Chapter 38: Start of the Nice Evening

When I tested this outfit yesterday, it looked pretty good on me. Now, not to brag, but I could probably pass the top hot 10 list of school. Not that I ever cared about the Word Winter Wrap or whatever it's called, but this attire gives me some motivation to try for once before they release the last volume tomorrow. I shake my head. This is Piera Shay we're talking about. I don't want to have to repeat the same mistake of setting my hopes too high. They'll probably write an article of what happened earlier. I shake my head again. Now is not the time to be upset.

Now is the time to continue inspecting my outfit. Never have I ever looked at myself this long in the mirror, let alone to make dumb poses in front of it. This navy-blue tuxedo, with a hint of gray, surprisingly has great wool material clothing. I take it off for a second to check the tag and it says Burberry. I have never heard of it, but thankfully the thrift shop had it.

Shooting the final pose with a finger gun, I finally go downstairs and outside.

Jessica and I haven't had the chance to go on a date for a while now, so I'm hyped for today. And we also haven't been eating lunches a whole lot either. Not to mention how strict her friends can be. But now the next best night of our relationship's going to start. I mean, Jessica's even the one who kept reminding me last week about this event and she was very much looking forward to it.

I look at the dirt bike. As hesitant as I am with even touching it, I know it's my only option, especially when the dinner date is over. I get on it and shiver for a second. I strapped on my usual backpack, because I can't go anywhere without it, then start driving. When I arrive, part of me wanted to just leave the bike on the side of the road forever. Of course, I wouldn't and… couldn't.

Even though everyone tends to spit shit about me, the only thing they probably got right, which I do refuse to confess, is how irresponsible I can be. But today is the only day that changes.

"Reservation for Rhys Harrison."

The waiter leads the way to the finest table. Jessica told me I didn't have to pick her up so we both would have to go on our own ways. I arrived first, as I should, and so I want to handle this as perfectly and maturely as I can. This is my first meal in Fearrington House. It's outside of town between Winterville and the next one, which has more restaurants, stores, and the main shopping centers.

I was finally seated on the finest table of the room and I felt exquisite as fuck. I looked around and there were only several people wearing the same theme as I am, but most of them has dates and companions. I smirk, knowing that they can't compare to mine that's about to come.

While waiting, I played on my phone, but I couldn't exactly focus because of how excited and nervous I am. For some reason, it took quite some time that the waiter even came towards me and asked the "Are you ready to order now?" question. I continued to use my phone as he left, but I exited the game. I was getting a little too bored of it. This reminds me of that time I waited for Cyrus and Theo that day we went to the cave. Stupidly, I reread some of our conversations. I kept reminding myself that today is supposed to get better so I should forget about this for a second, but my head is starting to get heavy again. And now, I'm starting to contemplate if I should leave the group chat. It's so dumb, right? They already embarrassed me and betrayed me, but it still doesn't hit me too hard. I guess, because of those years of training from bullied experiences, I'm really just used to it. Ignoring the fact of my breakdown earlier.

Maybe it's because I was too distracted about earlier, but Jessica had to clear her voice for me to notice that she was already here. Now, she's the only thing I can ever look at and think about. She's wearing a very shiny and short, spaghetti-strapped sequin mermaid dress which had a V neckline. I stand up in awe and astonishment. I was right, she stands out from everyone else's outfit here.

"You look… amazing." I stutter.

She smiles, "Thanks. Uh, you, too."

I almost stumble on my movements as I come closer to her to pull out her chair. She quietly giggles which is the cutest damn thing ever. I go back to my seat and just stare at her, getting more and more lured in her beauty.

She interrupts my gaze, "Have you ordered yet?"

"I haven't. I was waiting for you." Grabbing the attention of the waiter who already asked me before, he comes back to the table. I already checked the menu when I got the reservation, so I already planned out how this dinner go. I specially requested for all Chef's recommendation. I whispered the queue to him, and he went away.

Immediately, my eyes went straight back to Jessica. I knew I had to say something, but I would probably repeat myself about her looks. She was subtly diverting her eyes. That's the cue. But what should I talk about?

"Hey, you saw what happened in lunch, right?"

"I wasn't in school, Rhys. Sorry I didn't text you, but I had a derma appointment and I couldn't not go, so obviously I would skip like one day because my attendance schedule has been so good this year. And, like, what's the harm of missing one day, we're not even doing anything right now so…" She explains. I smile again. I could listen to her talk all day. I was trying to listen to her story, but I just keep getting distracted. "…then I was like, okay, boomer." She giggles.

I do, too, "You're so funny." It's only when she took a pause that I realized the first course was finally on our table.

She rolls her eyes and scoffs, "This looks so good! What is it called?"

I point to the dishes, "Okay so, this is the Celery Root and Apple Soup with Honeycomb. This one is the Wagyu Beef Tar—"

"Ah, can't have that. I'm vegan, remember?"

Oh, fuck, I forgot. "I know, babe. Don't worry, I'll have it." I reassure.

"Yass! Thankie, babe."