Chapter 11: Date pt 1

Billie POV

I slowly got up from bed as the alarm went off, ringing loudly enough to almost burst my eardrums. I reached out and pressed the button to silence it.

I leaped out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom for my early morning visit. After a few minutes, I came out only to hear something that nearly made me want to throw up.

“Oh God, Ann, what are you doing here so early?” Mom's voice echoed from downstairs. My ears pricked up. I must be dreaming, I thought.

“I came to pick Billie up for school. Since we have a project to work on today, I had to get her early,” Ann's cooing voice was instantly recognizable. What the hell is she doing here? I couldn't believe it. She had come to pick me up? The last time I checked, I didn't have any project with her. It was a blatant lie. Why was she here? I needed to find out.

Mom's voice sounded again, and then I heard the front door creak open and close. I knew Ann had entered and that Mom was busy giving her directions to my room. I just hoped she wouldn't barge into Blake's room.

Suddenly, there was a knock at my door, and before I could respond, it swung open. Ann stood in the doorway, her eyes glaring down at me. Surprised by my morning look, I knew I must look messy and unkempt. My hair always had a wild, straw-like appearance when I first woke up. My face didn’t look like me, and the clothes I wore were always disheveled. I felt embarrassed as Ann stepped inside and took a minute to look around my room. She smiled at how neat it was, anyway: my big bed, the study table at the end of the room, my closet, and my Taylor Swift poster.

“Well, I didn't know you were a fan of this beauty,” Ann said as she ran her hand over the poster of Taylor Swift. “She is cute, beautiful, and classy. I love her charm; it always draws everyone in. Anyway, I somehow wish to be like her someday.” I knew I sounded foolish. How could I ever be like her? I looked over at myself. I was overweight and had an ugly birthmark on my face. “I can't be like her.”

Ann turned to face me. She hadn’t heard me say that before, and it was new to her. But I guessed she thought I was silly for wanting to be like Taylor Swift. However, the look in her eyes suggested otherwise, and before she could say anything, I broke the silence.

“I think we are running late; I’m going to go get ready,” I said, and she smiled, holding back whatever she was about to say.

I rushed into the bathroom, grabbed my toothbrush from the stand, added toothpaste, and quickly brushed my teeth. I didn’t want to keep Ann waiting. Oh no—I hadn’t sorted out my clothes yet. I opened the shower, took a sponge, and scrubbed my body until I was done. I wrapped a towel around myself and rushed outside, only to find that Ann had picked out a short gown for me that stopped at my knees.

“Oh God, Ann,” I said as I approached her. “I can't wear this…”

“Just wear it. I know you can,” she insisted. “But you have to, Billie. You just have to be yourself sometimes. And I would be glad if you did. Anyway, you said you wanted to be like Taylor.”

I wanted to yell at her—this isn't about being Taylor. I had never worn this gown since my grandmother bought it for me last year. Of course, Ann knew I didn't need it, but she insisted on buying it; she was just like Ann, telling me to be myself instead of hiding in oversized clothes. I wondered what was with the two of them—were they somehow connected?

“You are wearing it, then,” Ann concluded before I could reject it.

I had no choice but to wear it only for her. I looked at myself in the mirror. The gown was short and revealed my legs, making me feel awkward. It was tight but decently, accentuating all my unflattering shapes—unlike Blake's. Ann helped me tie my hair into a ponytail and assured me it looked good. I felt different but also ashamed.

The moment I stepped onto the landing of the stairs, I could feel my mom's eyes on me, taking in my every move as she stared in awe. “What in the name...” she began, walking toward me. I thought she might say something negative, and I wanted to wash it all away.

“It wasn't my idea; it was—” I started to explain, but Mom just hugged me. “It’s good; I love it, girl,” she said, beaming. “You look charming,” she added.

What? I couldn't believe it.

“Believe it, Billie,” Ann said, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. She guided me out the front door after saying goodbye to Mom. After I had a toast that she cooked for me, I realized Dad must have gone to work and Blake...

I tried not to think too much about my outfit as I remained quiet during the drive to school. The taxi was picking up speed faster than I had imagined. I prayed it would take a long time to reach the school, but I was wrong; the car parked in front of the high school in no time.

Ann paid the taxi fare while I sat in the back seat, reluctant to get out.

“Hey, come on, girl, you can't hide all day. Just come out,” she urged. When I didn’t respond, she grabbed my arms and pulled me outside.

I protested, but I stopped when the other students started staring at me the moment I stepped out. All eyes trailed my body, and I felt myself sinking into embarrassment.

This was it—the very thing I had dreaded all my life. I shot a deadpan look at Ann. What was she doing? I knew her showing up at my house for no reason that morning meant something, but I thought she just wanted to walk to school together. She had other plans in mind—first selecting my dress, and now… this.

She smiled and mouthed, “It’s okay.” She pulled my hand, and we walked into the school together, hand in hand, skipping steps. But once inside, the closed doors were worse; many intense stares came my way. They were threatening and piercing. I couldn’t ignore them, not even Ann, who was trying to play it cool until the last minute but was concerned.

I knew this was going to turn out worse. I just knew it.

Then came my worst nightmare—John walked up to us, his shirt hanging down over one shoulder and his hair brushed back. He was handsome, I guess that was one of the charms that Blake had fallen for.

“Hey,” he called as he stopped in front of us. “Glad to see you’re still okay,” he said in a mocking tone.

“Yes, she is well, thanks to what you said to her,” Ann crossed her arms.

John smirked. “Well, it wasn't me; it was what she fell for—being stupid. Anyway, what’s with the look, girl? Are you trying to seduce someone? Tell me who the lucky guy is.”

Oh my God. I just couldn't keep up with this. I had overstepped; I shouldn't have worn this dress for Ann's sake. I knew this would happen.

“Like you care, John! You broke her heart, so what’s your deal?” Ann shot back, tapping her arms.

I knew she was trying to defend me, but I’d had enough. If she continued to stand up for me, it would only get worse, and I would be mocked.

This just wasn't my lucky day.

“Hey Billie, Ann, glad you made it in time,” Nate's cool voice greeted us as he joined us in the hallway. The girls let out a huge “wow” that was impossible to miss. Of course, he looked handsome—his blue eyes and wavy hair that stretched to the back of his neck, with muscles rippling through his shirt. He looked like he was sculpted by God. He was even a little more attractive than John.

John made a face.

But I think Ann understood the situation and replied, “Oh yes, we are, Nate. Hi!” She said, clapping him on the forearm. I didn’t know when they had become this close.

Nate smiled even more. “So, Billie, are you ready for our date tonight?” I stared at him. What the hell? He was taking this too far. I thought he was just trying to put on a show for us to get through John, but he had not only made things worse with John but also made it impossible for me to move from that spot, as various girls had their eyes glued on me, glaring.

How could I be invited on a date by Nate? I wasn't even in his league. What had I done? Was Ann using dark magic? I could hear the girls gossiping. Even Ann, who seemed to be playing along earlier, stared open-mouthed.

I could tell she was just as shocked. John’s expression changed. He was watching with a curious look as if he thought I was lying.

Then he smirked. “As if you would ever have a date,” he said.

Nate turned to him. “Well, you see, she might have soon…” He glared at John. “So please, if you would excuse us.” He locked his arm with mine. “We've got an assignment to do and a date to plan.” He dragged me away, leaving John and the other girls behind. Ann, shocked at first, quickly followed us with a smile.

I kept my head down, trying to avoid their gazes. It was getting overwhelming. I held tightly to myself; I just couldn’t deal with this right now. Once we were out of their sight, Nate stopped and released my arm. Ann stepped in front of me.

“What the hell was that? Saying you’ve got a date with her? Don’t you know your lie made things worse? You only dug her grave!”

Nate stood relaxed as if nothing was wrong, and then I spoke up. “Thank you for helping me out, Nate, but you shouldn't have done that. It was…"

“And what if I said I want to go on a real date with you? Would you agree?” he asked. Ann chuckled, but her laughter soon faded when I realized he wasn’t joking.

“Nate…”

“It’s just a friendly date, Ann, nothing more. I owe you one. I just want to, and don’t you turn me down; it’s a request after saving you from your sister. You can repay me with a date. It’s set for eight o’clock. I’ll pick you up at your house. See you,” he said, cutting off any chance for me or Ann to respond, and walked off without looking back.

“What the hell was that?” Ann gasped. “What did he think—a date as a payback for saving you? He is unbelievable, just like the other boys!”

I stared at his broad back as he walked into one of the classrooms.

“Nate,” I whispered, repeating his name. He is unbelievable, as Ann said, but there’s something genuine about him. He seems to understand me, although he just moved here. It’s as if we’ve known each other for a long time. I can’t believe it. I know it was just a payback date as he requested. I have to repay him for what he did.

I just hope I’m making the right decision and not getting myself into trouble with the girls. Anyway, I’m already in trouble with that big, grumpy guy, John. My peaceful days are over.

Billie, this is hell.