You Saved Me Once Book 1 novel Chapter 29

“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 says.

“I think I’m going to cancel.” I say to her.

“Fine, you can borrow one of mine.” She smirks. Seconds later she tosses a bathing suit at my head.

“You left it here.” She says.

I throw it back at her.

“Seriously Alex? It’s too late to cancel.” Rochelle says.

We go downstairs. The doorbell keeps ringing. I take a deep breath. Rochelle opens the door.

Hayes enters. Then Jeff.

~~~~~

Once Hayes and Jeff come inside, everything starts. Rochelle passes around the drinks and starts up the radio. Everyone was drinking, laughing, having fun. It was a nice scene, if you were in the moment.

For me, I turned down the drinks, even though I could use them tonight. I wasn’t ready for drinks yet.

Jeff makes his way over to me. It’s silence between the both of us for a while.

“Thanks for not standing me up.” I smile. Jeff moves his hair from his face.

“About last week.” He says.

There’s this awkward silence between him, and I again. Rochelle lightens the mood.

She takes me by the hand and pulls me to the pool.

When I go to take off my shirt it gets caught. Jeff helps. His hands touch my bare skin. They give me chills.

“You were going to war with that shirt. I thought I’d help.” He smiles at me.

My hair tie had fallen out, and my hair hangs over my face.