Chapter 20
Prom was next week, and I couldn’t wait to show up in my dress with my hair in an updo, feeling beautiful for once instead of stressed. I texted Chase:
Are you still going to show up or what? It’s next week.
His reply hit me like a punch:
Oh hey! I forgot about it. I was talking to Evelyn, and we made plans to hang out that day. I’m sorry babe, I know how much this means to you.
I stared at the screen, disbelief turning into anger.
Are you serious right now? I swear you’re doing this on purpose.
I’m not doing it on purpose. It slipped my mind. I forgot. I’m sorry.
Thanks a lot. This shows how much you care about me. I hate this open‑relationship thing. I only did it for you. I didn’t want it for myself — I just wanted to make you happy.
I do care about you. I’ll make it up to you.
I don’t believe you. But whatever you say. I don’t know how you’ll make this up to me. I wanted you to meet my friends, but I guess that doesn’t matter now.
He immediately started apologizing, sending message after message, but I didn’t want to hear it anymore.
Instead, I texted Finn:
Hey, I know this is last minute, but my prom is next week. Chase blew me off for Evelyn… even though he knew it was next week. I told him ahead of time and he said he’d go, but now he isn’t. Would you maybe want to go with me instead? As friends. It’s okay if you don’t want to. It’s on the 16th at 7 p.m. I can give you the address.
I waited, nervous, already preparing myself for a no.
Ten minutes later, he replied:
I can’t believe he did that to you. When I see him, I’ll punch him for that and talk to him about it. Yes, I’ll go with you. I’ll pick you up at your house at quarter to 7.
I wasn’t expecting him to say yes. At least I had a date now — even if it wasn’t Chase. Even if it hurt.
I talked to the principal, and she approved it. I bought two prom tickets — originally meant for Chase, but now for Finn. Maybe he could make the night better. Maybe he could help me forget.
I texted Finn:
I bought us prom tickets. Thanks for doing this.
No problem. Happy to do this for you. And cool — now we don’t have to worry about tickets.
True. Without them we wouldn’t be able to go.
Then I messaged my group chat:
Can’t wait for prom. I just bought tickets after school. Today’s Tuesday and I’m home feeling relieved but upset about Chase ditching me for Evelyn when he knew about my prom. I’m still giving him a chance to make it up, but we’ll see next week.
And then… the worst part.
Chase added me to a group chat with him and Evelyn.
A group chat I didn’t want to be in.
Hey guys, I typed.
They both said Hey while acting casual. Evelyn apologized, claiming she “didn’t know.”
She knew. She was playing dumb.
I snapped.
Oh, by the way, Chase love… I know you two were still seeing each other when you and I met face to face. You kept this from me for a long time and never told her about me. Traitor.
My hands shook. Tears blurred my vision. But I stayed strong behind the screen.
They both read it. Chase replied:
I should’ve told you. I’m deeply sorry. I ended things with her, and she wanted me back.
How do I know you’re telling the truth? You could be lying. I might need space to think about everything.
I put my phone down before I said something worse.
Then Isaac texted me out of nowhere:
Hey, how have things been?
Not great… My boyfriend and I are in an open relationship — he wanted it, I didn’t, but I did it anyway to make him happy. I found out he got his ex-involved. He was supposed to go to prom with me next week, but he “forgot” and made plans with her.
Damn… I’m sorry. I’m sure you’re heartbroken. If you want, I can be your boyfriend in an open relationship.
No… I don’t want to drag you into this mess. I’m being honest right now. I know you have feelings for me, but I only like you as a friend. Nothing more. Sorry.
I don’t mind. But that’s fair. At least you were honest.
Yeah. I’d rather be honest than lie.
I put my phone down and stared at the ceiling.
I honestly didn’t know what to do anymore. Or what to think. Or how much more my heart could take.