Friday, 7:55 p.m.

"Wooo!"

The fast-paced song ended with a loud cheer from all the students. Kim and I walked off the dance floor, exhausted from all the dancing we had done.

"Food," Kim breathed. "I need food."

"Same," I agreed. "Let's head over to the snack table."

"Oh, really? I thought we'd get some food from the restroom," Kim commented sarcastically.  "But apparently I was wrong!"

I chuckled.

"I thought we'd maybe find some burgers, fries, pizza, a chocolate fountain."

"Alright, alright."

"Maybe eat some of those mints."

"Kim--"

"I hear they taste horrible though."

"Alright! I get it! It was an unnecessary statement," I said with a laugh.

"Hey, Kim!"

We both stopped and turned around to see some girls walking up to us. I think they were some friends of Kim's. Probably from class.

Kim greeted them and they all began talking. eventually I just told Kim I'd meet her by the snacks and excused myself from the conversation. I didn't know when it'd end, and, I was hungry.

I grabbed a paper plate and slowly made my way down the table of food, picking out what I thought looked most delicious.

 Suddenly, Jaden appeared in the line beside me, also taking some food. "Hey, Jaden," I greeted with a smile.

Jaden looked over at me. "Oh... Hey," He replied shyly.

"Enjoying the party?" I asked as I placed a cupcake in my plate.

Jaden shrugged. "I don't know... It's not really my type of thing," He answered. "Are you?"

"Yep. If I wasn't, Kim would've taken me by the arm and dragged me somewhere else to find something more fun," I joked lightly, although, it was true.

Jaden chuckled. "Yeah. She sure would," He agreed.

Silence.

I looked up at him. "You know... She'd do the same for you if she knew that you weren't having fun."

Jaden glanced at me, then looked back down at his food. "Nah." he shrugged. "I don't think so."

"I do."

Silence again.

I tilted my head at him. "Maybe you should go dance," I suggested. "You might have fun!"

Jaden shrugged again, turning around to face the crowd. "I don't know... I wouldn't know how to ask anyone... I wouldn't even know who to ask," He told me as he leaned against the snack table.

I smirked. This could work out perfectly,  I thought to myself. I quickly sobered and said, "Well... you could ask... Kim?"

We stared at each other, silent until Jaden scoffed. "No, I don't think so." He took a bite from his cake.

"Why not?" I asked, forcing myself no to grin. "You two are friends. It's not like it'll be awkward."

"Eh..." Jaden scrunched his nose. He looked in the direction Kim was standing. "I think it would be."

"Oh, please," I said with a roll of my eyes. "With Kim, it definitely won't be awkward. She's the least awkward person there is."

"I don't know."

"Do you want to?"

"Well, yeah, but--"

Before he could finish his sentence, Kim walked up to us. "hey, guys!" She greeted, glancing back and forth between us. "What are you talking about?"

I nudged Jaden with my elbow. "now is your chance," I whispered, before turning back to the snack table. I couldn't help but glance over at my shoulder at them though, so I could see their faces.

Kim narrowed her eyes at us, clearly confused. "What?"

Jaden let out a breathe. "Well, um... you-you see, I... uh..." He stammered nervously. 

Kim raised a brow. "Yes...?"

"Well, uh..."

Seeing that he was too nervous to do this by himself, I decided to step in. "Jaden was wondering if..." I began, motioning for him to continue.

"Yes, um... if you'd like to... to dance... with-with me... maybe?" Jaden finally asked, his voice cracking at the last word. "But-but only if you want to. it's not a big deal if you don't. I was just wondering cause--"

"--Yes."

"W-what?"

"I would love to dance with you."

"Really?" A smile tugged at Jaden's lips, and his eyes lit up. I don't think he expected her to say yes.

Kim nodded. I could see her eyes sparkling, and a smile lit up her face.

"Wow..." Jaden breathed out, rubbing the back of his neck. "Do you want to now, or--"

"Oh, just come on!" Kim grabbed him by the arm and started dragging him towards the dance floor, forcing him to hand his plate to me.

I smiled as the two lovebirds danced together, holding each other. They were so adorable, I almost squealed. But, since I was in a public place, I managed to hold it in. I think Kim forgot all about food when Jaden asked her to dance.

I continued to eat my own snack as I watched, and my mind ended up wandering to thoughts of my dad. He was so excited to see me in my prom dress. he had already seen me in it the day we bought it, but he still went on and on about how beautiful Kim and I would look on this day. 

But now he wasn't even here to see us.

Tears stung my eyes, but I quickly wiped them away. I couldn't cry. Not here. Not now. But tears kept forming, until everything I saw was a blur. 

I put my food down and hurried to the restroom, doing the best I could to hide my face. My chest began to ache and my eyes stung. But finally, I reached the restroom. I ran to the sink and took off my glasses. I washed my face and took a few deep breathes, trying to calm myself. I looked into the mirror to see that my eyes were already turning red.

Why did this have to be so hard?

Hey guys!

I know... I am late once again. XD But you all survived, didn't you?

So, what did you guys think of Jaden? Did you like him?

And what?! Bailee has glasses?!?! *GASP*

I don't know how, but I completely forgot to mention that earlier in the story. XD Oops.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter nonetheless.

( that's a big word. I should be proud of myself. )

Have an awesome week cause this weekend I will updating again!

( as long as I don't get kidnapped... or worse: get too busy )

God bless!

Peaches, roll out!

- Through the River