Zenon's Game Chapter 98

I blushed at his reference.

"Ok," Jake brought the conversation back on track, "You and my brother have history, I can see that. It doesn't mean I think it's going to last, but I can back off if you want me to."

"Great," Zenon answered, happy we wrapped this up quickly.

Is this really the way we had to have this conversation? I had wanted to thank Jake for being a gentleman. I wanted to ask for his friendship. I wanted to apologize for being a mess of emotions at times.

And then I remembered.

Do you have moments when you flip a switch and change moods?

That's what happened. I wish I was saintly in my behavior. But the reality is, that I'm not. I'm flawed and I can change my mind. I remembered that I actually did have bones to pick with each of them.

"Yes, I want you to back off," I confirmed, "But I also want to tell you something. Jake, I did not give you any cues before you kissed me that day. It was a surprise and honestly you shouldn't go around kissing people like that."

"I shouldn't have done that," Jake agreed, "I've regretted it ever since."

Both boys were suddenly on edge. They could tell that my tone of voice had changed.

"And Zenon, I hope you're not one of those guys who insult girls and then hooks up with them," I said, "Because that's how we started. I haven't forgotten the good moments we've shared since this summer, but I also can't forget how I felt when you first insulted me. You called me ugly, clumsy, crazy, a dying cat... and I have more respect for myself than to just forget it when you smile at me."

Though he had a nice smile.

The expression on his face was timeless. He was caught out - he's usually quick to reply with a smart a*s*s comment, but not this time. He couldn't twist reality. Those were words he had said to me, and that was the way he used to behave.

"I'm sorry, Candace," he apologized, "I never meant to make you feel bad and I should never have made fun of you like that. I was on a high horse, thinking the world revolved around me, when it really doesn't. I'm sorry."

An apology. I'd never heard him say it before, but it's always the first step.

"I know you haven't behaved like that in a while," I said, "but I need to be certain of it. I look around and I don't see many relationships that stand the test of time, so I want to be cautious."

The truth is, that I do believe he was different now. And I can accept an apology when someone knows they've been wrong. I won't stand for it again though.

"Thank you," I said, "I needed that.  And I believe you."

Jake began to back off. This moment was for me and Zenon.

Zenon started to walk towards me and said, "I'm looking forward to our date tomorrow. This isn't a fake-Jake-date. You and I are going out and it will be special."

"You keep saying that, Zenon, and it's just raising my expectations even further."

"Oh, don't you worry.  It'll be worth it," he smiled and pulled me into his arms to kiss me.

"Pick Zenon."

"No way. He is the ultimate player. He'll be done with her like she's flavor of the week at an ice cream shop."

I was sitting at LUCKY's table for lunch, feeling not so lucky about it.

Cynthia had convinced me to join, but I was already regretting it.

"Maybe Zenon can be loyal," Yoona said optimistically, eating lime jello, "He hasn't hooked up with anyone this semester."

"Yeah he has. He's hooked up with Jamie Griffith and Bianca Rodriguez; the two hottest girls in school. And he was dating a model over the summer," Khloe cast me a knowing look.

She had been a camp counselor this summer. The first girl I met when I arrived at Camp Beaver Hill.

I sat there, watching the girls debate my life around me. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I've already moved on from this subject. I was going to give Zenon a chance.  Despite the whole world and his entire reputation suggesting I do otherwise.

"Excuse me," I said, and took my tray to the cleaning station.

Away from all the opinions.  So many people have so many opinions about lives that aren't their own.

I set my tray among the others and paused.  I was nervous to be honest.  Nervous for my date with Zenon tomorrow and nervous for my night out with Bianca and her friends tonight.  This was new territory for me.  How do I know if I'm ready?

*Later that day*

Friday night and I was listening to the queen.  

Whitney Houston on loudspeaker.

We were going out tonight.

Party

Sleep

Repeat

That's not my motto, but it was hanging on Bianca's wall.

She and Oma were getting dressed in her bathroom, while I played around with the music. Other girls joined us. They were all friends of Bianca, though she called them her minions.

The smell of hair straightener and perfume mixed in the air. Clothes draped over the bed as they changed and squeezed into tight outfits. There were a lot of mirrors and fairie lights, as if the room was made for Instagram.

My sister would fit in here so much better than I ever could.   It was certainly awkward the Kelly Mathers was here.  Amy, one of Bianca's friends, had invited her.  

Axel was downstairs, watching TV with Bianca's dad while we got dressed.  He was joining us.