You Saved Me Once Book 1
Chapter 28: 15Please Don’t Go Hayes
“A double date?” I stand at her locker.
It was now the end of the week, school was over for seniors. Ro-chelle wanted to double date with Jeff and me.
I still wasn’t okay with them, together. It was awkward, it was bad for me. I don’t know why Rochelle couldn’t see that.
Probably because I acted like it was okay. I’d say things, do things to show I didn’t care. It was better than telling her the truth.
“Sure. I don’t care.” I lie.
The week gave me time to heal from the party, but I still wasn’t ful-ly okay with what went down.
I know Jeff wasn’t, we haven’t talked since then. Rochelle doesn’t know this.
~~~~
The double date was originally supposed to be a movie date, and dinner. Plans changed. More specifically, Rochelle wanted every-thing at her house.
Rochelle’s place was “the house”. It was big, spacious had a pool, jacuzzi in the back. There were rooms beyond rooms, which were great for parties, it’s perfect.
Personally, I think Rochelle likes to play house. She likes to create a world, where she’s in charge. Where she’s comfortable, safe. It’s her gi-ant dollhouse.
Yet, when the music stops, when the crowd leaves. It’s a mute, grey, and lonely dollhouse.
Rochelle parents are never home, ever. They make an appear-ance in the town no more than 24 times a year. She’s been alone for a while.
It’s been this way since she could legally be left alone. Before that, they’d hire babysitters, or she’d stay over our house.
Leaving someone so young all alone in a big mansion. I’m glad she has someone. Before she had me, now, it’s Hayes. I feel bad for envying Hayes.
“I still hate this idea, Rochelle.” I tell her. I’m tying up my hair.
We were getting ready in her room. Jeff and Hayes were on their way.
Well, Hayes was for sure coming. I texted Jeff the same day this date was orchestrated. I sent him a message, he never responded.
“It’ll be fun I promise, just drink a lot.” Rochelle says.
“So, did you bring yours?” She asks.
“Bring what?” I ask.
“Your swimsuit.” She
to cancel.” I
of mine.” She smirks. Seconds later she tosses a bathing suit at
“You left it here.” She says.
it
It’s too late to
go downstairs. The doorbell keeps ringing. I take a deep breath. Rochelle opens the
Hayes enters. Then Jeff.
~~~~~
around the drinks and starts up the radio. Everyone was drinking, laughing, having fun. It was a nice scene, if you were
I turned down the drinks, even though I could use them tonight. I wasn’t ready
silence between the both of
me up.” I smile. Jeff moves his
week.” He says.
this awkward silence between him, and I again.
by the hand and pulls me
my shirt it gets caught. Jeff helps. His
going to war with that shirt. I thought I’d help.”
tie had fallen out, and my hair hangs over
had it though.” I mumble,
Little Richards.”
Rochelle laughs, and pushes him in the pool. Sec-onds later, Rochelle jumps in.
closer to me. I step in. He smiles
“Stop.” I say.
I push him in. This is the first time tonight,
All of us
a toe in, the water is
at the edge of the pool. I slide in.
while, but it’s quiet and I
Hayes pulls me
grab at my
Little Richards.” He laughs, but he’s scared. I now feel bad
breath, before swimming
life guard. I can do
Little Richards calling today, got it?” I say, making sure to splash him in the
this was us apologizing to each other.