Page 27

Chapter 27

My phone buzzes with a text from Nathan, asking me where I am. I quickly type back that I’m with Chloe at her house.

Nathan

Good. See you later.

Julia

Good?

Nathan

Yep, good.

“Nathan is being weird.” I throw my phone on Chloe’s bed.

“Nathan is always weird.” Chloe flips a page in her magazine, not at all bothered.

I shake my head and slap my hands on my thighs, ready to get to work. “So, back to the planning. I need to ask Graham to the dance.”

“Yes, we have a deadline, but also, let’s take our time. Make it really good. But cheap. We don’t need to spend a ton of money on this.”

“Chlo. What’s up? I expected you to be full steam ahead on this. You’re being weird too. Maybe I should ask Josie for help.”

“No!” Chloe grabs my phone before I can reach it. “I am focused. Basically a camera. So, what should we do?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. Maybe I could just make him some cookies?”

“Yeah, let’s check online. We can do better than cookies.” Chloe picks up her phone right as a text comes in. A big smile spreads across her face, and she nods. “Yes,” she says to her phone before typing back.

“Yes, what? Who texted you?”

“Don’t worry about it. Now, let’s look up some good ideas for a dance ask. Then wanna hang out? Eat dinner and watch a movie?”

“How about eat dinner and study?”

Chloe’s lip curls in disgust. “I’ll allow it under duress.”

“Noted.” I send Mom a quick text to let her know my plans.

Mom

Sounds great, honey! Have fun. Take your time! Seriously. Don’t rush.

What is going on with everyone?

Chloe and I spend the next hour scrolling on Pinterest, laughing at all the puns. It’s a little tough to pick one for Graham because he doesn’t have a thing. Like, asking the captain of the basketball team with a sign that says “I think we’d have a ball together. Come to the dance with me?” makes a lot of sense. But what do you make for a social butterfly that flirts with and teases everyone?

“Wait. Chloe. Graham is you but with less school spirit. He doesn't take things seriously and is super social. Loves teasing Nathan.”

“Loves you,” Chloe interjects with a smile. “While I am not a fan of this classification, Graham is pretty awesome, so I suppose I’ll accept it. What’s the point?”

“How would you want someone to ask you to the dance? That’s how I need to ask Graham.”

Chloe looks at me for a few seconds before deciding. “Honestly, I would just want someone to want to go with me. Do something that shows you know him, and I think that will be the money. But take your time. We have time.”

“Chloe, no, we don’t. Ginger is going to ask him. I told her we were dating and going together. I am sure she’ll ask him, like, tomorrow. I need to figure this out!” I’m basically wailing at this point.

“Okay, okay, while I am enjoying your newfound acceptance of the fact that you love Graham, this is ridiculous. Listen to me.” She grabs me by my shoulders. “Graham will not say yes to Ginger. He wants to go with you. He has a plan. But that’s all I’m saying.” she cuts me off before I can disagree again. “I’ve said too much.”

My eyes widen. “He has a plan? That’s why everyone is being weird?” Butterflies take flight in my stomach, and I press my hand against it to calm them.

“I have said too much and will not say anything else. Do not ask. It’s hard enough already. Don’t try to ruin it. Patience, grasshopper. Now, let’s go see what’s holding up dinner.” Chloe grabs my hand and pulls me towards the door.

“So, what kind of plan?” I ask, as innocently as I can.

“Julia!” Now it is Chloe’s turn to wail.

After dinner, we compromise—study for forty-five minutes, and then watch an episode of some teen drama Chloe loves.

“Chlo. Why do you watch this? It’s so ridiculous and dramatic. Those kids are our age?”

“Obviously just the characters are our age. The actors are way older. Besides, the drama is why I watch it. Don’t judge. I know what books you read.” The episode ends and I grab my backpack.

“I’m going to go tell your parents thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I head to the kitchen and make it a step or two in before I see Chloe’s parents in what can only be called a passionate embrace. I choke out a laugh and spin on my heel, my backpack hitting something off the counter. Her parents pull apart, not at all concerned or embarrassed that the teenage girl next door caught them. “Oh, uhm, sorry.” I grab the fork from the floor and set it back on the counter. “I was coming to say thank you. So, thanks for dinner. Bye. Sorry for interrupting. Carry on. Er, no, not that. Or well, that. Uhm.” I stare at them for a few seconds, taking in their smiles. I give a mock salute, just like my mom does when she feels embarrassed, and rush to the front door.

“They were making out, weren’t they?” Chloe calls from the couch. “Sorry, should’ve reminded you.” She laughs, waving goodbye as I run out, not acknowledging her at all.

I cross the street and slow down when I am a few steps from the front door. Did Graham ask me to the dance? Is there a surprise somewhere? I start looking around, not seeing anything. I pull out my phone to use the flashlight. The house light is off, but that is probably to make the surprise even better.

“What are you doing?” Nathan says, carrying a bag of trash to the can at the curb. I jump a good inch before biting my lip in embarrassment.

“Did Graham leave something for me?” I ask hesitantly.

“Like what?” Nathan cocks his head.

“I don’t know. A note or something?” I hate the hope I hear in my voice.

“I think he left a note and a lollipop on your desk.”

“Thank you!” I gave him a huge hug before running into the house.

“Hi, Jules. How was Chloe’s?” Dad asks from the couch in the front room.

“Great! No time, gotta sleep. Night!” I get to my room, my eyes immediately drawn to my desk. I see a red lollipop and a white square. I grab the note, unfold it, and hold it up against my chest, taking a second. I pull it back and start reading.

I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to write you enough original notes, but that was silly. There is so much to love like and admire about you. Today, I want you to know how fun you are. You are smart and witty, and I love when you tease me.

I turn the paper over, trying to see if I missed something. Chloe told me Graham had a plan. I flop down on my bed, letting the disappointment pour over me. I grab my phone to text Chloe.

Me

Promise he has a plan?

Chloe

I promise. No more questions. Love you.

I stare at the ceiling fan, willing my mind to slow down. I take deep breaths and try to distract myself from the Winter Formal entirely. I roll my head to the side, and my eye catches on my notebook that I use to keep track of The List. What if he doesn’t finish now? that annoying voice in the back of my mind says. I sit up, my eyes wide, anxiety crashing down on my head. I grab the notebook and open it to The List. There are five items left: hug me when I’m scared, a promposal or dance-posal now, build me a castle, dance with me while everyone is watching, and sit front row for a performance. He’ll probably do some of these things naturally over the course of our relationship—hug me when I’m scared, come to a performance. But will he sit in the front row? Will he figure out how to build me a castle? Will he even want to date me long enough to do any of these? I fall back onto my bed again, but this time I bang my head on the wall.

“Julia? Are you okay?” Nathan calls through the wall.

“No,” I mumble while rubbing my head.

“Julia?” He is knocking on my door now so I get up to answer it. He is standing there, stress on his face. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“I’m fine. I just hit my head. No harm, no foul. Thanks for checking on me. I’ll see you in the morning.” I force a smile and close the door. I sit on my bed and scream into a pillow before falling into a fitful sleep.