Thinking of You

Arianne’s Perspective

The next week was hell for me. I spent most of it with my head in the toilet, puking up the water that was the only thing I could manage to keep down.

When I finally got over it, Carol insisted I stay out even longer, just to make sure I didn’t infect anyone else and that I was well-rested.

I considered it a personal victory when, after nine days of reclusion, I managed to leave the house to go grocery shopping and not have to puke.

As I was driving home, Kara called me.

“Hey Kar,” I answered.

“Hey girl. I miss you!” she said.
“I miss you too!”

“So, there’s this party at my friend Alex’s--”

“A party? Really, Kara? Isn’t that a little high school?” I asked.

“Shut up. It’s a boring old adult party. Wine, board games, good food, and good friends,” she explained.

“I don’t know. I’ve been sick for the past week,” I reminded her.

“Well yeah, but you’re probably also stir-crazy!”

“Yeah, you’re right.” I nodded.

“So you’ll come?” she asked hopefully.

“Of course!” I smiled.

“Great, I’ll text you the deets!” she told me and we hung up.

--

Friday came, and it was time for the dinner party. I put on a sparkly golden dress, black tights, a black cardigan, black flats, and a golden charm bracelet. I straightened my red hair and fluffed it out a little bit. I put on a little eyeshadow and eyeliner to accentuate my blue eyes and grabbed my keys to drive to Alex’s place.

“Arianne!” Kara cried, hugging me. I saw three guys nudge each other. I looked at them, puzzled.

“Jack, can I speak to you in the kitchen?” the one with straight, white teeth said to the one with skunk hair. The one with skunk hair, who apparently was named Jack, nodded and followed the other one out.

“Well, that was strange,” I said to Kara once they were out of earshot.

“Yup, that’s my boys!” She grinned.

--

Jack’s Perspective

I couldn’t believe our luck. Alex invited Kara to his dinner thing and Kara invited Arianne, of all people. Zack’s Arianne.

“Are we gonna tell him?” Rian asked me.

“Nah, we should surprise him!” I replied.

“Jack, that’s a stupid fucking idea,” he told me.

“Why?” I whined.

“Because. He’s been down in the dumps because of her and doesn’t want to do anything. But if he knows she’s here, he’ll come because that’ll get him out of his funk,” he explained.

“Okay, fine, call him.” I sighed.

Rian took out his phone and pressed Zack’s name on the screen.

“Hey buddy, we’re at Alex’s. Where--” Rian began, but paused.

“You are?” Rian asked. “You did?” Rian asked.

“What the fuck is he saying?!” I yelled, but Rian shoved me.

“Okay, fine. Feel better,” Rian said and hung up.

“What’s going on?!” I yelled.
“Zack’s sick. Stomach flu.” Rian sighed.

“Noooooo!” I cried, sinking to the floor dramatically.

“Will you be serious for a minute?” Rian asked. I sighed.

“Should we tell Arianne that Zack can’t make it?” I asked.

“No! Are you crazy? That’ll make it look like he stood her up,” he replied.

“Well, she kinda stood her up first,” I pointed out.

“Yeah, but maybe there were extenuating circumstances,” Rian reasoned.

“Wouldn’t that be now thought?” I asked.

Rian sighed.

“Maybe it’s just not meant to be.” He shrugged.

Notes

Title: Skinny Love, Bon Iver

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xoxo

Hayley