AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ethan has been receiving a lot of hate for misleading people into believing that he really liked me and wanted to take me to prom. But let’s look at the facts. As it showed in the video, Ethan told me straight up front that he did not want to date me. But he wanted to play along in the competition, in order to gain more followers. Look at it from my point of view. Ethan could have easily played with my heart and my emotions, by making me think he sincerely liked me. But he didn’t! He was very honest and upfront. And he did not say in a single one of his videos that he wanted to pursue a romantic relationship with me. That was assumed. Ethan is one of the most honest guys I’ve ever met. I deeply regret that he was hurt by that video getting released. Ethan, I am truly sorry.”
I take a deep breath. One down, two to go.
“Austin Smith is one of my best friends. I have known him my entire life, it feels like. He is genuine and kind and incredibly smart. Like Yale-bound smart. I hate how my views of Austin were twisted by those videos.” I can feel my face reddening as Iprepare to say the next words, but I know they need to be said. “I am genuinely attracted to Austin. The edited thoughts you heard was an internal debate with myself. I care about Austin deeply as a friend and I was struggling with whether or not I was prepared for our friendship to change. But you know what, Austin? I am. Relationships morph all the time. I think we need to go on a real date and see if there could be something deeper between us. And if there’s not, I will not let it change our friendship. I need to learn how to be braver, and take those leaps, you taught me that. I’m sorry you were hurt by my own insensitive words. I hope you’ll give me a second chance.”
Stephanie is grinning at me widely. She gives me a thumbs up. This seems to be the encouragement I need to press on.
“Last, but certainly not least, is Jaron Patel. Jaron is protective over the people he cares about, and for a short time, I was lucky enough to be one of those people. Jaron and I have an undeniable chemistry. One I was excited and nervous to explore with him. Although I didn’t like feeling manipulated by Jaron’s words, I realize now that keeping those concerns to myself was the wrong move. I should have just talked to you about it, like a mature person, instead of venting to myself. It was likely a misunderstanding. And if I had just talked to you, we could have worked things out. I’m so, so sorry I hurt you, Jaron! If you will forgive me, I promise I will be more honest and communicate with you better in the future. I’m not ready to let go of the idea ofusyet.”
I can’t believe I’m saying these things out loud. I’ve never been good at voicing my true feelings and emotions, and here I am, spewing them all over the internet. But I also know nobody can fix this situation for me. I need to take back charge of my life. I take one final deep breath and press on. I can see the finish line now. I’m almost there.
“Although it wasn’t okay for someone to steal my private videos. I’ve seriously learned my lesson. I need to be more careful with my words. Private or public, it doesn’t matter. Words can hurt. I’ve also learned through this whole experience that I need to judge less. I spent the last four years of high school thinking everyone was judging me. That everyone else was the problem.” I smile at Tessa and Adika. “But I was the one unfairly judgingthemall along. When I found myself in trouble, girls I had barely spoken to before rushed to my side and offered aid.” I can feel myself getting choked up, but I press on.
“I learned the class clown can also be very considerate. The best friend could possibly be the boy you always wanted. And the jock who you assumed was cocky and a player, was really looking out for you and is genuine and kind. Ethan, Austin, and Jaron, will you please forgive me? Will you please give me a second chance? And can we please go on the dates we had planned, before the prom assembly? I want to spend more time with you. I want to get to know you each better. And I want the chance to get to go to prom with one of you.”
I drop to one knee and hold three ring pops in my open hands. “This is my prom-posal. Will you go to prom with me?”
Chapter Twenty
“He was waiting on the front porch when I got here this morning,” Stephanie says. “Would you ease up on the love potion a little bit please?”
I roll my eyes at her. I set my backpack on the ground and approach Austin cautiously.
“Hi,” I say.
“Hey,” he says back.
“Oh, would you two just get together and make an incredibly brilliant baby already?”
Austin’s face flushes and his ears turn that adorable pink color.
Stephanie picks up my bag and walks out to her car with it. “Don’t be long,” she says. “We can’t be late for your first day back.” She then shudders dramatically. “I can’t believe I just said that. You are rubbing off on me way too much.”
Austin and I watch her go and exchange another smile.
“Does this mean you forgive me?” I ask, staring at my shoes.
“Forgive what?” Austin asks. “I’m sorry someone tried to hurt you. As one of your best friends, I should have been there for you.”
I move in for a hug, but as I reach my arms up, so does he. Our hands bump against each other and we both laugh.
“I go up, you go down,” I say, and he obliges. “Someday we’ll get our timing right,” I say, laughing. We hug and he holds me there for several moments.
Stephanie honks the car horn and we separate.
“Good luck today,” he says. “If anyone gives you any grief, let me know and I’ll,” he pauses.
“You’ll what?”
“I’m not sure yet. I’m not good with threats. But hopefully I’ll have one by the time I need it.”
I laugh. “Do you want a ride?” I ask, pointing at Stephanie’s car.
“No,” Austin says. “I have to go to work straight after school today. But I’ll pick you up for our date tomorrow night.” He smiles at me. I step closer and give him a kiss on the cheek.
“I look forward to it.”
I can’t help smiling as I climb into Stephanie’s car. I’m happy Austin is back. But I’m filled with dread over how the other kids at school will respond to me today.
