After that uh, interesting, interaction with Cory, I went back to my spot at the snack bar. He’d come up to me a few minutes ago and given me the info for the party, along with his number. I hadn’t used it obviously. So many thoughts were rushing through at an alarming rate, it was hard to hold on to just one. But one in particular stood out.
Why did he want me at his party?
About 99% of me knew that it was because we were friends.
1% of me had hope. Dumb, ignorant hope. Hope that maybe he thought of me a little more than a friend.
No. I shook the thought out of my brain as a kid walked up to the counter. He handed me a dollar and said, “One rocket pop please!”
”Oh hey Joey! Coming right up. You thinking about swim team?”
”Yup! I’m super excited.”
“That’s awesome! I think you’ll do great.” I gave him the treat. “See ya around kid.”
”Bye!” He was the sweetest thing.
my shift ended, so I cleaned up a bit then went home. The entire rest of the day all I could think about was Saturday and Cory…
-Saturday—————————————————
Turns out that my parents had dinner plans with friends and the only person available to drive me was my older brother James.
”Cmon Jay you gotta drive me, it’s important!”
”No can do. Got the boys coming over to hang.”
I raised an eyebrow. He just dug himself into a hole. “Isn’t mom and dads rule no people allowed over when they’re not home? It’d be a shame if they found out…”
”Aww Cleo! Fine I’ll take you. Mom and dad don’t find out.”
”Deal.”
I headed upstairs to my room and contemplated what to wear. I doubt it would be formal, it was Highschoolers. I decided on my ripped black shorts and my cream sweater, with silver jewelry and black high tops.
I finished getting ready, and it was almost time to go. I gave myself the “don’t do anything stupid” pep talk and went downstairs.
”Uhh why are you wearing so much makeup?” James asked eating a cold slice of pizza.
”No reason. Let’s head out.”
”Ahuh, sure.” He rolled his eyes but didn’t push any further.
”Can I drive?”
”Thats a no.”
We drove for a while until James said, “Look, just be careful, don’t worry about what others think, and have fun alright?”
I shoved his shoulder but was grateful he cared. “You sound like mom. But I’ll take your advice. I’ll tell you when I’m ready to be picked up.”
We pulled into a spot on the curb and I walked up to the house.
I took a breath. Be cool Cleo. Be cool.
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