The grating sound of metal as a key slides into a lock breaks the tension. Both of us look at the door, where my dad walks in holding a bag from Dunkin Donuts, and behind him is Noah, chocolate smeared all over his mouth as he munches on the pastry.
“Got your favorite, too,” dad says, taking off his shoes. “Strawberry-frosted.”
Stephanie trails behind them. “Hey, Chrissy.” She gives Theo a reluctant wave of her hand.
Their timing couldn’t be more perfect.
I greet my dad, take the bag of donuts he gives me, give Noah a kiss on the top of his head, and grab Stephanie’s hand. “C’mon, let’s go upstairs.”
Once we’re in my room, Stephanie and I waste no time digging into the donuts. I pick out my fave, and pop half of it into my mouth, savoring the sweetness. Whoever says sugar doesn’t make things better has never tasted a strawberry-frosted donut with colorful candy confetti sprinkled on top.
With our mouths stuffed, I power on my Nintendo Switch and start Super Mario Jamboree. I grab Yoshi, and Stephanie picks Princess Peach—our classic lineup. It’s just us, chatting, laughing, snacking, and letting the game pull us into its fun world of mini games.
“So, what’s your plan?” Stephanie asks.
I swallow a mouthful of donut. “Avoid Theo and Paige like the plague. They can stay in their world of popularity, and I’ll stick to mine. No more unnecessary drama.”
Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “Think you can pull it off? I mean, you guys live together.”
“Sure I can. It’s for the best.”
Chapter 17
Things are weird between Theo and me in school. I do my best to avoid him in the hallways, but sometimes we pass each other without saying a word, and it feels awkward to say the least. He doesn’t start a conversation, and neither do I.
I tell myself it’s what I wanted—to keep distance between us. My mind accepts it, but my body doesn’t. What began as a slight pang of remorse deep inside me is swiftly developing into overwhelming longing to be with him.
Even Paige has noticed the rift between us; I can tell by the smug look on her face she’s proud of herself for accomplishing her goal—to drive us apart. But she hasn’t said a word to me in days. Does she regret it? Slim chance, but at least I’m no longer a target. I pretend to be invisible once more, and she pretends I don’t exist, and that’s how it should be . . . that’s how it’s always been.
Rick hasn’t bothered me since the day I caught him chatting with Theo, who I suspect must’ve said something to him, which makes it even harder to pass by him in the hallways.
Try as I might, I can’t deny this simple truth: I miss being around him, and with each passing day, I realize just how much I like him. He’s the last person I should want, but somehow, he’s the one I can’t get out of my mind. Admiration from afar is no longer a viable option.
By the second week of radio silence, I can’t focus on studies at all, with my thoughts constantly revolving around all the things I’ve said to him.
In Chemistry on Wednesday, as I ponder the best way to make up with Theo, he walks by my desk and places an envelope on my textbook. He says nothing nor makes eye contact; he just takes his seat next to Paige, looking straight at the board.
Mr. Kendrick clears his throat. “All right, everyone, please open your textbooks to chapter fifteen.”
I shove the envelope aside and follow the teacher’s instructions, trying to focus on the chapter. But the envelope taunts me, its contents a mystery begging to be unraveled.
Mr. Kendrick picks the worst day possible to come out of his desk and lecture us directly. Usually, he likes to write on the board, but not today.Ahh!Why doesn’t he turn around and draw another detailed chemical reaction?
Now I understand how Noah feels when mom and dad refuse him something he desires—mainly chocolate candy late at night, which is not good for him, but still . . . the situation is extremely frustrating, and all I can do is struggle to contain my anticipation.
Just when my curiosity becomes unbearable, Mr. Kendrick turns his back to write on the whiteboard.Yes!What is it they say? Dwell on something long enough and it will manifest.
I move the envelope to my lap and then open it. My fingers quiver a bit as I unfold the card inside—two tickets slide out, catching the glow of the fluorescent lights above.
No way. BTS concert tickets?
My heart skips, and a smile spreads across my face as I open the card fully, my eyes scanning Theo’s handwriting. It’s an apology note and—he’s asking me out on a date!
Call me Dorkella right now, and it won’t bother me at all. How did he get his hands on BTS tickets? Joy spreads through my entire being. No one has ever done anything like this for me.
When I glance at him, our eyes meet, and his mouth curls in a gentle smile before his lips part, mouthing a silent sorry. For the first time in weeks the heaviness I’ve been carrying lifts.
From the corner of my eye, I notice Paige glaring at me. She doesn’t seem thrilled about the tickets in my hand, but for once, I don’t care. My attention is on Theo.
