Page 81 of I Despise You
Chapter 32
OUR LIVES RETURN TOnormal very soon. Chase and I go out on dates, we study together, and we binge-watch TV shows together. I like every moment that I spend with him, and I feel safe around him.
We’re going to go to prom together too, of course. But first, we have to learn the traditional dance. It’s a special dance that some guy who founded our school came up with ages ago, and it’s danced every year.
Unfortunately, until prom, we can’t choose our dance partner for practice. The teacher has divided us into small groups, and I end up dancing with some guy. As we practice, the guy’s arms are around me and he smiles at me. I smile too because we mess up the steps very often, and I really hope I’ll manage to learn the whole thing right in time. I’ll totally have to ask Chase for some more practice.
Speaking of Chase, my gaze lifts and I see him across the room. He’s standing in the corner and watching me, probably because his group is next, so he’s come here a bit earlier.
My shoulders tense only a little as I’m briefly reminded of that time when he freaked out on me at the club, but now, he just waves at me and smiles.
I smile back at him, and when the dance is over, I go over to him.
“Hey.” I let him pull me into a hug, and then I press my lips against his.
I can feel his surprise, but he kisses me back, his lips moving against mine with passion. This is the first time we’ve kissed after our breakup.
“Why now?” he asks.
“Trust and confidence look so good on you,” I whisper into his ear.
He pulls me in for another kiss. “Can you stay and watch my group dance?”
“Sure.” I rub my nose against his.
***
ITAKE A LOOK AT MYSELFin the mirror. My long blue gown fits my body perfectly, and I can’t believe I’m just getting ready for my prom. It’s incredible how fast time flies. Soon, all of this will be over, and I’ll be going to the Richerville University. There’s no one who can get me off the first spot now. I just got the confirmation a few hours ago.
My phone rings, and I answer, starting a video call.
I can’t help but smile when my mom and my sisters look at me with wide eyes.
“Move the phone a little,” my mom says. “We want to see everything.”
My sisters agree, and I shift my phone so they can see me up and down.
“You look amazing.” My mom’s eyes are filled with tears as she can’t stop smiling.
“Like a princess!” my sister says.
“Thanks, guys.” I grin at them. “Guess who’s going to the Richerville University?”
My mom lets out an excited squeal, clapping her hands. My sisters jump up and down. The camera shakes, probably because the table with their laptop is shaking too as they hop up and down.
“Congratulations, honey. I knew you could do it!” my mom says.
“Thanks. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.” I think she knows what I mean. “All of you.”
“When are we going to see you?” my sister asks.
“Graduation party. Soon.” I glance at the alarm clock on my nightstand. “I have to go now or I’ll be late. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”
“Don’t forget to take pictures,” my mom says.
“I won’t.”
“And send me the photo of you with your dance partner.”
