Strings

This was my response when Charlotte told me she actually had to take her heartbroken friend to the dance instead of me.

Like I said, he’s an incredibly nice guy. Which kinda makes me feel like a terrible human being.

I turn to my mirror and examine myself. I’m wearing a blue TARDIS dress, black boots, and a necklace that says something in Gallifreyan, I love you. Leo gave it to me, I was elated. My dirty blonde hair hangs in curls down my back, and my brown eyes are happy.

I snap a picture of my outfit and send it to Joseph.

A minute later I send her a picture of my costume. I'm wearing a tweed jacket, slacks, a bow tie, and a little red fez.

I grin, he looks great.

See you at the dance.

See ya there.

The gym has been decorated in the classically cliche way it is every dance. Streamers, lights, food, balloons, music. Done. That’s pretty much the formula for a high school dance. Well, just through in a little anxiety, bad dancing, and hopeless love

When I push my way into the gym I scan the hoards of people for Joseph and Katie. I find them, and a little unwanted surprise. Cadence Thompson.

Now don’t get me wrong, Cadence is actually a really nice girl. She writes for the school paper, she sticks up for herself, gets perfect grades, and is popular. This issue is that she’s just a little too perfect, if that’s actually possible.

“Hi, Charlotte!” Cadence says when she sees me. She’s dressed as a witch, her short dark hair streaked with orange temporary dye.

“Oh I love this song!” She says, grabbing Joseph's arm.

I'm surprised but I don't bother saying anything, and I'm whisked away into the crowd of dancing people.

“Don’t worry.” I say, putting a hand on Charlotte's arm. “Remember, you and Joseph are, like, meant to be.”

Those words are like a knife through my chest. ‘Meant to be.’ Nobody should be meant to be, there should be no soul mates. Everyone just loves to think they have someone out there in the world meant for them, but once you live your entire life being able to know that, they kinda suck. I mean knowing that my soul mate is a guy I definitely don’t want to love, and the person I do in fact love is my best friend who’s clueless, I’ll probably end up the crazy old lady with a million cats. Except I’m allergic to cats, maybe I’ll get bunnies instead, I like bunnies.

“Thanks, Katie.” I say.

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million times, but you could just tell him you like him.” I say.

“No, I can’t.” I say.
Oh, if only she knew.

“Why not?” I ask.