Because I was having a bad day; and I needed distraction. So it was pretty easy to start suggesting her around and criticizing everything. I was in a bad mood. And this was the only way I could ever calm down.
But, through the few minutes we talked, she had been able to make me smile for real, just by being so natural and cute… Wait, cute? Dude, you’re a man. Girls are either hot, or not. Guys don’t say cute. Grow some balls or something.
But that didn’t stop me from asking her out. Of course it didn’t. And I was definitely looking forward to that.
*
Okay, so maybe the first time I’ve met Emma I overreacted. I mean, seriously, it has been way too long since I’ve had a serious girlfriend. I don’t even know… Yes, I do. Since that bitch hooked up with my best friend on Prom night. But Emma was different. She wasn’t interested in me at all. And, to be frank, that was a little bit annoying. But I liked her, either way.
I had a lot of things in common with her, and we’d gone out for about a week without any awkward silence or anything, simply because she didn’t think of me that way. She was way too involved with her Prom. And since she got accepted into UCLA, she was freaking out about leaving for LA. An unsteady boyfriend wasn’t something she needed.
Although, there was that time when she just kept complimented me, telling me I was a good… friend. Was she being serious? All the girls were jumping around to get my attention, then this particular girl, who was so damn interesting, and funny, smart, attractive… She had no interest in me. Maybe I was way too good for her, and she was aware of that. But it was impossible, and now I was being a jackass. I wasn’t good enough for her.
But I had no time and energy to make her see me like she should. I mean, she’ll be leaving to L.A. in a few weeks, and then, if something happens between us, she’ll be hurt for leaving me here. Or if it got bad, things would get weird. No, it’s better like this. Just friends.
But still I was pretty excited to go to Prom with her.
And I know what you’d all think right now, but I kind of need my second chance to a perfect Prom. Yes, yes, I was voted Prom King that night, but that’s irrelevant. I mean, I want that perfect night to remember, and Emma is pretty perfect to make the night as it should have been the first time.
I’ve just invited Emma because she sounded so sad, investing all that time in organization, and then she was supposed to go on her own? No, I was there for her, even though she couldn’t afford herself to think of me like that. Because, at the end, that’s what friends do, right?
So, when the Prom night finally arrived, I think I was even more excited than she was. I’ve spent like half a day trying to find the perfect suit, the perfect hairstyle, something that would fit her. I had to be worthy of her, knowing that finally Emma would allow herself to have fun and relax, at least for a few hours.
And then, maybe I’ll get my chance with her, right?
Chapter 4
Prom Night
~*~ Emma West ~*~
I was looking into the mirror for the tenth time in the last half an hour. I knew I looked perfect and everything was exactly as I’ve planned. My curly hair was falling perfectly on my back. I had impeccable makeup and the right dress. But I felt my heart pounding in my chest and I knew that wasn’t a good sign.
I had been way too worried for this Prom thing, and I tried everything to make it perfect, but I hadn’t planned everything since I was 5, like I heard other girls had. I have bought my dress about a week ago, my shoes a few days after and my jewelry today, which was a silver necklace, elegant, with a small diamond heart and matching earrings.
I sat carefully on the edge of the bed, kindly pulling my hair on my back, watching the clock again. Matt still could be here on time, but I was extremely nervous. I had no idea I was going to make such a fuss about it, and I was totally grateful because he offered to go to Prom with me, because I wouldn’t have been able to go there by myself.
It was almost 8 o’clock and now I was literally freaking out.
Matt had said he’d be here by 8 and he was never late. He had been so sweet to offer to go with me, and I hoped he was going to keep that promise. But he should have been here. Maybe his parents’ car didn’t listen to him. I knew he hated that car… Or maybe he had changed his mind. I searched through my purse, where I kept my iPhone, a few makeup items and some pills, just in case, and I looked at the empty desktop of my phone. There were no missed calls or messages. If he had changed his mind, he would have called, right?
I arranged a few strands of my hair, making sure it was still perfectly curled, and I jumped out of bed when I heard the doorbell. I smiled involuntary, and felt my body suddenly relaxing, knowing that I didn’t have to go through all this alone.
I heard someone opening the door, and then my father saying something, and I considered staying in my room just a few more minutes, so I wouldn’t look so desperate and excited.
After counting till 100 since my dad invited Matt in, I breathed deeply a few times, and opened the door, pacing gracefully on the hallway. I heard my parents chatting with Matt, and I knew they haven’t heard me so I stepped towards the living room.
My father was the first to notice me and rose of his seat, looking at me stunned, and Matt jumped off his seat at same time as dad, and he smiled when my eyes met his.
“You’re delightful!” mom said, coming towards me with a proud expression on her face.
“Thank you,” I whispered wishing she wouldn’t say anything, and give me the occasion to start crying and ruin my makeup before even leaving home.
“You’re just wonderful,” Matt said, taking a step closer to me and offering me a small, transparent box with a white flower, which matched my dress perfectly, and then he put in on my wrist, as the tradition required.
My father insisted on taking a billion photos, and kept complimenting us, and instead of relaxing, I became even more anxious. I thought it would have been better if Rick, my younger brother, was home, instead of taking stupid trips on Bear Mountain. Right now he would have made some childish jokes, and I would have felt more comfortable.
When we were ready to go, Matt led me to his car, opening the door for me, being such a gentleman, and without adding anything he started the engine.
The truth is that Matt was just breath taking. I wondered how could he be that hot all the time, and so attractive. Every time I went out with him, loads of girls would stop and stare at him. It’s kind of disturbing, and that’s why I haven’t allowed myself to fantasize about him. But I’ve seen how amazingly that black suit fitted him, how his dark hair was styled in that “I-just-jumped-out-of-bed” style, so typical to him and his smile was so charming, that kind of changed. The elegant style suited him so good, it was like the suits were made for him, and him only, and I didn’t know any person who can wear a suit like him… It was even better than his “carefree young writer” style, and I was just wondering if he ever notices just how amazing hot he is.
“You know, you really look great,” he said after a few moments of silence, like he was reading my mind or something.
“Thanks,” I answered, slightly embarrassed. It wasn’t so natural for us to give compliments to each other, but in this moment, his words made my heart skip a beat. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Hmm… Thanks, I guess” he commented, with a smirk on his kissable lips. “I think it’s going to be an interesting evening, don’t you?”
“Most likely,” I agreed, smiling.
He nodded, and kept his eyes on the road.
I mean, how could it not be interesting? I’ve spend a lot of hours planning this, and I had as a date a student from The University of Connecticut. Well, he had graduated, technically, but that doesn’t matter. He attended that university. And he was smockin’ hot! And I was so not like that. I hated myself around him. I mean, I had the biggest GPA in the school, I was so smart - that’s what everybody was saying, stop judging, I am a mode
st person - and around Matt Nicholls all I could think about was how hot he was. I couldn’t even think about the fact that he was also smart, and he could talk about so many subjects in like five minutes.
It was a warm summer night, the wind was blowing slowly, and the stars shone one brighter than the other, while the moon stood there, like a proud queen of the night. Everything seemed to be perfect.
When we arrived at high school, Matt opened my door again, and then he took my hand in his, and I realized my bad feeling had gone completely, and I was only aware of his hand holding mine, and nothing else. Well, I was aware of the fact that everything’s going to be fine tonight. Just as planned.
I was surprised to see how the hall was full of happy teenagers, spinning around each other, and the decorations I worked so hard on were just as I dreamed they would be.
“It seems you did a great job, Miss West,” Matt whispered to me while he led me through the crowd.
“Yes, it seems I did,” I agreed, smiling happily.
I talked to a few of my friends, everyone glowing in their elegant dresses, looking so relaxed, and I also noticed how the girls stared at Matt, whispering to each other, other girls looking so intrigued, some of the popular guys said “hello” to him, other guys smiled to me, and the organization department congratulated me along the way, and I agreed it was a great night.
Matt lead me to our table, and then brought me a glass of punch, which had a very strange taste. He laughed at me until I finished the glass, and I asked for a diet Coke.
I was so pleased to see everybody having fun, and all the teachers came to congratulate me, being so surprised to see Matt Nicholls with me, who seemed to be sort of a genius in Saint Swintin’ High School. Okay, that was weird.
The truth is that everything was better than I originally thought. I sat on my chair and watched my last weeks’ work and I was proud of myself. I had a smile on my face that nothing could possibly change that. I could even go to Gabrielle Gomez, the girl I hated most in school, popular and everything, and hug her and tell her that, after all, I was happy I met her. Well, I wasn’t that happy, but you can see my excitement.
***
And then, out of the blue, Matt decided he wanted to dance and practically dragged me to the dance floor, even though I protested all the way. I wasn’t so much into dancing in public. Or dancing with people.
In the end, Matt convinced me with his irresistible smile that I couldn’t just stay on the edge at my own Prom, because I will regret it and blah blah blah… But, to be honest, I just accepted to dance to make him shut up. But after a while, it wasn’t weird at all.
I was a little bit restrained at the beginning, but it was Prom, and nobody judged, and I could relax. The music wasn’t bad at all, and I wanted to remind myself to congratulate Anton for the playlist.
It was about half an hour later, and already it was beginning to feel like home. I’d gotten even closer to Matt, and it was kind of strange that it didn’t bothered either of us. And it felt like it had been forever, but, at the same time, looked like the time just stopped.
And after a lot of dance songs, began the slow ones. I stood there, not knowing what to do.
“Can I have this dance?” asked Matt so politely I thought my heart was just going to explode there. Without being able to say a word, I just nodded, and he took my hand, the other one slowly touching my back. I smiled, placing my hands around his neck, starting to move slowly, in sync with him, in the rhythm of the song.
I had no idea when Matt ended up pressing me so close to his body that his perfume made me dizzy. I had no idea what happened around me. I was only aware of his hands on my back.
“It’s great, isn’t it?” he whispered softly in my ear.
“Oh…Yeah, yes… It is,” I agreed, without knowing what he really meant. I knew it was great to be in his arms, forgetting he could break my heart only in the blink of an eye. “I didn’t even know I liked to dance on this kind of music,” I said, laughing to ease the situation.
“Obviously, you haven’t danced with me so far,” he smirked, and I sighed. He was so funny being so full of himself. “You know, Ems, I’m really glad I offered to take you to Prom. And that you said yes.”
“Me too. I’m so happy you offered, Matthew,” I said on a serious tone, and both of us started laughing at the same time.
Then suddenly I felt the atmosphere tensing, and I couldn’t hear anything else because of the loud music, but that didn’t stop me from feeling how my stomach was the house of a thousand butterflies in the moment Matt stared into my eyes. I don’t even know how it happened that his lips were on mine in the next moment, and my arms were around his neck, without any intention to stop.
I felt/heard/noticed nothing else than his soft lips on mine, and how he slowly caressed my back. My heart suddenly was in a race for the Olympics, I guess and I began trembling. I felt like a teenager. Oh, wait. I was one.
I don’t know how long I danced/ kissed with Matt, but I knew I was completely exhausted and I couldn’t feel my legs any longer, but I didn’t want the magic to break either. It was such a perfect, enchanted night and I didn’t want to think of anything else.
“Do you want somethin’ to drink?” Matt asked, ending my reverie.
“Oh, yes. I’m going to sit down for a little bit, okay?”
He nodded and got lost in the crowd. I walked slowly to our table and I sat down, tired, watching my classmates. Then Hilary, one of my friends, came to my table and we went together to the ladies room. I walked like a zombie, and seeing my reflection in the mirror made me realize how tired I really was. Hilary didn’t stop talking about Max, her date, a guy I barely knew.
“You know, you were so great, Emma. Seriously. If I were you, I couldn’t even put a napkin right.”
“It’s not a big deal,” I blushed.
“No, seriously, it is! I heard a lot of people amazed by the décor. It’s so relaxing, even though you’re surrounded by people you never really talked to… You know what I’m talking about,” I nodded and smiled pleased. “Oh, you know what I heard?” asked Hill again.
“I can’t possibly know if you don’t tell me.”
“Gabrielle Gomez, the supreme diva, got dumped 10 minutes before Prom. Can you even believe it? That little bitch deserved that so bad!”
“Hill, don’t be mean,” I said, arranging a few strands of my hair, but I suddenly felt some satisfaction, somewhere inside me. Oh, I was a horrible person, but I was having the night of my life, and I seriously couldn’t stand Gabrielle, and her perfect aura, and perfect friends.
“I’m not mean, Emma, seriously, the bitch is faker than a $100 Louis Vuitton bag,” she said, laughing.
“You know, she would probably like she’s in the same sentence with Louis Vuitton,” I added, laughing as hard as Hilary.
“I’m sure she would. Anyway, Curtis, the sexy captain of our football team, left her for Cora.”
“Cora?” I asked, and stopped laughing. “Cora isn’t her ‘best’ friend? Her faithful puppy?”
“Yeah, and that’s totally hilarious. You can’t be sad about this.”
I didn’t answer, but I knew Hilary was right. Probably I will have a lifetime to be sorry I had gossiped about Gabrielle at Prom, but right now I couldn’t stop adding mean and bitter comments, and not laugh my heart out.
“Oh, by the way… Changing the subject, since when do you know Matt Nicholls?”
“I met him here a few weeks ago, why?”
“Dude, I had this huuuuuge crush on him when he was still in high school, about 4 years ago. When he was a Senior. He was so irresistible, don’t remember him?”
He still is, I wanted to add.
“Ah… No, I don’t.”
“That’s incredible! Curtis doesn’t have half of his grace and style. And you know Curtis,” she winked at me, and I slightly nodded. “The way he wears that hat at every outfit and…”
/> “And he’s my date tonight, Hilary, thank you very much,” I said laughing, a part of me exploding of happiness.
“Your make out partner, I know, I’ve seen it.”
“It’s not like that!”
“No? Then how is it?” asked Hilary curiously.
That was such a good question. I had no intention to think about what was or wasn’t between me and Matt. He was my friend, a totally hot and attractive friend, and he should stay that way, although my hormones started competing in some invisible race every time I brought him up. He wasn’t the one I should be with. The one I ever thought I would end up with. He was way too popular, beautiful, smart and masculine. I didn’t want someone like that. Not that I wouldn’t like my future boyfriend to be cute, and smart, and all those things, but somehow, Matt was too much.
I’ve seen how he involuntary smiled at girls while walking with me, it was in his nature. And I wasn’t like that. I may be anything, but not someone who could make a player like him settle down. And I didn’t even want to. I was moving to L.A in a few weeks. Tonight was Prom, for Christ’s sake. I hated myself for even analyzing this whole thing. I wasn’t the type of girl chasing impossible things.
I only wanted something… possible. Tangible. Something I could reach to.
And maybe Matt could be more than my friend or my make out Prom partner, but I wasn’t sure I wanted that. I am not a confident person.
“So?” Hilary asked, dying of curiosity. “What’s Matt, besides perfect?”
“He’s my friend, that’s all,” I answered, sincerely.
“Friends with benefits. I’ve always liked this. You too, remember? You were the one who kept saying she’d like a friend with benefits after you saw Justin’s movie. And Matt wears those Justin hats, you know…” she said, teasingly.
“Stop, Hilary…”
“You know what?” she asked, looking at her phone, and then looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I would continue to talk to you about it, but it’s time to find out who the Prom Queen and King are.”
Perfect Match Page 2
