Page 52 of Another Love, Another Time
I have a corny note in my clutch asking him to be my boyfriend. I also have a new friendship/boyfriend bracelet. He told me last week that the last one I made him broke, and he needs another one.
We only have a few weeks left of high school before we both graduate. Auggie has had all my firsts. My first kiss. First oral. And we lost our virginity together. I knew he would make it special for me, and he did.
I’m second-guessing myself as I think about giving him my dating proposal. What if he changed his mind? He has gone out with other girls. Heck, I encouraged him. When we are together in college, I will need to know he doesn’t question his decision. I knew it would be hard to see him with other girls, but I did it so I wouldn’t lose my best friend.
At least he will know what I want. We don’t keep secrets from one another.
~~
I arrived at Aunt Connie and Uncle Eddie’s house last night. My parents let me leave school a little bit early so I wouldn’t get in too late. Today, I went with a few girls to get my hair, makeup, and nails done for tonight. Melissa will join our group later. I’m just grateful that she didn’t show up today.
I’ve met some of these girls before while visiting Auggie, especially at parties. During those parties, Auggie never left my side. He knows I hate to be alone with people I don’t know. Even if one of us had to go to the bathroom, we always went with each other.
The girls are all really nice, and we talk about who is going with whom and what their dresses look like. They talk about the theme, which is “enchanted garden.” It sounds like it will be really pretty.
We meet at Logan’s house for pictures. Aunt Jessica and Aunt Connie are fussing over me. My parents couldn’t make it this week. They have something going on for my brother. My mom knew I would be in good hands.
I feel like I’m in a romcom when I walk into the room and Auggie sees me put together for the first time. He meets my gaze, and it feels like we are the only ones in the room until I hear the other boys hoot and holler.
He walks over to me, grabs me, and kisses my forehead. “You look so beautiful, River.”
I return his statement with a shy smile. He’s said that before, but just then, I get butterflies.
“Okay, kiddos. Let’s get these pictures over with,” Aunt Jess orders.
We took a crap-ton of pictures. Individuals, couples, girls, boys, groups, funny, serious—you get the point. My cheeks hurt so bad from the constant smiling.
Logan’s date is a cutie. I’d never met her before; she wasn’t from their school either. I’m not sure what happened to his girlfriend from this summer. He had told me they broke up at the beginning of school, but he didn’t go into much detail. I know Gracie and her boyfriend. Melissa is there with her date. He looks familiar, but I can’t recall. They both keep looking at Auggie and me. It gives me an uneasy feeling.
Auggie finally has to cut his mom off, or we are going to be late for our dinner reservations. They rented a party bus to take us to the restaurant and to prom. As we start walking towards the bus, Auggie grabs my pinkie. “Don’t be nervous,” he says. “I’ll be by your side the whole night.”
I squeeze his pinkie back, appreciating his reassurance.
~~
We have been at the dance for at least an hour when I realize I need to go to the bathroom. Auggie and I excuse ourselves from the group, and he walks me to the restrooms. He waits outside while I go in. I hand him my clutch that carries my phone, the new friendship bracelet, and my note. I plan on giving it to him later tonight, along with my letter. I do my business, wash my hands, and check my makeup. Everything still looks good, even though I have been sweating my butt off.
I walk out of the bathroom expecting to see Auggie, but he is nowhere to be found. I look both ways down the hallway, but I don’t see anyone. He has never left me alone. I start to panic until I hear giggling. I walk closer to the muffled sounds. My heart starts to race.
There’s another hallway. Two figures are standing close to one another. I recognize the girl’s dress. It’s Melissa. Who could she be with? That guy doesn’t look like her date.
They rotate as the guy pushes her against the wall, and I hear her moan. Then I see it. It’s Auggie kissing her.
My heart breaks into millions of pieces.
I can’t breathe. When did this start? Why hasn’t he told me?
I slowly start backing up, trying to be quiet. I have to leave. Clearly, I’m the one he wants to be here with. I had asked him if he wanted to go with someone else. He said “no,” that he only wanted to come with me.
I continue to back up until I hit what seems to be a wall. I turn around and realize it’s a guy. He’s holding me now. I turn to step out of his embrace, but he has me by the waist.
“Woah, where are you going?” he asks huskily. All I want to do is throw up.
“I need to get back to the dance,” I respond, trying to remain calm. I try to pull out of his grasp and realize I’m back at the bathrooms. I can hear the music coming from the dance, but he doesn’t let go. He covers my mouth, keeping me from screaming for help. I try like hell to get back into the ballroom. I pray someone comes out to go to the bathroom.
Neither happens. He pulls me into an empty room. I’m kicking and screaming, but nothing is working.
“You know you want this. I see the way you’ve been watching me all night.” He moves his hand from my mouth.
