at the girl in the mirror, and couldn't believe that it was me. My orange hair was curled, my makeup was done, and I was wearing a dress, which was very rare for me. I examined myself, making sure everything looked alright and then grabbed the small black bag resting on my desk. Taking one last look in the mirror I smiled, ready for what awaited me downstairs.
Jen cupped her hands over her mouth and quietly gasped as I walked down into my kitchen. "You look beautiful!" She exclaimed, hugging me. "I love this dress." She smoothed out the red fabric covering my shoulders.
"You look amazing too." I said. She wore a knee-high blue dress that fit tightly to her form, complimenting her slim figure. On her feet, were a pair of black heels that made her look taller than she already was. Her hair was pulled back into a perfectly straight pony tail, revealing the large hoop earrings dangling by each side of her face.
"Are you ready?" Jen asked me with the biggest smile I've ever seen.
I nodded. Before leaving, I hugged my mother and promised her I'd be home at 10:00. She kissed my cheek, and closed the door after Jen and I stepped off the porch.
In the front seats of Jen's car sat her mother and father who warmly greeted me. Jen and I sat in the back, anxiously awaiting our arrival. Despite the butterflies in my stomach I was genuinely excited.
Within ten minutes of driving we were at Dylan's house. This can either go really good, or really bad. I thought to myself, nervously stepping out of the car. Jen locked arms with me, sensing how I felt.
"Trust me, Mel. We're going to have a blast!" She reassured me as we walked up the stone stairs leading to the screen door where Dylan stood, greeting guests. A few girls were gathered around him, obviously making an effort to flirt. He noticed Jen, and directed us to where most of the people were. In Dylan's backyard, music played loudly and people danced. Some were even swimming in the pool. Jen and I stayed on the stone walk way, talking and eating the food put out on tables. There was a wide variety of selection. Chips, vegetables, finger foods... Typical party snacks.
After a little while, a slow song played through the speakers and all the couples started to dance together. Jen looked at me with a small grin. "I think I'm gonna ask Dylan to dance." She said, knowing Tom would be with Meghan. "Should I?"
I hesitated. "I don't know. Probably not." I shrugged.
"Why not?"
"Because Dylan could have any girl." I stopped myself, realizing what I'd just said.
Jen grew silent.
"Jen, I didn't mean..."
"No, I know what you meant. Why would he want me? Thanks." She said harshly, noticeably hurt and angry. She walked away from me. I had no idea where she went to, but I stood there alone.
A few minutes had passed when I realized I'd forgotten to text Jack. I pulled my phone out of the bag slung over my shoulder. And typed the words: I'm here.
He replied: I know.
Confused, I looked around. He didn't seem to be anywhere near me. I sighed and leaned up against the brick wall behind me. I felt awful for saying what I said to Jen. I blinked at the sun setting sky, then again I looked for Jack. There he was, looking at me from across the yard. He stood there for a moment before walking over.
"Wow, you um..." He stopped, then cleared his throat. "Where's Jen?"
"I don't really know." I shook my head slightly. He knew what I meant.
