Chapter Thirty-three: Proposal

GRIFFIN'S POV

The halls of Applewood High were a lot livelier these days. Prom was just around the corner and everyone wanted to have the best "prom-posal." Personally, I thought it was a waste of money. Something sincere would certainly suffice if your date cared about you rather than something extravagant. They did the same thing when I was in high school. Everyone wanted to be the best and totally forgot about the point.

Still, it was all so amusing.

Especially the girls who demanded so much and were immediately disappointed by the heartfelt proposal. I was thankful I didn't have to endure it all. It was like a scene from a drama show. Something like a soap opera without the slapping and yelling. Well, not as much slapping and yelling.

Before I could walk into the lunch room, a hand latched onto my arm and began pulling me away. It took everything in me not to use my power to throw them down the hall in self-defense. It turned out to be Indie. The look of urgency in her eyes was alarming. For a moment, I worried if something had happened to Mackenzie again.

"Griffin, I need your help."

"Is Mackenzie okay?" Was the first thing I asked.

"Fine, but this is important. Kira and I have dates to prom. Kenzie, however, does not. You're the only one I trust to ask her. I know you two aren't dating, but-"

"Indie, I-"

"Please, Griffin. Prom is apparently supposed to be one of the best nights in a girl's life and I don't want her to feel like she's just there to support her friends. At some point in her life, prom was super important to Kenzie and I just want her to be happy. So, could you do me this one favor?"

It took a moment for me to respond. She had given me a lot to process. She wanted me to not only go to prom but to ask Mackenzie to be my date. I had to realize she had no idea about the circumstances that brought Mackenzie and I together, so she didn't know what she was asking.

Ryder, don't do it. You know what alcohol did to you last time. Keeping your distance as much as possible is the best option here.

I ignored the voice, considering Mackenzie. Knowing her, she would feel like the odd one out. Prom had a reputation of being a key element of someone's high school life. Mackenzie would've gone with Micah if I hadn't come along. She may not have been very happy, but she wouldn't be the only one without a date. It was my job to make sure this last year of hers was good. If this was how I had to do it, then so be it.

"Okay."

She smiled at me, "I owe you big time. Also, she's not super high maintenance, so you don't have to be over the top when asking her. Just keep who she is at heart in mind."

I silently nodded, thinking of everything Mackenzie had taught me. Everything that made her into the person she is today. I made sure to remember how much she hates her file. She thought it was insensitive, which was true.

The files were given are basically an outline of our client. It gives the actions, but not the purposes behind them. It was like a permanent record that tracks only your mistakes. Your problems. It's like a track record of your regrets and insecurities.

Lost in thought, I bumped into Mackenzie. She frowned at me, though I knew she was more concerned than upset. I quickly apologized and followed her to our next class. Even though she tried to keep me focused, I paid no attention to any of my afternoon classes.

Suddenly, I understood the stress behind wanting to have the best proposal. Not everyone wanted to show off. It was more about impressing your date. I thought of all the ways to ask her, but I couldn't quite decide on one. Mackenzie was an interesting person.

She wasn't picky about her interests. She was a walking contradiction. Nothing about her was too much of one thing. I decided doing something related to her personality was out of the question. I thought about everything she told me about her childhood.

"My tooth was really loose, and I was trying everything to get it out. Eventually, I fell off the monkey bars and it came out. I remember crying because I couldn't find it," She recalled the memory fondly. "That was the day Lindsay told me the tooth fairy doesn't exist and I cried even harder. But it wasn't all bad because my grandma yelled at her and took me out for ice cream."

You're smarter than this, Ryder.

What are you-

The dog. Remember how she named it.

Her grandma.

Bingo.

Suddenly, I knew exactly how I would ask her. I was going to need some help pulling it off though. I decided I wouldn't make it extravagant in the least bit. Realistically, all I was needed was paper and ribbon.

-*-

After a week, I finally had everything ready. It wasn't much, but I had to make sure what I did was perfect. Indie and Kira were keeping Mackenzie distracted and away from the house until I text them.

I carefully tied the note around Mufasa's neck with yellow ribbon. I thought the yellow was a nice touch considering it was her favorite color. I tied another note to her cow and set it on the couch in the living room. Once that was done, I stood back and admired my work. The small cards I used to write my notes had small Ferris wheels on them. Everything I did was carefully considered. Finally, I texted Indie and Kira and told them to bring her back.

The final touch was my favorite. It was the reason it took me a week to ask her. I wanted to make sure Mackenzie was happy with everything. I was determined to help her have a great Prom night. She truly deserved it.

She better love this because even I'm ready to say yes.

MACKENZIE'S POV

I was glad Kira and Indie were bringing me back home after a long day. I was tired of seeing prom-posals. They made me think about everything that happened and how much time I've wasted on Micah. I kept asking myself why I let myself go through that for two years. Why I lost my will to fight back.

Micah was overbearing and rude, but he isn't the real reason behind losing who I was. I think the truth is I became content with the idea of going off to college and escaping it all. I always thought going off to college would be a fresh start for me. No Micah and no reputation. That idea alone sent me into a spell of waiting.

Once that fantasy was ripped away from me, I realized the error in my ways. I always depended on tomorrow to make me happy. I never put effort into it. Griffin helped me realize tomorrow alone wouldn't be the reason I'd be happy. Especially since tomorrow was never promised.

We stopped outside my house and I felt a rush of excitement course through me. The sight of my home was like a breath of fresh air. Kira and Indie have been taking me to the mall every day for the past week. We looked at accessories for our outfits, final touches that would make our dresses that much better.

Personally, I wasn't all that excited for prom. As a freshman and sophomore, the thought of prom sent chills down my spine. The glitz and glam. Everything about it screamed perfection. It was the most important part of high school. Something that could potentially leave your mark on the school. It was always something I just knew I'd remember for the rest of my life

Now, it just seemed like another dance I was being dragged to. I'd much rather sit at home or do something more worthwhile. Though, I was happy to be there for my friends. I knew if I didn't go, they'd feel guilty. I didn't want that for them. I wanted them to have a memorable night. If that meant going and pretending to have a good time, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

"Mackenzie?" Kira tapped my shoulder. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, "Yeah. Just thinking."

Indie was drumming her fingers on the wheel, "I don't feel like going home. How about you, Kira?"

She shook her head, "Nope. Looks like we're hanging out here today."

I shrugged, "Fine by me."

They followed me inside. I opened the door and was immediately greeted by my dog. As I scratched his head, I noticed a small piece of paper tied around his neck. I frowned, untying it and removing it from Mufasa's neck.

"When'd you learn to write?" I flipped over the note to read it.

I still don't understand the concept of a superhero who can only fight from the water. It's like a hero who can only fight in the kitchen with utensils. -G

I rolled my eyes, smiling down at the note, "What do you two talk about when I'm not home, Mufasa?"

Mufasa simply trotted away, leaving me and the girls. I wandered around the living room, curious if he left any more notes. When I didn't find any, I strolled into the kitchen, wanting a snack. I could hear one out of the two of my friends following behind me. I immediately froze when I saw Garrison on the counter.

I frowned, marching over to my cow, "I told her not to touch my cow-"

I saw another note tied to the cow. I probably took it with too much excitement because I heard Kira giggle from behind me. That was when I noticed the small Ferris wheels on the edges of the paper.

Something's not right here...

You read my mind.

I am your mind, dumbass.

I rolled my eyes and finally read the note.

Also, your desk chair is missing. Trying to get rid of me so soon? I'm hurt, Mackenzie. -G

I hurried into my room, now focused on my missing chair. Surely someone didn't break into the house just to take my chair. If they did, it was someone I knew because there was no way that would happen. The first thing I spotted in my room was my chair and I raised an eyebrow, reading over the note again.

"What the..."

"Mackenzie," Griffin's voice was soft.

I peered up at him and felt my heart drop. The sight in front of me was truly something I would never forget. Griffin stood there holding up a sign I could tell he made himself. No one could draw quite like Griffin. He had drawn the view of the town from the Ferris wheel. It was perfect. The best part was the lights and this time, it wasn't because they lit up the town.

The lights spelled out "prom?" For a second, I tried to keep my cool. I didn't want to be the typical girl and freak out and jump on him. It took a lot of strength not to have a total freak out. He hardly wears colors, since they were too noticeable, but he had on the blue shirt I loved on him. One glance at his wrist, I saw the bracelet I got for him. He said wearing it all the time made him nervous that he'd lose it or ruin it.

The second I saw the small smile on his face, the dimple in his cheek sink in, I completely lost it. I took off toward him, almost knocking us both over with the force. I threw my arms around him, "Yes!"

He hugged me back with his free arm, "I was starting to get nervous there. You were quiet for a pretty long time."

I let out a chuckle, close to tears, "I was scared someone stole my chair."

He laughed. I could hear Kira and Indie swooning behind us, so I pulled away. I took a deep breath, more elated than I've been in a while. All sad thoughts had simmered away and all I could focus on was Griffin.

After a few seconds of gazing up at him, I finally forced myself to turn around, "Now that that's over, let's go grab something to eat. You two can make me walk around a mall for hours and not feed me, which is pretty rude if you ask me."

Indie rolled her eyes and called Bradley. Kira began texting someone, probably Julie. We all agreed to meet at the diner downtown. Indie and Kira took the front seats and Griffin and I sat in the back. My thoughts drifted back to the concept of prom. It didn't seem as bleak anymore.

You two are gonna be so cute!

That's actually pretty nice of you. Too nice actually...

I'm hoping he'll bring his little friend. He was very- ahem. Prom is going to be one hell of a night.

I shook my head and focused on the passing scenery. I could hear Indie and Kira discussing their plans after prom. I knew I should've joined the conversation, but I decided to sit it out. All I could think about was Griffin and Micah.

Griffin is the complete opposite of Micah. Even when I yell at Griffin for absolutely no reason, he continues to be calm and understanding. Even if he doesn't understand what I'm talking about, he continues to be calm. If he disagrees, he explains why and understands what I'm trying to say as well. Griffin could be considered the perfect gentleman.

And Micah's just a-

Even though Micah and I were a mistake, I knew he had his reasons. The way he treated me wasn't my fault. It was something that stemmed from his childhood. Though I may not understand it, there was a reason behind everything. Even so, there was no excuse for him physically assaulting me. However, those were demons he'd have to face on his own.

You really do like Griffin.

No. We're just friends.

If that's the case, why do you keep comparing him to your ex-boyfriend? Why not your brother or father? Why the last romantic interest you had and not just someone you respect?

When I didn't answer, she continued.

Mackenzie, it's okay to like him. Listen, I know I'm not the compassionate one, but it's okay to feel something for another guy. Even if you can't have him. You're so focused on leaving without regrets, but wouldn't hiding from your feelings count as one?

We can't happen.

It's up to you in the end, but I prefer not to die next to your regrets. I already have to deal with your childhood memories and those are annoying enough.

Even after the conversation ended, her words continued to ring in my ears. She was right, and I knew it. All this time, I ignored what I felt because it couldn't happen. It was time that I faced them and admitted them.

We arrived at the diner and walked in. I took a seat next to Griffin in the booth. Kira sat next to me and Julie slid in next to her. Indie and Bradley were on the other side of Griffin. We all talked and laughed, enjoying the rest of our night, though my mind was elsewhere.

I like Griffin.

I glanced at him. He was smiling and laughing with my friends. He glanced back at me, jokingly winking at me. He turned back to the group and carried on his conversation.

I really do.

//

Woo! Another chapter complete!  Lately, I've been writing during my lunch so I don't fall behind. Also, the next chapter is Prom and I haven't been to any REAL proms, so please don't hate me. Lastly, I start swimming Monday (PE is a mandatory credit to graduate so... yay...), so if I forget to upload, I'm so sorry! Thanks for reading and supporting this book. It means so much to me, you don't even know.

Tatty bye <3

EDIT: First of all, thank you all so much for 700+ reads!!! That is INSANE. It may not seem like much to many of you, but it means the world to me, so thank you. Secondly, for multiple reasons, I've decided to upload bi-weekly for a while. I'm writing a disclaimer, so I'll go into more detail there. For now, thanks for reading!