Page 155 of Withered

“You two are stunning,” Tyler says, his gaze fixated on Kristy.

His gaze shifts to me. “Let’s go in.”

I cut him off. “Where’s Jake? Is he going to be late? Is he okay?” I throw questions one after the other.

Tyler holds Kristy’s hand in one and mine in the other. Kristy smiles as I look over at her. Tyler is a terrific friend, but I have no feelings for him. I’m solely interested in Jake. “He made a promise to me. He’ll be there. Now, let’s go.”

We enter the building and walk the stairs to the main hall, where the event is held. I see my parents chatting with Mr. Jones, Kristy’s father, and we go there.

“Hello, Mr. Jones,” I say as I hug him. To me, he’s like a second parent. He’s an excellent person, even though he’s not around much.

“You look lovely,” he compliments.

“Thank you. You look fantastic,” I speak. Tyler shakes hands with Kristy’s dad and my dad.

My mom cuts in, “Where is Jake?”

“He’ll be here,” I assure her, but I’m assuring myself.

“Who is Jake?” wonders Mr. Jones.

My dad answers for me, “Rose’s boyfriend.” I sigh. I think he’s more excited than I am.

“I’m missing so much here.” Mr. Jones replies.

We make our way to the back lawn after some small talk. One side of the lawn is furnished with white-clothed seats and round tables. An orchestra is situated on the corner of the other, which is more like a dance floor. Some couples are already dancing to a slow song on the floor.

A beautiful view of the beach may be seen from the far end, behind the tables. The faint sound of waves traveling through the air. We find a vacant seat and take it.

“Jake finally realized what a prude you are. That’s why he ditched you, didn’t he?” A voice speaks, and our eyes meet Olivia’s. I almost forgot she would be here too.

“Go away, Olivia,” I say, my gaze fixed on nothing in particular.

“Don’t you have anything better to do? Fuck off.” Tyler is the one to chime in.

Kristy gets up from her seat, and I stare at her, telling her not to do anything. She smugly smiles at Olivia, squaring her shoulders and folding her arms. “I can’t find your date anywhere. Did you forget about him?” Kristy peers over Olivia’s shoulder. “Or you don’t have one?”

Instead of replying, Olivia glares at her, Tyler, and, lastly, me. She stomps her foot and walks away.

“That’s my girl,” Tyler says as she takes a seat next to him.

“I feel like a third-wheeler,” I say, as their gazes go to something behind me. When I turn around, believing it’s Jake, my smile fades as I see Professor Caleb standing there.

“Professor Caleb, I didn’t know you’d be here too.” I’m surprised.

“At the very least, call me Caleb here.” He chuckles, and when I look across to Tyler and Kristy, they are as confused.

We can’t chat because the music starts playing on the lawn. Kristy’s face breaks into a wide smile, and I swear my own does as well. Tyler stares between us, puzzled. She stands abruptly, and we walk to the center of the lawn.

We laugh and dance to our favorite tune. Other girls join us too. The song completes the event for us—Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princess’theme. It’s silly, but it’s true. Brings back memories. We turn to face our parents, who are shaking their heads. They are at the door that connects the lawn to the hall.

We return to the table as the song concludes and another song begins. I immediately recognize the tune. Walk the Moon’s“Shut up and Dance.”

Everyone rushes to the floor, with Tyler dragging Kristy back onto the floor. I walk up to the table to call Jake again, but Caleb stops me and extends his hand.

“Shall we?” He asks.

Tyler and Kristy are both staring at me. Kristy gives me a nod, while Tyler looks unhappy. I take a deep breath and smile at him before taking his hand in mine.

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