Go out there and explore!

Laura

I was mad with anger as I walked out and straight into my room. Jackson intentionally taunted me… Does he know I’m attracted to him? - that’s the only reason why he could have taunted me like that. 

Urgggghhh!!! I heaved a deep breath as I crashed in my bed. 

I replayed the whole scene in my head again and I felt so embarrassed. A million and one ways, and I chose the only embarrassing one. 

“How can I face him now?” I grabbed the pillow and dipped my face in it. 

Maybe if I stifle myself, I wouldn’t have to worry about all this. 

My phone rang just then and Laurette’s face lit up my screen. 

“Oh my goodness, Laurey… I’m so happy you called. I really need you right now.” I let out. 

“Ohh really? What would you do without your twin sister then?”

“Nothing, absolutely nothing!!” She exclaimed and we both burst into laughter. 

Laurette is my twin sister and we’re opppsites. We look really alike but have different personalities. Laurette is an extrovert, and believes in exploring new and wild things. She was even the one who motivated me to pursue my art career even though it meant leaving her and our parents. 

I refused at first since we had never been separated, but after much convincing, I agreed, moved into a new city for college, and started my life afresh…

“So what’s the issue? What’s got you worked up? Tell the queen, she might have the solution you need.” She let out while I chuckled. You just can’t be in a bad mood around her, she has a strong energy that has a way of turning the mood.

“Remember the man I met at the hotel on my sixteenth birthday?”

“Ofcourse, your crush? Your older man love?”

“He’s Arlene’s dad. My crush is my best friend’s dad!” I exclaimed and I could hear Laurey’s gasps.

“Laura… you’re a wildie! I never knew you had it in you. I love this, so tell me, did you approach him?” She quizzed while I curved my mouth in a frown. 

“What? Hell no? I can’t ever do that! Why would I approach a man? An older man at that!” I exclaimed again and knowing her well, she probably just rolled her eyes. 

“You need to start living, Laura. We only live once, so you need to enjoy yourself because if you don’t do that now, in a few years, you’d start to regret it.”

“If you still want that man, walk up to him and tell him.” Laurey let out.

“Well, we did have a little intimate talk this evening and trust me, I haven’t felt so little and embarrassed my entire life. Jackson made me realize I could never have him and that he doesn’t feel the same way about me.” I replied pitifully.

“Is that why you were worked up? Never tie your happiness around a man, if he doesn’t want you, his loss. There are a thousand and one men out there who would literally kill to be with you. They would gladly get into the toughest of competitions just to win your heart and claim you.” 

“Jackson’s opinion doesn’t count or define you.” She retorted firmly while I took another deep breath.

“But I can’t stop thinking about him. I’ve tried but I eventually end up on him.” I complained. 

“Then get a cute boyfriend. I’m sure you have a lot trying to get your attention at the moment, give one of them a chance. Let loose with him and in no time, Jackson would be old history.” Laurette was firmer, and I found myself thinking about what she said. 

“I’m not sure that’s what I need, but there’s no harm in trying.” I affirmed. 

“That’s my girl! Get out there, have fun and enjoy!” She exclaimed while I chuckled lightly.

We talked about other things before finally calling it a night. 

Immediately I dropped my phone, I slowly slipped into my thoughts. The more I weighed Laurette’s advice, the more it seemed okay. 

“Even if I would do that, who would I do it with?” I thought to myself again. 

I was still at this when my phone started ringing again. It was Andrew. 

“How are you doing? I’ve been trying to reach you since morning but it has been unreachable. I thought to try again before I go to bed.” Andrew let out and I could tell he was happy from the way the words sounded.

Hearing his voice made me remember it all again, how Arlene had hooked me up with him. It was a sweet gestures from her but I wasn’t interested. My heart was somewhere else, but he was a welcome distraction, just like now. 

“Ohhhh, I’m sorry about that. I think my phone was off at a point.” I chimed in.

“It’s fine. I called to check up on you and also to ask if you would be available tomorrow. I would like to take you to dinner.” I curved my mouth again. 

“Are you asking me out on a date?” I quizzed.

“I know you said you’re not interested in anything but this is a friendly date. I just want to give you a treat. That’s all.” He affirmed. 

I wanted to say no but then I reminded Jackson. How he had taunted me and I was soaked in embarrassment.

“Alright then. I would love to. Let me know when and where.” I replied.

“The when is six in the evening, but the where is a surprise. Just be ready by then and I would pick you up.” He chimed in. 

I nodded as if he could see me and then hung up. 

Another welcome distraction. Atleast I wouldn’t be battling with Jackson’s thoughts all through the day. Now I have a date to look forward too. 

But do I really want to go on a date with Andrew? 

I thought to myself as I slowly curled into my bed and pulled the cover over my head.