Just Friends

Chapter 20: Promise

Clary squeals, screams, and jumps in joy. I chuckle at her behavior, but I can't help feeling this sympathy for her. Is Clary really happy? Why is she acting so normal when her heart is broken? Did Hunter mean nothing to her?

     "Finally! I knew it! I knew Dakota was in love with you. And I swear if he does anything, I'll crush him!" Clary threatens, pumping up her fist.

     Sighing, I push Clary back down onto her bed. I look into her eyes, searching for something. Once I see it, I immediately hug my best friend. I hug her tightly, rubbing her back in process. I feel Clary slowly calm down.

     Her eyes were full of sadness. They were broken and hurt. Damn, she's good at hiding her feelings.

     "Next time, Clary, tell me when you have a problem. I'm your best friend, you can't keep anything from me," I assure her, letting her go.

     Clary sighs, but her smile refused to falter. I'm amazed by her strength.

     "It's all good. Have you forgotten? I'm Clary and I can handle anything," the ombre-haired girl declares as she puts her hands on her hips.

     I laugh out loud and soon, she joins in.

Dakota squeezes my hand gently. I look up and smile at him. Today was the day we'd talk to Jack. Slowly, we start moving towards the blonde. Once we make it, Jack looks towards our way. His green eyes trail down to our hands.

     "I-I'm sorry, Jack," I apologize, guilt was heard in my voice.

     Jack smiles sadly and says, "it's okay. As long as you're happy, I'm happy." He turns to Dakota. "Take care of her, man. You've got a great girl in your arms."

     Dakota nods and smiles. "I know."

Dakota, Hunter, Clary, and I decided to have a small party in my house. It was just the four of us, along with hot chocolate and the fireplace. Everyone was cuddled up in blankets, but Dakota and I have noticed the awkward tension between Clary and Hunter.

     "Care to tell us what is wrong?" Dakota asks as he pulls me closer.

     Heat rises to my cheeks. Come on, do we have to rub it in their faces that we're in love? I shove Dakota off, giving him the hint. He takes it kindly and smiles apologetically.

     "What's wrong?" Hunter asks casually.

     Clary clears her throat, adjusting her glasses. She mumbles slightly, but her words were loud and clear. "I can't believe you two are so oblivious."

     "Why are we oblivious?" I ask, startling Clary.

     Hunter coughs, interrupting us. "I have a girlfriend."

     Dakota and I stare at each other. Our eyes dart towards Clary, who was looking down at her lap. She fiddles with her fingers. This time, I felt like Clary and I switched personalities. I turn towards Hunter, glaring daggers.

     "Hunter!" I yell and pounce on him.

Fiddling with the bracelet given from Dakota, I wait patiently for him. Dakota called me up to meet him at the park. I became nervous; I mean, who would be nervous to see their boyfriend? Maybe I just don't want everything to be screwed up.

     I hear footsteps coming towards my way. I look up to see Dakota. His eyes and smile lit up the whole park, making my whole day. My heart aches for his touch. His smile never fails to make my day.

     Once we've reached each other, I ask, "so what's up?"

     "I need to ask you something," Dakota starts.

     I nod my head, gesturing him to continue.

     Dakota holds out his pinkie finger, looking into my eyes. We locked our eyes together. I felt as if I'm captivated under a spell. I tell myself to snap out of it, but no avail. I never want this moment to end.

     "Promise me we would get married after graduation or college. Whichever works for you, as long as we get married. Promise me that, Colette," Dakota nervously says, his pinkie trembling.

     I smile brightly and lock my pinkie with his.