Jack Kelly x Reader

Chapter Twenty-Five

(y/n)'s POV

Today was the day. It was just a few hours until homecoming, and I was in dark grey sweatpants and a light gray "Shrek: The Musical" hoodie.

I walking to Katherine's house, since we'd decided to get ready together.

I had my makeup bag, handbag, wallet, and pajamas for later stuffed in my black backpack as I walked.

I'd dropped off my dark gray sleeveless blouse with a lacy front and wide-leg black slacks with a built in belt at her house last night, and I was now carrying my black wedges in my hands. The silver jewelry I would be wearing, which I had snatched from my mom, was also stuffed into my backpack.

I didn't want to admit it, but I was really excited for tonight.

Plus, some of the other girls were also coming to get ready with Katherine and I, like Smalls and Davey's sister, Sarah.

It was only about noon, and we all were ready to make an evening of getting ready. We had 5 hours before pictures were taken, which should be just enough time.

I was soon at the door, and knocked three times. After a couple seconds, Katherine's dad opened the door. I smiled brightly, ignoring how intimidating he was and the way his gaze made my skin crawl.

He gave a small, welcoming smile. "Oh, (y/n), come on in. Katherine and your friends are already in her room." He said, stepping aside to allow me into the house. I squeaked a quick "Thanks!" before speed-walking through the familiar hallways to my best friend's bedroom.

The door was open, so I walked in. Smalls greeted me, pulling me into a quick hug which I reciprocated. Her dark hair was pulled into a quintessential messy bun, but would soon be twisted into an elaborate braid.

Kath came in, wearing a gold, silky robe that probably cost a fortune, as well as bubblegum pink fuzzy socks.

Sarah sat in the corner, applying a face mask. Her hair was wet, implying she'd just showered. It was also braided in two messy braids down her back, which would eventually be released so her hair could be worn down with a bit of waviness, contrasting her normal hair that was straight as a ruler.

We spent hours getting ready. We did each other's makeup and l hair, got dressed, and applied gorgeous jewelry.

Soon enough, the first knock on the front door was heard.

Kath had a huge, beautiful backyard so the entire group was coming over to take photos.

I rushed to open the door, being the first one ready, and a smile immediately plastered itself on my face at the sight.

There was Jack Kelly, looking even more dashing than usual in a dark gray button up, the same color as my shirt, black slacks, and black dress shoes. His hair had been combed and slicked back, giving him a retro vibe that certainly suited him.

"Howdy, partner." I greeted breathlessly, a cheesy grin spreading like honey or warm butter on my face.

"Fancy meetin' you here. You look good." He responded, stepping inside. I pulled him into a quick hug, desperate to pretend this was just platonic.

"As do you. Very handsome." I commented, openly looking him up and down with a bit of a smirk. When my eyes landed on his face, it had flushed a bit. I wanted to kiss his cheek, but decided against it. Instead, I patted his shoulder lightheartedly.

"Who's here?" Kath called from the other room, interrupting the joke-flirting.

Yeah... joke-flirting...

"It's Jack!" I called back. Kath turned the corner, now fully ready. She wore a beautiful dark green dress, and her makeup was all gold and bronze. Her hair was in a neat updo, with probably a hundred bobby pins securing it perfectly in place. She looked very glamorous.

"Hey, you look- wAIT ARE YOU JACK'S SECRET DATE?" She screeched, pretending to be shocked. She already knew, but the other girls didn't. They came rushing in, examining us together, squealing and fangirling about how cute we were together.

Jack and I glanced at each other, both definitely blushing. I laughed nervously.

"It's a friend-date, you guys. It's not as if we're on our way to our wedding." I wish.

"Yeah, me and (y/n) are just friends, alright? Cut it out." Jack added.

The girls ignored us, they were preoccupied teasing us about how in love we were.

Even if I liked Jack, and kinda liked hearing how "we were made for each other" and "we're soulmates" it was still endlessly embarrassing and kinda annoying.

After they finally hushed, people began to arrive. We relaxed, waiting for everyone to file in. Race, obviously, made a big ruckus about me being Jack's mystery date and bEtRaYaL and all that junk, but I was too busy admiring how good Jack looked to notice.

I was also busy thinking about how I wished this was a real date.

Eventually everyone arrived, and it was time to pair up and take pictures.

Me with Jack.

Kath with Davey.

Spot with Race.

Elmer with Smalls.

Sarah with JoJo.

The list of pairs went on. No doubt each one was added onto the list of Kath's ships that she was determined to make sail someday.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach when Jack held me close, and in silly pictures I couldn't help but stare at his pretty face. Obviously I looked at the camera for most, but my loving gaze was definitely caught in a couple.

I'd never hear the end of it from Katherine.

"Hey, you ready to go? I'm drivin' us, Spot, Race, and Crutchie." Jack's voice brought me out of my thoughts. He grabbed my hand, ready to start dragging me to the car.

A small smile quirked the corner of my lips upward. "Yeah, ready as I'll ever be. Let's go have fun."

(994 words)