Me Without You

Chapter 32

"Really?" Darian burst into laughter as he watched our lame prom-posal.

"So, what's the answer?" Mindy asked, as she held the huge balloons, struggling as Tae held onto her waist. She was on his shoulders, as Jessica was on Ricky's carrying more balloons. I had a huge heart that asked him to prom.

"Wow," he continued to laugh as my mom recorded, her new beau on the side. They made it official and he began to come around more often. She was in love, and I was really happy for her.

"Of course," he grabbed me and kissed me, before pulling away and apologizing to my mom. "It's ok, just keep it G rated," she joked, saving her phone and finishing the recording.

"God, this is heavy," Tae joked, placing Mindy down as she hit him. They were still flirting with each other, because Mindy was still confused. Tae was returning to school next week, which is why she was a bit hesitant, but they were having fun.

"Ricky," Jessica patted him and he put her down as they hugged, tightly. 

Ever since we got back from the trip together; she and Ricky had been having a bit of trouble in the relationship department. He was tired of her jealousy and she was tired of...me. She would never say that she was jealous, but we all knew it. I couldn't help that Ricky and I were close and Darian was finally warming up to him, since I confessed my love.

"I have to get to work, but that was so cute," he wrapped his arms around me and I pouted. "Do you have to?" I asked, "I'll miss you." "I know, but I'll see you later. I have to pay for my tux and get a limo," he began counting off his fingers, "and I'm sure we're going to be getting another hotel. It's expensive dating you," he made a face and I smacked his butt.

"Hey!" he shrieked, jumping, grabbing my hand as he grabbed mine. "I can do it better."

"Woah," Tae grabbed Darian's butt, "what's going on here?" "Stop dude," Darian playfully pushed his brother, laughing.

"Ready for work?" Tae asked. They had began working at a new job; Tae left Mcdonald's because he felt as if he deserved more money or something. It was a convenience store and the guy knew their dad and paid them pretty well.

"Yeah, coming," Darian turned back to me and kissed me. "I'll call you when I get off," he paused and waited for me. "I love you, stupid," I bit my lip and he grabbed me, twirling me around. "I love hearing you say that. I love you, too."

He put me down and they were gone. 

"You guys are so cute!" Mindy walked toward me, nudging me. "Thanks. What's going on with you and Tae?" I asked as we walked inside the house. My mom and Jacob had left earlier, a date night for them.

I grabbed a pint of ice cream and two spoons; as Jessica and Ricky walked inside and from the sounds of it; another argument.

"Are you serious, right now?" she asked, folding her arms and Ricky rolled his eyes. "What did I do now?" he asked, looking at us and Mindy gave me a look. "Come on guys, no more arguing," she tried to stop them. "No," Jessica gave her a death glare and she zipped her mouth quiet.

"Jessica, you're being unreasonable," Ricky grabbed her hands, but she yanked them away. "Just tell the truth, who is she?" she started to get loud. "Hey guys," I stood and gave them a look, "if you are going to argue, do that outside. I'm tired and I have a headache."

"Of course, you're defending him." "I'm not defending anyone. No one wants to hear you two arguing all the time. It's hella stressful," I defended myself and she looked at Ricky. "We're stressing our friends. Are you happy?"

"Honestly," Ricky groaned, "I'm not happy. I can't do this anymore, Jessica. I think we need to break up." "You're seriously breaking up with me, right now? In front of our friends and right before the prom?" "Well," he shrugged, "I'm not happy. I can still be your date." "I don't need a fucking pity date. You know what," she grabbed her purse and cellphone, "I don't need this shit. Screw you, Ricky." She stormed out and he groaned again, turning to me as I shrugged. I was not getting in the middle of it.

"Jessica," he ran after her and I closed the door; contemplating on locking it when Mindy laughed. "God, they're so toxic," she shook her head, digging in the now melting treat we had planned. "Tell me about it. I think they need space." "Yeah," she agreed, "so how are you and Darian?" she asked.

"We're really good," I smiled, "like unbelievably good. I'm waiting for something bad to happen." "Good," she smiled, "Well, Tae and I have decided to just be friends. He's going back to college next week, but he's agreed to be my date." "That's awesome," I paused, "kind of bitter sweet." "It is," she paused and took another scoop as I copied her.

"How have you been? I mean you told me bits and pieces of the trip," she paused, "unless you don't want to talk about it." "No, it's cool. I told you I met the guy that Bennie was dating," I stuffed my mouth, "he's really cool. We still text, but I think he's struggling to get over him. I feel so bad for him. I mean it sucks to say, but I'm really glad I knew when it happened."

"I know," she bit her lip, "I couldn't imagine thinking you were going to see someone to find out they died months ago. It's really tragic," she turned to me. "Yeah," I nodded, agreeing with her. "He's building the courage to come see him. I told him I would go, but I haven't been there since the funeral and that shit was hard."

"We can all go," she grabbed my hand, "to be moral support." "I'd like that," I smiled at her.

"Good," she pulled out her cell, "well I should get going." "Yeah," I helped her to the door and she turned to me. "I'm glad you agreed to be friends with me." "I'm glad you noticed my sad story," I paused, "you're a really good friend."

"Yeah," she paused again and licked her lips, "you are someone special, Roxie."

Before I could say anything she leaned close and kissed me!

I pulled back quickly and her eyes widened. "I am so sorry," she covered her mouth, "I really didn't mean to do that." "No," I covered my face and looked at her, "it's cool. It's ok," I laughed and she blushed. "I mean I did, but not cheating wise. I'm so sorry," she bit her lip, "I should go." 

"Yeah," I nodded, closing the door behind her as I rested against it.

What the hell?