Breathless 
Chapter 6

Back in South Carolina, I would have gone to a party on a Friday, considering there was always a back to school party. It was the last minute to hook up with someone and not feel guilty. But here in California, this partying didn’t look likely. The school week had been exhausting, even though we went two days. Plus, I hadn’t even been invited. What was the point of showing up if you weren’t invited?
My mind kept drifting back to Xavier. Things had been awkward between us since Thursday at lunch. I think that’s how Caitlyn preferred it, too. We hardly spoke, and the conversation wasn’t easy. It was so confusing. When Caitlyn wasn’t paying attention to us, which was rare, Xavier turned his charm on. Today, he even touched me. Maybe that wasn’t a big deal to some people, and it usually wouldn’t have been with me, either. But, it sent a charge of electricity through me. He tucked a piece of hair behind me ear, and ran his thumb over my jaw. It sounds stupid, but it made my nerves go haywire. I hated thinking any of this, and that’s why I was trying my hardest to block him out. I had been certain he was going to tell me I should come to the party, but Caitlyn had walked up and interrupted our conversation.
Topping all that off, Grace and Elijah had been getting awfully cozy the past two days. She had come home with me after school Thursday, and stayed. At this very moment, she was downstairs with Elijah and my parents, preparing dinner. Everybody seemed happy. How I envied Caitlyn right now. She had taken every opportunity she was given to show me Xavier was hers. When Mrs. Plumley was out of the room, she had come up to our table, and kissed Xavier, putting her hands under his shirt. Although he did look like he was thoroughly enjoying it, he kept looking at me, watching me as she did these things. I think he felt bad, because he told one of his friends that they should take me to the party tonight. I had declined. It was embarrassing, having someone ask you out because their friend told them to. It was quiet annoying, too, how Xavier felt he needed to do everything Caitlyn told him to. I just want to scream at him. I heard a light knock on my door. Elijah was standing against my door frame, a soft smile on his lips. He looked dressed up.
“We’re going to a party. Quit sulking, and get ready.” I looked at him, confused.
“Party?” I asked.
“Yeah. The party everyone was talking about. I got invited. So, you’re coming with me.” Elijah had to be kidding, right? He wasn’t going to take me, when he could clearly take Grace. “Don’t worry, Grace is coming, too,” He said, as if reading my mind. I got up off of my bed, and went over to my closet. I pulled out my navy blue sundress. I quickly slipped it on.
“Can you tie my bow, please?” I walked out of my closet. Elijah tied the striped bow perfectly. I slipped on my silver sequined heels. I put my charm bracelet and necklace on that my parent’s got me. I curled my hair loosely, running a brush through it when I was finished. I added a touch of mascara and lip-gloss. Turning around in front of the mirror, I noticed Grace had joined Elijah. She was leaning against him, smiling. “Do you need something to wear, Grace?” I asked, turning to look at her. She nodded her head. I pulled out a white skirt with pink underneath, and a pink t shirt. Grace slipped on some bracelets, and my believe necklace, along with a pink pair of heels. I handed her the outfit, and she got dressed quickly. I added curls to her hair, and pinned her bangs back. “You look beautiful,” I said, before I could stop myself. I never gave girls compliments. What was up with me?
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” She said, smiling.
“Let’s go, ladies.” Elijah was standing outside my door, keys in hand. I turned my lamp off, and grabbed my phone. I was going to give Xavier a run for his money.