"What a dickhead!" I exclaimed as I sat into Jared's car.

"What kind idiot corners someone?" Jared said, starting the car. He had a black 5-series BMW, which I loved so much. I don't know much about cars, but this one was one of my favorites. Something about BMWs just made me excited.

"A dumb idiot." I added flatly. I'm glad Jared helped me out, I'm just genuinely annoyed at Zeke's inability to be a decent person. I can't believe I was friends, or even dating, that douche bag. 

"You're okay, though. Right?" He placed his hand on mine, making me flinch slightly at this unexpected motion. I turned my attention to him. He looked at me sincerely, showing doubt on his face. 

"Yeah, I'm okay." I said, giving him a small smile. It's crazy how badly we can misinterupt someone's intention. You think you know someone, and then they go and act the way Zeke did. I turned my head out the window and stared off into the night sky. Their was a crescent moon outside against a navy blue sky; it was actually a lovely and calming view.

The rest of the ride was spent in silence. Jared asked me if I wanted music, but I didn't really care. Going to that party was such a bad idea. This is why I don't like partying, because people are ridiculous and unpredictable. 

As we pulled up to the house, Jared stopped the car and turned off the car. Right as I turned around to open the door, Jared said, "Val? Can I tell you something?" 

"Sure," I said, turning towards him. Worry covered his face. Jared fettled with his thumbs on his lap, almost scared to look at me.

Moments pass by and Jared hesitates. "Actually nah, it's okay."

"Tell me." I said as I placed my hand on his arm, making him turn to look at me. His hazel eyes were beautiful under the moonlight, but they showed so much fear. What was so bad that he was this afraid to tell me?

"Okay." He turned his gaze away from me again, placing his hands on the wheel of his car. "I just wanted to let you know, my reputation isn't, you know, good. I mean... I've had a tendency of hitting on Cleo's friends... a lot... more than hitting on them, if you know what I mean." 

Oh, I see. 

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

"I don't want to hear about my past and think I'm using you or that I'm hanging out with you because I want something from you. I genuinely enjoy hanging with you. I've had more fun with you these past few days then I've had with anyone else. And I don't want to lose that."

I adored his honesty. Most guys wouldn't come clean about their past -- yes, I know this is totally generalizing men, but so far that's my experience. 

"Jared, it's okay. I'm not going to judge you. I've... done some questionable things in the past as well. It's all a part of growing up. Somethings you have to make mistakes to learn, right?"

His eyes lit up as he finally looked at me. I could tell my words lifted his mood. His gaze became strong as he scanned my face. He was vividly looking at my lips. Was he...about to kiss me? After he told me he hit on other girl's? This kid. I leaned into Jared and kissed him on the cheek, and it's clear to see my action throw him off. He looked confused. 

"Well, goodnight." I said as I hopped out of the car. "See you later, alligator," I shouted towards him as I walked up to the front door.

"You're so basic," he muttered back to me in a playful tone.

"Shut up," I laughed as I shouted back. I entered the house to find it empty. Oh right, I forgot about Cleo and Theo. Oh well, I assume they're fine or else Cleo would have called. 

 ****

"Whoa, what?" Anthony asked as I explained to him what had happened Thursday night. It was Saturday morning, and we were spending some time together to study. And by study, I mean not. Since we're both chatterboxes, we barely ever get our work done.

"It was insane, bro. Zeke is nuts. I can't believe I ever dated him."

"Wait, hold up though. Who is this mysterious Jared figure." He brought his finger up to his lip in a dramatic pose. Anthony was extremely extravagant. I loved it, but his curiosity killed me. 

"Oh yeah, remember I mentioned him last week."

"Oh the guy you flashed? And spent the night with." He said with a mischievous smile on his face.

"Not exactly, it was for a dare. And we were both drinking so." I explained. 

"Right. Mhm. Okay, girl. I see you."

"See what?" I asked, curiously.

"That you clearly like this guy." Anthony proclaimed as he casually ate a veggie chip. 

"What?!" I exclaimed. "You're crazy."

"So, you're gonna tell me you go around flashing other guys for fun? Sounds like a hell of a hobby. Where do I sign up?" He laughed.

"Hello? I just met the guy, and it was a dare!" I explained. 

"Well no one was forcing you to show him anything, were they?"

"No, but-"

"Mhm." Anthony joyfully said. Anthony smiled as though he knew everything in the world. As though he had obtained one of the world's greatest treasures. 

"You're crazy, Anthony." I looked at him with disbelief.

"Maybe, but I got a hunch about his, honey." Anthony said confidently. 

"Ugh, let's just get back to this homework." I said, trying desperately to change the subject. I obviously don't like Jared, or else I would have just kissed him Thursday night when he was moments away from kissing me. Well, I kissed him on the cheek, but as a goodbye -- a friendly, harmless kiss. 

After a few hours pass by, Anthony decided to go home. He kept meticulously teasing me about "liking" Jared, which I don't. If I wanted to make a move, I would. And I don't, because I don't like him.

Since I didn't have any plans tonight, and Cleo is, once again, out with Theo, I decided to go out. I deserved a night out. And Benos was the place to go. I am in love with that Italian restaurant. It has a bar at the end of the restaurant, which is where I was planning to spend my night. This is something I do sometimes: spend my evenings in Benos at the bar adoring the view of beautiful families and couples in the restaurant. It sounds creepy, but it's extremely relaxing to just forget everything for a moment.

Heading back to my room, I decided to wear a short spaghetti-strapped dress; it's black, of course, because that's such an easy color to work it. I straightened my hair, and put some makeup on. Feeling slightly excited and confident, I decided to wear red lipstick. 

As I get ready to head out, I heard someone pull up to the driveway. That's strange? Cleo is out for the night with Theodore? And I wasn't expecting any guests. I wait a minute in the living room to see if someone comes to the door. Maybe someone is backing out of our driveway? 

Seconds later, I heard the bell go off; someone was clearing pressing the bell nonstop -- only one person is that annoying when it comes to our boor bell. 

"Can I help you?" I opened the door, prepared to see Jared. He was leaning about the door frame. The second I opened the door, I could see Jared's eyes examined my body.

"Damn, you look hot." He said, bluntly, looking at my legs and working his way up to my chest and then my eyes. 

"Why, thank you." I said with a smile on my face; I could feel my face turn slightly red at his subtleness.

"So," he said as he entered the house, "what do you want to do?" As he walked in, I couldn't help but to stare at his abrupt and unpredictable nature.

"I'm going out." I said.

"Perfect. Let's go." Jared said, walking back towards the front door. 

"Hold up, I'm going out. Not you're going out"

"Why not?" He asked, almost defensively. 

"Because no, I'm going somewhere."

"Okay. Change of plans, we're going somewhere."

"No, you're underdressed, and I was planning on going alone." He was wearing a plaid flannel shirt and jeans, which would not even get him through the doors of Benos. 

"Luckily, I have more formal clothes in my car. Be back." Jared ran out of the house and came back five minutes later in black formal shirt and black suit pants. Who keeps formal clothes in their car?

"Hey, would you look at that? We're matching." Jared said, smiling towards me as though he accomplished something. 

"You are so annoying, Jared." I rolled my eyes at him, but a smile was coming through. I couldn't help but to internally laugh at his obviousness. 

"So where are we going?" He said as he held the front door open for me. 

"Benos."

_________________________________________

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