Gained and Lost
It was a Saturday morning and I laid in bed, waiting for something to give me the motivation to get up.
Then I heard a knock on the door. It's about dang time. We haven't talked in over a week, and I was going a little crazy having no human interaction.
I jumped up and opened the door, which meant a huge head rush. I put my finger up, holding my head.
"Okay. I'm good", I said, "Whats up?"
He smiled. "I know I should have asked you earlier, but I.... You know. Anyways, a friend of mine is getting married, and I'm the official wedding singer. He said I could bring someone. I was wondering if you'd.... I don't know.... Like to come with?"
I smiled. I was more happy that he was singing still, but also super happy that he invited me.
"Yeah! I'd love to! Tonight?"
He nodded. "I'll come get you at three."
I smiled and he walked back.
"Charlie", I called.
He looked back.
"Thanks for inviting me", I said.
He nodded and walked back into his apartment.
Okay. It was 12:45 now. Two-ish hours. Well, if I want to look good, better start now.
I sat down in front of my ground mirror and pulled out my huge makeup box.
My mom had bought it for me when I was fifteen, and I think id only used it twice so far.
I usually never wore makeup, the main reason being that I was too lazy to take it off.
I pulled out the endless supply of brushes and various makeup items.
I picked, rubbed, smoothed, applied, and brushed my face until I looked for once in my life, what I thought to be pretty.
I finished with a little mascara and lipstick.
It was 1:30 by that time. Then I started my hair.
I curled it, which took way longer than I thought. Then I pinned it in a half braided bun.
By that time, it was 2:15. But then I remembered something rather crucial. A dress.
I didn't have a single nice dress. At least, not for a wedding.
So I did what was a little risky. I grabbed my purse. And headed out.
I looked like a maniac. All dressed up nice on the top, but wearing pajamas.
I got many stares, but I didn't care. I walked into the mall and walked out within ten minutes, buying three dresses instead of one. What? They were on sale.
I drove back home as quickly as possible. It was 2:45.
Wow. I'm good. And I managed to keep myself looking nice.
I slipped on the pretty red dress that I had picked out. It was strapless and flowed down right below my knees.
Okay. I looked good. Just then, I heard a knock on the door. I took one last look in the mirror and opened it.
He stood there for a few seconds, just looking at me. Up and down. At my hair. At my face.
I blushed under his gaze.
"You.... You look... Nice", he choked, stuttering.
I was surprised. He wasn't one to spare compliments.
I blushed even harder. "Thanks", was all I said.
He was wearing a black tux and had his hair slicked back. It was a new look for him, one that I'd never seen.
"Wow. I thought you said you hated wearing tuxes", I said, as I grabbed his arm and we walked out.
"I do, sweetheart. But it's my job.", he said, flashing a smile at me.
"Oh yeah. Of course", I said ,nodding fast.
We arrived at his car. Not bad. I was relieved to see it wasn't the one. The one that he had when we..... Were kids.
"Nice", I said, as he opened the door for me.
"It's not mine. I'm just renting it until mine is fixed up."
I nodded. Why had he kept that car all these years? Was he unwilling to forget those memories? I think I'm way overthinking this. He probably just couldn't afford a new one.
"So... Still singing?" I asked.
He nodded. "Just couldn't help myself."
"I'm glad", I said.
He looked over at me.
"I'm glad that you didn't throw away your talent", I elaborated.
"Hey, darling. Don't get all mushy now", he said with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes.
We drove for about half an hour, chatting a little.
It was still hard to get used to not hating him. But we put the past behind us. At least I wanted to.
We stopped at a reception center. He got out and opened the door for me.
"I didn't know you were a gentleman. When did this happen?" I laughed.
He smiled and grabbed my arm, interlocking ours .
We walked in and a few people came to greet us.
One guy took a look at me and said something I couldn't believe.
"So, Charlie. Is this the girlfriend that you finally got?"
I looked at him, trying to warn him, as he nodded. "Yes, this is Joanna."
He saw the look in my eyes. He quickly excused us.
"Now listen, Joanna. I can explain", he said.
"Yes! Please do! Why does he think I'm your girlfriend?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Well, you see, I've been alone ever since I moved here. And every time I see these guys, they spend their while time bugging me about being single. And I can't take it anymore. So I brought a date."
My eyes flashed with pity and anger. So he only brought me here to satisfy his friends?
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.
"I knew you'd say no.", he said.
"So I'm only here to protect your reputation?" I asked.
He frowned. "Joanna, that's not what I meant. I really do want you and I to be friends again. And I would have invited you anyways. Please. Just This once? Please Jo."
I saw the pleading look in his eyes. I sighed. "Fine. But just This once."
He nodded and smiled. He grabbed my hand and led me back.
"Thanks", he whispered in my ear.
I know that he thought I dreaded the thought, but it wasn't just out of pity. Even if it was only for a few hours, I was his again. I still couldn't completely forgive him, but I couldn't pass up the chance to be with him Just for a little while. Being around him again had really screwed me up.
"So, This Is Jenna?"someone asked.
"No. This is my girl friend, Joanna", he said glancing at me.
I nodded and smiled. He intertwined our fingers. It made me flinch a little. I hadn't been in this position in three years.
"So, you ready?" I man came up to him and asked.
He nodded. He looked at me ,"Babe, I'll be back. We'll still have the chance to dance later."
I nodded and he leaned in and kissed my cheek. I turned tomato red. "Don't push it, bud", I warned.
He smiled mischievously. "Yes ma'am."
I blushed even harder as he walked away.
Some girls came up to me. "Wow. You guys are adorable."
I wanted to tell then the truth, but I just nodded. "Thanks".
"How long have you two been together?"
"Uhhhh..... Three weeks", I said.
"Wow. That man is smitten. Have you seen the way he looks at you?"they asked.
I blushed. I looked over and some men were talking to him. But he was looking at me. He quickly looked away once he caught my eyes.
I sighed. I silently hoped This was not part of the act.
"Yeah. He's a keeper", I said, gazing at him.
One of the girls shook my hand. "I'm Peyton".
I nodded. "Nice to meet you".
He grabbed my hand and pulled me. "Come sit with us".
They led me to their table and we sat down.
Charlie went up to the mic and Peyton nudged me. "I didn't knew he could sing".
I nodded. "He's amazing".
And as he opened his mouth and sang, it proved my words.
I was entranced by his soothing voice. I barely noticed hen Peyton whispered," Wow. He's really good".
I nodded absentmindedly. After about four songs, he got off stage and a dj took his place.
Some girl from our table tapped me. "Are you Charlie's girl?"
I nodded. "I guess you could say that."
She forced a smile. "I'm glad he found someone good for him".
And then she walked away.
I turned to Peyton. "What's with her and Charlie?"
Her eyes widened. "Diane? You don't know? Oh, well, about two years ago, they had a thing. And they both really liked each other. I thought they would last. But one day, she hit a touchy spot in his mind. And then it ended."
"What did she bring up?" I asked.
She shrugged. "She never told anyone."
I saw Diane walk up to Charlie, she said something that made his eyes fall. He hugged her tight. It was so weird. Why had he let her go?
Then He came over to me. "Would you like to dance, love?"
Man, this whole dating him thing was really gonna stain my cheeks red.
He grabbed my hand and we danced.
I saw Peyton heading for the door.
"Excuse me for a second", I told him.
I ran to her. "You leaving?"
She nodded.
"Aww. That stinks. Here, can i get your number?" I asked.
She nodded and we exchanged numbers.
I hugged her. "It was so nice meeting you."
I felt someone grab my hand. It was Charlie. "The last dance. Do you want to?"
I nodded and waved good bye to Peyton.
The last dance was a slow one. I wasn't really good at dancing, but I tried my best.
I saw him cringe.
"Sorry", I said noticing I had stepped on his feet.
I giggled a little.
He smiled. "So you do enjoy seeing me in pain?"
I smiled, but didn't answer.
"Joanna", he whispered.
I looked up. "Hmm?"
And before I could process what was going on, he placed his lips on mine.
For a minute, I was lost in this dream world. Then I woke up from it. I looked around as people smiled and pointed to us.
Then I remembered why I was here. And I felt used.
I pushed him back. "How could you? I thought you were better than this", I gasped, before running out.
"Joanna", he started, but I wasn't listening.
I ran outside. I saw Peyton pulling out.
I quickly ran and got her attention. She rolled down her window.
"Can you give me a ride?" I asked.
She nodded and I got in.
I couldn't describe my feelings at that moment. I felt embarrassed, used and disappointed. How could I have been so stupid? I should have known he would do something like that.
He had gained and lost me in less than a few hours.
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