Dare

Nine

EDITED: December 2020

The next week of school and tutoring went okay, I guess. Theo and I are kinda good friends now, and he's also moved to the seat next to me in math and we talk a lot in art, the only two classes we have together.

When Friday came around, he didn't tutor me again together because tonight was Lucy's party and I needed the whole afternoon to get ready (something he didn't understand, but he's a boy so whatever).

"You are so basic," Aimee said to me as we walked into the large teenage filled house, referring to my outfit.

I scoffed. "Okay, if anyone here is basic, it's you."

For this evening's occasion, I had chosen to dress up as an angel. I was wearing a white mini skirt and a lace bralette that was acceptable to be worn as a top (or was it...) with a pair of strappy silver Jimmy Choo's and a little pair of wings attached expertly to the back of my bralette by Kendall. Aimee and I saw our beauticians this afternoon to get our hair, nails and makeup done for the occasion as well.

Aimee on the other hand had chosen to go as a cat. Yes, a cat.

My friend, who's the basic one now?

Within the first few minutes, I had already lost Aimee who had disappeared off with some boy in our grade.

Grabbing a red solo cup filled with vodka and sprite mix, I then headed outside because already the noise of the music was making me head throb. 

As I stood against the wooden fence that would stop anyone from falling over the cliff edge, I wondered where Theo was. I mean, I'm pretty sure that he's here this evening.

"So, are you my opposite tonight?" I heard a voice say.

I turned around to face none other than Theo Parker.

"Oh, hey," I smiled at him.

"Is it coincidental or ironic that you happen to be dressed just like my polar opposite?" He asked with a laugh.

This evening, Theo just happened to be dressed as Lucifer. He wore a maroon red wife beater and a pair of black jeans and maroon sneakers. On his head, he wore a corny but cute set or horns and he carried a trident that looked startlingly real.

"Coincidence, I'd say," I giggled.

As Theo and I spoke, we found ourselves drifting away from the party and ended up in a quiet area of the garden.

"Okay, what would you do? Spend the day at the beach tanning or whatever it is you girls do or spend the day sitting on a window seat and reading a good book?" He asked me.

"Definitely spending the day reading," I told him.

"You're a reader?" He asked, sounding a little surprised.

"I know, no one expects Ella Slater to be a bookworm, but I am," I said, nodding.

"What's your favourite book?" He asked.

"I love anything by Meg Cabot and Danielle, but my all time favourite is Lord Of The Flies," I said.

"You and I both," He grinned at me.

As we spoke about our new common interests, I couldn't help but be happier than usual. I mean, Theo's pretty great to talk to, considering how much we have in common.

"You've never read The Fault In Our Stars?" I asked him, utterly shocked. Uh, hello, everyone's read that book.

He shook his head. "I've just never thought it would appeal to me. I mean, two cancer patients fall in love, one dies. Pretty much a cliché love story."

"But it's so much more than that! Hazel and Augustus' story isn't like every other romance. I mean, yeah, it sucks that he dies but they're just so...realistic."

"Still cliché."

"You won't know until you read it."

"Well, I won't."

"Oh come on," I said. "You're missing out on the amazing writing of John Green! One of the best writers there is!"

"Yeah, he's a good writer, but he's really cliché," He shrugged.

"Okay, I'll make a deal with you. You read The Fault In Our Stars, and I'll read something you recommend," I reasoned.

"Even if the book is about a zombie apocalypse?" He asked with a teasing grin.

I couldn't help but laugh a little. "Yes, even if the book is about a zombie apocalypse."

"Then you, miss Slater, have yourself a deal."

***

When Saturday afternoon came around, Theo was over at my house to pick up the copy of TFIOS and give me his recommended book.

"Me and Earl and The Dying Girl," I read the title of the book he had given me. "Why do I feel like this is going to be a cheesy romantic cancer love story?" I asked with a small teasing grin.

"Don't judge a book by its cover," He said with a small smile.

"Alright, I will read this and then tell you what I think," I told him.

"And I will read this, and tell you that I was right and it is a cliché typical love story," He said, his blue eyes holding a twinkle.

"May the best book win bragging rights," I smirked.

"May it, Slater. May it."

When Theo had left, I headed into the kitchen while still holding the copy of the book Theo lent me.

"Hi, piccolo topo," My mom's voice said as she walked into the kitchen.

"Hi," I muttered.

"How are you?" She asked as she pulled a bottle of still water from the fridge.

"I'm fine," I said flatly.

"Gabriella, Bambina, I know you're upset but -" She began to say with a sigh, but I cut her off.

"Mom, look, I'm not mad at your or anything anymore," I lied, just wanting to stop this conversation.

"Really." She looked unconvinced because she knew I was lying.

"Yeah," I mumbled, before excusing myself and heading back up to my room.

Laying down on my window seat, I exhaled a breath before opening the copy of the book.

And so the rest of my afternoon was spent reading Me and Earl and The Dying Girl.