Page 88 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

I was aware that the carnival was in town. Jessica wouldn’t stop talking about it all through class.

“Isn’t that like, two weeks away?”

“Yeah, but I figured I’d ask you now before other guys did.”

That was so incredibly sweet, but I had other plans in mind in regards to who I wanted to go with.

“That’s nice of you to ask me, but unfortunately I don’t think I’ll even be in LA.”

“Going somewhere?”

“I might head back to New York for my birthday.”

“Oh, really? When’s your birthday?”

“April sixth.”

“I should throw you a party at my place when you get back, or maybe even the weekend before.”

“No, no, please. Don’t go through all that trouble. I seriously hate surprise parties.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be a surprise since I already told you about it.” He chuckled.

“You get what I mean.”

“Yeah, no worries.” He offered a smile, walking in reverse. “Just don’t get mad if you find roses in your locker.”

I smiled and called out, “I’ll let you know if plans change, is that cool?”

“What does a guy have to do to get a date with you?”

I couldn’t think of an answer fast enough, so I let out a short little laugh that sounded very fake. (At least I thought it did.)

“Bring on the hoops of fire! See ya ’round, blue eyes.” He winked at me and turned in the opposite direction.

A few seconds later, my girlfriends, Jessica and Stephanie, appeared behind me.

“Did you just turn down Ryan Taylor?” Steph asked.

“Um, not really—I just said I’m busy this weekend. Were you two eavesdropping?” I pushed through the double doors that led to the front entrance as my friends followed me.

“Well, unbusy yourself!” Jess hooked her arm around mine.

“Why?” I asked.

Steph took a huge bite out of her green apple and tossed it behind her before she stopped me. “Okay, seriously, Aria,” she said, clutching my shoulders. “You’re like my bestie, and I love you, so I’m going to tell you this straight up.”

“Fine, say it.” I scanned the parking lot to see if Noah was around, but he hadn’t arrived yet. My raven haired friend madea silent exchange with Jess and then fixed her piercing eyes on me, hints of honey blended in forest green.

“If you don’t date Ryan or at least some guy, people are going to think you’re a lesbo.”

“Well, what’s wrong with being a lesbian?” I’d always been a huge advocate of equality for all, no matter their gender, sexuality, race, or religion.

“Oh my God!” Steph gasped, releasing her death grip from my shoulders. “Jess, I was right. She’s into girls.”

I rolled my eyes at her and shook my head. “I’m not. I’m just taking my time with dating.”

“Is there someone else you like, who doesn’t go to our school?” Jess asked.

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