Me Without You

Chapter 33

"You look amazing honey," my mom finished pinning my hair. 

I decided to let it grow and now it was shoulder length and a deep red; some things changed some things stayed the same. I liked the new do and so did Darian; he said I looked like Ariel, the little mermaid and I liked the compliment since she was my favorite princess.

"Thanks mom," I blushed and she pulled me in. "I am so proud of you," she hugged me tightly and pulled back; wiping under my eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm ruining your make up."

"It's ok," I smiled at her, "I can't believe this is the last dance of high school." "I know," she turned behind me and grabbed the picture I took from Bennie's house. "I know it's still sad, but just remember he is with you." "I know," I sighed as she handed me the picture and I kissed it. "I am being strong for him. I know that now," I bit my lip and we heard someone knocking on the door.

We rushed downstairs and all of my friends walked in; including Jessica and Ricky.

It had been a while since we saw them together, so either they were together again or she was alright with a pity date. "Hey," he hugged me, "you look beautiful."

Jessica turned to me and hugged. "Love this dress," she raised my hands and twirled me around, "you look hot." "Thanks," I blushed as Darian walked toward me. "Here you go," he grabbed my wrist and placed my corsage on.

"Please stay still," I grabbed the flower and tried not to stab him as he held my face. "I trust you," he smiled at me. I looked into his eyes and noticed he looked a little off.

"You ok?" I asked and he cleared his throat. "Yeah," he shook his head, "I-I'm fine." 

Ok, he was clearly lying, but we would be alone tonight; I would ask then, I thought.

"Stay still," my mom snapped a few pictures. "You guys all look so good," she turned around adn snapped us a few more times.

"I can't believe I am going to another high school dance," Tae sighed, "you know I really like you, right." "I know," Mindy blushed, "I know." They shared a quick hug and we walked outside to the waiting limo.

"Guys!" Mindy started, "this is our last dance of high school. In two more months, we're going to be graduating," she looked around, "I am so lucky to be around you guys. I love you guys," she smiled. "Thanks for making my senior year at a new school...fucking amazing," Ricky paused, trying to find the right words. "Thanks for helping me, guys," I added and they turned to me.

Jessica grabbed my hands. "Thanks for giving me another chance," she sighed, "I was a complete bitch to you for no reason. Thank you for forgiving me." "Thank you for apologizing," I smiled at her.

Would we be friends after school and now that Ricky was allegedly over her; probably not, but for now I was glad she was here. Although she put me and Bennie through hell, I know the guilt ate at her and I couldn't help but feel pity for the poor girl.

"Let's party!" Tae screamed and we laughed.

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"This is our first and last slow dance at a school party," Darian placed his arms around my waist as I put them around his shoulders. "I know," I looked around at my friends, "last time I freaked out way too early." "Eh," he shrugged and I hit his chest, laughing.

"Don't do me boo," I made a face and he kissed me out of nowhere. "When are you going to tell me what's wrong?" I asked and he shrugged. "Nothing is wrong. I just want to enjoy tonight with you." "Darian," I said his name. "Roxie," he joked back.

I raised my hands and played with the back of his head; passing my fingers through his hair. He decided to let it grow out and I loved the new look; his wavy hair was so soft to the touch. "I know something is wrong. What is it?" I asked. "Why do you say that?" he asked. "Your eyes," I touched his face with one hand, "they're sad."

"No, they're not," he leaned in. "And you keep kissing me. I'll get it from you." "Tomorrow," he twirled me around, making me squeal with laughter at his unexpected movements. "I'll tell you tomorrow. Tonight, let's just enjoy this, please."

"Fine," I leaned onto him and inhaled his sweet cologne. I didn't like the sound of this upcoming conversation, but he was right. We had tonight and I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest.

"I'm thirsty, you want something?" he pulled back and I nodded. "Please."

As soon as he walked away, Ricky came up to me. "Please dance with me," he grabbed my hand as another slow song played. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Jessica is working my nerves now," he groaned, "she begged me to come with her tonight and my stupid ass agreed. I should have just came alone."

"So, you guys are broken up." "Yeah," he sighed, "I miss her, but it's like a weight has been lifted off." "Good," I smiled at him, "you don't need that negativity in your life, Ricky." "I know," he twirled me and I leaned into him, removing my hand from his to wrap them around his neck as his went to my waist. It was annoying to dance so formal, this position was comfortable.

"She thinks I was cheating on her." "Wow," I paused, "she obviously doesn't know you." "I know right, I was literally with her every damn day. Why would I cheat on her?" he turned to see that she was talking and flirting with another guy. "I want to be over her, but I can't." "She was your first, it's normal."

"Is that why and Darian are still together?" "That's different. We work together," I paused, "I love him." "I know," he dipped me and I laughed, as he lifted me. "How did I not know you could dance." "It's a Louisiana thing," he joked and I rolled my eyes.

"You are a hot mess," I stated and he shrugged. "Well, you like me." "I do," I said as we continued our dance.

"Maybe I was overreacting," he flashed another look at her and this time she turned to him. "If you think, go to her. Work it out," I gave him advice, "if she's worth the fight, then do it." "I don't know," he licked his lips, "I mean I really care about her. And she's looking fine as hell tonight." "She did that on purpose," I stopped moving, "go to her. You're dancing with the wrong girl." 

"Hmm," he paused, "I don't know about that." "What do you mean?" I asked and he turned back to me. "We work together, too," he shrugged and I thought of his words. "Ricky," I started but he stopped me. "Don't act like you haven't noticed, Roxie. We're best friends," he explained, "when I'm hurting, you're the only person I want around me. And I'm sure it's the same for you." "Maybe, but we're just friends."

"Yeah," he paused and let me go, "you're right as always. Maybe I am with the wrong girl."

He walked away and I grew confused. What did that mean?

"Hey," Darian walked back to me, "I didn't want to interrupt you two." "It's cool," I took the cup and smiled at him. "Are you good?" he asked and I nodded, trying to hide my flustered face. "Yeah, peachy," I turned to find Ricky talking to Jessica.

She smiled and he grabbed her hand; leading her to the dance floor.

An upbeat song came on and Darian grabbed me as we went toward his brother and Mindy. "Hey!" Mindy screamed, obviously a little more than punch was in her drink as she passed it around. Who was I to refuse a free drink?

I took a sip and almost choked. "What is this?" She shrugged and Tae laughed, he was out of it, too.

"Great," Darian turned to me, "they're drunk." "Ready to head out?" I asked, more than ready to go back to our hotel. "Someone's a bit eager," he whispered in my ear, causing goosebumps to arrive. "Yeah," I poked him, "like you're not."

"I'll go get the driver," he turned back to them, "make sure they don't do anything to crazy."

As he said that, Tae threw off his jacket and started swinging it as Mindy started twerking on him. 

"Shit," he paused, before running off outside.