wrong number ; jack gilinsky

epilogue: part three

"well i'll miss you a bunch, i'll be all alone in this house" mom chuckled. "but you're the only one who can tell if you should go or not. going to stanford just for your boyfriend isn't the answer".

"so what is? i'm not ready to end things with jack".

"okay, well, first tell me what your plans are for nyu?".

i sat up more comfortably and crossed my legs on the bed, ready to spill everything.

"so i'm going to study english literature and get a part-time job somewhere in the city. i researched that coffee shops are the best place for students, then while studying i'll write my own books to be ahead of the game before graduating in four years".

i continued with a small hesitant hum, "then after that i'll hopefully get a job as a journalist before i make it as an author".

"so you pretty much have it all planned out from now to four years time?" she pointed out, making me suddenly realise too. "look, i know you dakota and i know that even though they scare you, you like to have surprises in your life. so, you just have to figure out which one will do that for you".

my mother kissed the top of my head after her words. i knew what she was talking about but i didn't want to dwell on that now, i didn't want to think about one of the biggest decisions of my life right now.

she eventually walked out of my room, leaving me to enjoy my birthday breakfast and watch some tv.

+

i was checking my outfit for my party in the mirror one last time, ensuring that i made the right decision on it before i left.

jonah, kelsey, seriyah and adrianna helped pick it out - it was just the black lace bralette that was making me question whether i was comfortable in it or not.

"dakota, let's go!" liam's voice called from downstairs. "we'll get there and the party will be over".

i finally walked down the staircase, furrowing my brows, "look who's all excited to go to a party for once".

"i decline every invite you give me to those jock parties, but it's your birthday so i'm making an exception" he told.

"how do i look?" i asked as i reached him.

"amazing".

i exhaled with relief, "thanks. okay, let's go before my mom wants to take pictures like prom night".

as we reached liam's car, i glanced over at jack's house to see if his bedroom light was on. it's been two days since we spoke and regardless of what i said, i miss him and want to celebrate my birthday alongside my boyfriend.

"give me two seconds" i said to liam.

"dakota," he dropped his shoulders, leaning against the car door, "jonah will kill me if we're even a second later".

"i know, there's just something i have to do" i backed away from him and gave him a brief thumbs up to assure that i'll be quick.

i made my way to jack's house and knocked on the door before it was opened by his father.

"hi david, i'm sorry to knock on the door so late" i began.