Weekend Plans

Bea's POV

The weekend had finally arrived, and the excitement was bubbling within me like an over-caffeinated soda. I couldn't help but feel a rush of energy as I looked ahead to the plans Melanie had made.

Friday night had brought about a new group chat message from her, and honestly, it was like getting an invitation to a circus – you just didn't know what kind of events  awaited.

"Hey guys, I want to chill with everyone," her message read, "so you can all come to mine."

Responses flooded in – Steph with her characteristic enthusiasm, Jess with her playful spirit, Grace with her signature gracefulness, and of course, I chimed in too. Grace, however, seemed a tad hesitant, and I couldn't help but chuckle to myself at the thought that even in the virtual world, Grace's uncertainty managed to shine through.

And now, as Saturday dawned, the group chat was alive and kicking. Melanie led the parade with her question about outfits, a seemingly trivial concern in the grand scheme of things, but it set the tone for what was to come.

Steph was quick to share her chosen ensemble – a cute outfit that probably took her an hour to put together, yet seemed effortlessly stylish.

Jess followed suit with a picture that Ryan had snapped of her, capturing her in one of those candid moments that screamed confidence.

Then came Grace's contribution, her outfit an embodiment of her elegance. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of how she always managed to strike a perfect balance between stylish and sophisticated. As for me, well, I joined in with my own snapshot, letting the group know that I was ready for whatever the day held.

But the real surprise came when we collectively requested a photo from Melanie herself. My phone buzzed, and as I opened the image, I had to admit, my jaw almost hit the floor.

She looked stunning, and there was no denying it. A twinge of surprise mingled with my lingering resentment – it was as if the universe was playing a trick on me, making me acknowledge that yes, she did indeed possess a certain undeniable allure.

The unexpected compliment came out before I could filter it, my fingers dancing on the keyboard. "You look amazing, Melanie!"

Grace seemed to share my sentiment, her message a testament to her jealousy. "Wow, you look really good!"

Steph, not one to hold back, jumped right into the conversation with her characteristic vivacity. "Damn girl, you're gonna make everyone else look basic!"

Jess, being the supportive friend that she was, chimed in with her playful humor. "Seriously, Melanie, if this was a competition, you'd be winning."

As for Melanie herself, her response was a flirty emoji and a cheeky retort. "Well, I've got to make sure the competition is tough, right?"

And as I looked at the exchange on my screen, I realised that maybe, just maybe, this weekend had more in store than I had initially thought.

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Grace's POV

Sitting on Melanie's doorstep, my nervousness felt like an electric current coursing through my veins. The magnitude of what I was about to share with Theo was like a weight upon my chest. I watched as his car pulled up, and he stepped out, his familiar face etched with concern. He joined me on the doorstep, and his presence offered a strange mix of comfort and anxiety.

"Hey, are you okay?" Theo's voice held genuine worry as he glanced at me. It was as if he could sense that something significant was about to unfold.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling my heart race like a runaway train. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you," I finally managed to say, my voice quivering slightly.

Theo's eyes narrowed, his expression shifting from concern to curiosity. "Alright," he replied cautiously, as if bracing himself for whatever bombshell I was about to drop.

Before I could muster the courage to utter the words, Theo seemed to gather his own resolve. "Wait, Grace," he interjected, his tone a mixture of seriousness and uncertainty. "I've got something to tell you too."

I blinked, genuinely taken aback. My mind raced with possibilities as I tried to anticipate what Theo could possibly have to share. Could it be about Melanie? Had he finally realised that he was better off without her? Or maybe he was about to confess his undying love for me? The idea was a foolish fantasy, of course, but the idea managed to make me crack a small smile.

"Okay," I said, my curiosity piqued. "You can go first."

Theo took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on some distant point in the horizon. "Melanie and I... we're officially a couple now," he revealed, his words hanging in the air like a declaration of a new era.

A pause settled between us as the weight of his words sank in. It was a twist that I hadn't anticipated, though my reaction surprised me. There was no jealousy, no anger – just a quiet acceptance that the chapter between Theo and me was definitively closed.

"That's... that's great, Theo," I said, mustering a genuine smile. "I'm really happy for you."

Theo seemed to relax a fraction, as if my response had assuaged some unspoken worry. "Thanks, Grace. I appreciate that."

"Actually," I finally said, my voice soft but steady, "I have something I need to tell you too."

Theo's eyebrows lifted, his attention solely on me. "Go ahead," he encouraged gently.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself that honesty was the best policy. "Theo, I haven't had my period for a month," I admitted, my words feeling both surreal and heavy. "And well, there's a possibility that I might be... you know."

His eyes widened, realisation dawning. For a moment, he seemed speechless, his features a mix of surprise, concern, and perhaps even fear. I couldn't blame him – the gravity of the situation was overwhelming.

"Grace," he finally said, his voice cautious, "you should take a pregnancy test, just to be sure."

I nodded, a sense of agreement settling over me. "Yeah, that's the plan."

"I'm here for you, Grace," Theo said softly, breaking the silence. "Whatever you decide, whatever happens – you're not alone in this."

His words held a kind sincerity that touched me deeply. While our paths might have diverged, it was comforting to know that our friendship remained.

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Bea's POV

Melanie's house was buzzing with laughter and the unmistakable scent of edibles in the air. We were all gathered in her cozy living room, forming a circle as the game she proposed began to unfold.

"Alright, guys, let's spice things up a bit," Melanie announced with a mischievous grin. "We're going to play a round of kiss, marry, kill – but here's the twist: you have to choose someone in this room for one category."

As she was the host, I was called upon to go first. I glanced around the circle, considering my options. My eyes settled on Ryan, who was giving me a goofy grin. He was a safe choice for a friendly kiss.

"I'm going to kiss Ryan," I announced, feeling a flush of amusement.

The room cheered, and Ryan leaned in for a quick, playful peck on the cheek. His grin only grew wider as he pulled away, satisfied with his role in the game. I couldn't help but glance at Josh, whose eyebrows had raised ever so slightly, a mix of mock jealousy and amusement dancing in his eyes.

"For the one I'd marry," I continued, shifting my gaze to Josh, "it's got to be you."

Josh's expression transformed into a proud smile, his chest puffing out just a bit. "Lucky me," he chimed in, his playful tone making the room chuckle.

"And as for who I'd kill," I concluded, "I'd take out all of Theo's friends who were rude and racist to me."

Melanie let out a low whistle, while the others erupted into laughter and nods of approval. It was a bit of a curveball, but the sentiment was clear – I had no patience for people who brought negativity into my life.

With my turn complete, I handed the game off to Jess, whose eyes twinkled with mischief. She had always been one to keep things interesting.

"Alright, here goes nothing," Jess said with a smirk. "For the kiss, I choose Ryan."

Ryan gave a victorious fist pump, clearly reveling in the attention. Jess leaned over and planted a smooch on his lips , getting cheers and laughter from the group.

"But wait, can you even marry the same person in the game?" Grace interjected, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Jess grinned, careless. "Why not? It's just a game, right?" She turned to Ryan, her expression teasing. "So, Ryan, will you marry me?"

Ryan played along, his eyes widening dramatically. "Jess, I thought you'd never ask! Of course, I'll marry you!"

The room erupted into applause, and Jess flashed a triumphant grin. Grace, however, was not about to let the unconventional choice slide.

"That's not how you play!" Grace protested, though her tone was lighthearted.

Jess shrugged, her playful attitude intact. "Hey, who says we have to stick to the rules?"

The game had been sailing along with a mix of laughter and lighthearted teasing, until it was Theo's turn. That's when the whole dynamic seemed to shift, like a gust of wind suddenly changing the course of a ship.

Theo's mischievous grin seemed to foreshadow the unexpected turn of events. He glanced around the circle, his gaze eventually landing on Grace. The room collectively held its breath, everyone's curiosity piqued. The girls and I exchanged wary glances, unsure of what was about to happen.

"For the kiss," Theo announced, his voice carrying a note of confidence, "I choose Grace."

There was a moment of stunned silence as Grace's eyes widened, her cheeks coloring with surprise. Theo didn't hesitate; he leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips. The kiss wasn't short and innocent like the ones before. It was long, intense, and far more passionate than anyone had anticipated.

The room seemed frozen for a moment, processing the unexpected display of affection. Melanie, sitting beside Theo, acted swiftly, her hand gripping his shoulder as she pulled him away from Grace.

"Whoa, Theo! What the hell was that?" Melanie exclaimed, her voice a mixture of shock and anger.

Theo feigned confusion, his expression innocent. "What? It's just a game, right?"

Grace, on the other hand, wiped her lips as if she couldn't quite believe what had just happened. "You could have just pecked me on the cheek like everyone else," she muttered, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance in her tone.

Theo's playful façade remained intact as he played it off with a casual shrug. "I had to make sure I could marry my girlfriend, Melanie," he quipped.

Melanie shot him a skeptical look, clearly unamused by his antics. "Don't play games with me, Theo."

Theo turned his attention to the final part of the game. "And for the kill," he continued, his voice taking on a mischievous tone, "I choose Josh."

The room erupted into laughter, including Josh himself. "Of course, man, I'm used to being everyone's target."

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Grace's POV

I leaned back against the couch, my mind still reeling from the unexpected kiss Theo had planted on me during that absurd game of kiss, marry, kill. The memory of his lips on mine sent a thrill down my spine, and I couldn't help but smile to myself.

"That was quite a kiss, wasn't it?" Steph's voice broke through my thoughts, and I looked over to see her grinning mischievously.

I rolled my eyes, doing my best to play it off. "Oh, please. It was just a silly game."

Steph chuckled, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Sure, Grace. Just a game."

As I glanced around the room, I saw the others engaged in their own conversations. Melanie and Theo were upstairs, engaged in what sounded like a heated debate about commitment. It was oddly ironic to hear that coming from Melanie, the very same person who had a reputation for being the "other woman" in relationships.

Bea noticed my distracted expression and nudged my arm. "Lost in thought there, Grace?"

I shook my head, trying to dismiss the lingering effects of that kiss. "Nah, just thinking about how ridiculous that game was."

Jess chimed in with a laugh. "Yeah, and how Theo managed to make it even more ridiculous with that kiss."

I sighed, unable to deny the truth behind their words. That kiss had been a surprise, a curveball that had caught me off guard. It was also a reminder of the complicated history I shared with Theo.

"Are you okay?" Bea asked, a touch of concern in her eyes.

I nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, just processing the unexpected, that's all."

Steph leaned in, her grin widening. "Processing the unexpected kiss, you mean."

I swatted at her playfully. "Oh, come on. It wasn't that big of a deal."

Bea raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Really? Because you seemed pretty affected by it."

I huffed, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Okay, fine. Maybe it was a bit surprising."

Jess chuckled. "It's okay, Grace. We all saw the fireworks."

Before I could retort, Melanie and Theo's voices drifted downstairs, their argument still in full swing. Melanie's passionate declaration about commitment was met with Theo's characteristic wit and sarcasm.

"Is she actually lecturing him about commitment?" I mentioned aloud, confused.

Bea laughed. "I know, right? The irony is almost too much."

Theo's voice grew louder as he responded, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Sure, Melanie. Commitment, the one thing you're known for."

We all exchanged amused glances, unable to suppress our laughter. Melanie's transformation from the notorious relationship saboteur to the advocate of commitment was nothing short of fucking comedy.

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Josh's POV

I walked into Theo's room, finding him in the midst of a heated argument with Melanie. She gave me a frosty look before storming out, leaving us alone. I sighed, wondering why I had walked into the lion's den. But, I had a mission in mind – to salvage our friendship and clear the air.

"Hey, can we talk?" I asked Theo, hoping he'd be open to a conversation.

He looked at me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Sure, man. What's up?"

I motioned towards the balcony, suggesting a change of scenery. "Let's step out for a smoke."

He seemed surprised by my suggestion, but he followed me out onto the balcony. I offered him a cigarette, but he surprised me by pulling out a joint. "Whoa, going for the big guns, huh?"

He chuckled, lighting up the joint. "Trust me, this is some next-level stuff."

As we settled in, exhaling puffs of smoke into the night air, I decided to dive into the topic that had been gnawing at me. "Listen, about Grace..."

Theo's eyes narrowed, his guard up. "What about Grace?"

I sighed, searching for the right words. "I know I overstepped last time we talked, but I just wanted to make sure things were okay between us."

He took another drag from the joint, his expression softening. "Look, Josh, it's not about you. It's just... everything's complicated."

I nodded, understanding. "I get it. Life can be a fucking mess sometimes."

Theo exhaled a cloud of smoke, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Tell me about it. I mean, I have a girlfriend now, but things are... complicated."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Complicated how?"

He hesitated, then let out a laugh. "You know Grace told me she might be pregnant today?"

I nearly choked on my cigarette smoke. "Wait, what?"

Theo nodded, his eyes wide. "Yeah, apparently we didn't always use protection, and sometimes they forget to take birth control."

I let out a nervous laugh, trying to wrap my head around the situation. "Well, damn. That's a surprise."

He chuckled. "Tell me about it. I don't even know how to process it."?"

We both took a moment to let that sink in, the weight of the unexpected moments hanging in the air. Then, I decided to steer the conversation towards lighter territory. "So, how's Melanie? I heard you guys are official."

Theo grinned, the tension of the earlier conversation easing. "Yeah, man. She's something else. Never thought I'd see the day, but here we are."

I clinked the joint against his. "Well, cheers to that."

We both took another drag, the joint passing between us as we talked about relationships, school, and everything in between. It was strange – in a way, I felt closer to Theo in that moment than I had in a while.

As we finished up our conversation, I clapped Theo on the shoulder. "Listen, I know things are complicated, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

He nodded, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, man. Same goes for you."

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Grace's POV

I stormed upstairs, my heart pounding with frustration. I needed to find Theo, to talk to him, to figure out what was going on between us. As I made my way down the hallway, an unexpected sound reached my ears – Melanie's voice, talking on the phone. My curiosity got the better of me, and I stopped to listen.

"Grace is trying to flirt with my boyfriend, she's so desperate," Melanie's voice sneered through the door of her room.

I rolled my eyes and couldn't help but chuckle to myself. Seriously? Melanie was going with the classic mean-girl tactics? She must be really threatened by the mere idea of Theo and me talking. I decided to have a little fun with this situation. I raised my voice and shouted, "Oh, Melanie, you are just too precious!"

Suddenly, the conversation on the phone ended, and I heard Melanie scrambling to end the call. She emerged from her room, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. But before she could say anything, I decided to take control of the narrative.

"Pathetic much?" I said with a grin. "Are you that insecure about Theo and me?"

Melanie's eyes narrowed, and she took a step closer. "Watch your mouth, Grace."

I couldn't help myself – I slapped her across the face. It was a knee-jerk reaction, a burst of pent-up frustration. Melanie's hand flew to her cheek, and I saw a flash of anger in her eyes. She pulled at my hair, and suddenly we were in the midst of a full-blown catfight.

Before I knew it, the boys – Theo and Josh – rushed into the scene, trying to separate us. Theo was holding Melanie back, shooting me a look that seemed to say, "Let's not make this worse." Josh, on the other hand, leaned in close to me and whispered, "If you want to unleash, just say the word and I'll let go of you."

I smirked at his offer, appreciating his humor even in the midst of the bullshit. Melanie continued to shout at me, accusing me of being a desperate flirt and a troublemaker. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

"Melanie, you're so worried about me 'flirting' with Theo? Honey, you might want to redirect that energy towards your own relationship," I retorted.

She huffed and turned away, her face flushed with anger. "Leave that girl to herself," she muttered under her breath, clearly meaning me. "And tell her to get out of my house."

I exchanged a glance with Theo, who seemed torn between annoyance and amusement. I decided it was time to defuse the situation. "Well, I was about to look for Theo anyway. Since this is your house, though, I guess I'll let you have the drama."

With a wink at Josh, who was still grinning like the mischievous partner-in-crime he was, I turned and walked away. As I descended the stairs, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself. The whole encounter was absurd, but in a way, it was also strangely satisfying. I might not have intended to engage in a showdown with Melanie, but sometimes you just have to stand up for yourself and let the feelings play out.

But if she wanted to fight with Theo. Then we could fight.