"I'm telling you, he definitely likes you back! You guys text until two in the morning sometimes, people don't do that unless they have a crush on the person." Yasmin exclaimed as they were heading to History class the next Monday.
"That's not true, I've texted you super late before, and I text Clay until 1am all the time." Rose answered defensively.
"Ok, just because you have a messed up sleep schedule doesn't mean he does, he's staying up as late as you so that he can keep talking. Also, he walks you to your locker every day at lunch, even though his is on the other side of the school. You can't deny that one." Yasmin pointed out, walking backwards in front of her friend to make sure she understood.
"Okay, let's say he does like me. What am I supposed to do, ask him out? I can barely ask Ms.Swann to put in orders for more supplies, and that's part of my job! Talking to him about it is out of the question, unless he brings it up." Rose said, pushing past her friend to get away from the conversation.
"You can't just run away from confrontation your entire life! Do something about it, ask him out, even if it's just a movie, something short that has a set time limit." Yasmin said.
"Fine, but if it doesn't go well, you owe me ice cream." Rose agreed as they entered their classroom, followed by a chuckling Yasmin who nodded in agreement.
Rose attempted to brace herself for what she feared would be harsh rejection during her first two classes, trying to figure out a way to broach the subject of a date with Sam.
In need of a pep talk, think you can help? -Rose
Course, what's up? -Clay
Yasmin convinced me to ask Sam out and I'm nervous -Rose
Oh, right. Just go for it, what's the worst that could happen? If he doesn't want to go out with you, then he's a dumbass -Clay
Rose would've liked to continue texting her best friend, but a sharp look from her teacher caused her to hide her phoned focus on the notes in front of her.
***
After Chemistry, Rose took as long as possible to put her notes into her binder and gather her things. She was touched to see Sam had waited for her, but her heart beat twice as fast knowing what she was about to ask him.
"So, there's a new horror movie out and I know you like them, so do you want to go see it with me on Thursday afternoon?" Rose asked before she lost the nerve.
"Depends. Will you get scared?" He responded with an eyebrow raised.
"If it's good, maybe." Rose felt like so anxiety riddled she could explode.
"Then of course, it would be rude to let someone as sweet as you be scared with no one's hand to hold." Sam gave her a wink, holding the classroom door open for her as they left.
Rose felt as if she was walking on air throughout the rest of the day, Yasmin got one look at her face and immediately knew that the ice cream they would be getting later that day would be celebratory.
"I can't believe you actually asked him out, I'm so proud of you!" Yasmin cooed as they left the school that afternoon.
"Thanks for making sure I did it. You're right, I can't always run from confrontation." Rose smiled at her friend, making her way to the parking lot with Yasmin hot on her heels.
"Okay, so after work come pick me up and I'll treat you to ice cream at Benny's. I've got to go, but I'll see you then." Yasmin waved at her friend as she climbed into her dad's waiting car.
***
Rose hung up her coat as soon as she got home that night, feeling the exhaustion from her busy day seep into her bones. Still, knowing she couldn't forego dinner entirely, she whipped up some salad and grilled shrimp, leaving the leftovers for her dad.
Her ice cream run with Hillary and Yasmin had been filled with teasing fun, as both her friends had been proud of her confidence but still poked fun at her. It was a good feeling, knowing that she had people who would support her no matter what.
***
The next day, Rose was heading to her first class alone when Diana pulled her to the side and asked if they could talk.
"Look, I just wanted to say that seeing you everyday and being around you has made me realize how much I miss you and our friendship. I know I was kind've a bitch to you when I left, but I know you forgave Clay, so I was wondering if you would be willing to maybe forgive me too. I want to try being friends again." Diana said in one breath, looking both nervous and relieved once she had completed her speech.
"I'm not going out of my way to ignore you, but if hanging out a little more really matters to you, I'll try harder to talk to you. It's not just me though, if you want to get back to being good friends then you're going to have to put in some effort too." Rose stated, speaking with a confidence she didn't feel.
"Yeah, of course." Diana answered. Rose turned to leave, hoping their conversation was over.
"Rose? I know we won't be as close as we were before, but I'm willing to slowly become your friend again. You were like a sister to me and I don't want to lose that because of my own stupidity." Diana stopped Rose from leaving, eager to get one last explanation in.
Not knowing what to say, Rose smiled softly before heading into her class.
"You ok?" Yasmin asked as Rose sat down in front of her as if she was in a trance.
"Yeah, I think so." Rose smiled, not entirely sure herself.
YOU ARE READING
The One They Left Behind
Romance"If you loved me, why was it so easy for you to walk away?" Rose was used to being forgotten. Her mother had left, then her brother. The one person she never expected to leave her was Diana, her best friend. Diana left in 10th grade, leaving an opt...
