The 10 Steps To Tame The Nerd

The day of the New Year Ball had finally arrived, and Maya woke up with a sense of excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. It was going to be a magical night—she could feel it. She had spent weeks planning every detail, from her outfit to her hairstyle, imagining how perfect everything would be.

Her emerald green dress hung on the door of her closet, shimmering in the soft morning light. It was a masterpiece of elegance, hugging her figure in all the right places and flaring out slightly at the bottom. Maya had picked it out specifically because it complemented her golden brown hair and hazel eyes, making her feel radiant and confident.

She picked up her phone, eager to share her excitement with Vic. Quickly, she typed a message:

"Good morning! Can't wait to see you tonight <3. Let me know what time you're picking me up!"

She hit send and smiled to herself, imagining how handsome Vic would look in his tuxedo. He always knew how to turn heads, and Maya couldn't wait to stand by his side as the most envied couple at the ball.

Minutes passed, then half an hour, but there was no reply. Maya checked her phone again, her excitement dimming slightly. He's probably busy, she thought. Vic was always a little careless about texting back, but she had learned to accept it. Still, as the hours ticked by, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease.

By midday, Sally and Anna arrived at Maya's house, their arms full of makeup bags and curling irons. The three friends had decided to get ready together, and their chatter filled the house as they spread out in Maya's room.

Sally wore a sleek red dress that accentuated her blonde curls, while Anna had chosen a silver gown that shimmered with every step she took. They both looked stunning, and Maya felt a swell of pride as she joined them in front of the mirror.

"You look amazing, Maya," Anna said, adjusting an earring. "Vic is going to lose his mind when he sees you."

Maya smiled, though her stomach fluttered nervously. "I hope so," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She glanced at her phone again, but the screen remained stubbornly blank.

By the time the girls were ready, the sun had begun to set, casting a warm golden glow over the front yard. The doorbell rang, and Sally and Anna's boyfriends arrived, each carrying corsages to match their dates' dresses. The couples exchanged small gifts and posed for pictures, their laughter filling the air.

Maya smiled for the camera, doing her best to look cheerful despite the empty space beside her. The absence of Vic's tuxedo-clad figure was glaring, but she told herself he'd show up soon. He had to.

"Where's Vic?" Anna asked as they climbed into the waiting limo.

Maya forced a smile. "He's running late," she said, hoping her voice sounded more confident than she felt.

Anna's boyfriend, Mark, glanced at Sally's date, Jason. The boys exchanged an uncomfortable look before Mark spoke up.

"Uh, Maya," he began hesitantly, "Vic told us he wasn't coming tonight. Said he had other plans."

Maya's heart sank. "Other plans?" she repeated, her voice barely audible.

Jason nodded awkwardly. "Yeah. He said the New Year Ball isn't really his thing."

For a moment, Maya felt like the world had stopped spinning. She stared at them, her mind racing as she tried to process their words. How could Vic not come? He'd promised her weeks ago.

But instead of letting her emotions show, Maya plastered on a bright smile. "Oh, that's fine," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "I kind of figured he might bail. He's not into stuff like this."

Sally and Anna exchanged worried glances, but Maya held her head high, determined not to let her disappointment show. "Let's just go," she said, her voice steady. "We don't want to miss the fun."

The limo ride to the venue was filled with laughter and excitement. Sally and Anna snapped selfies with their dates, their voices bubbling with anticipation. Maya joined in, laughing at their jokes and smiling for the camera, but her heart wasn't in it. She stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past, trying to push the lump in her throat down.

When they arrived at the venue, the sight before them was breathtaking. The grand ballroom was adorned with glittering chandeliers, their crystal facets casting rainbows across the walls. Elegant decorations in gold and white transformed the space into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and a snowflake-patterned dance floor.

Maya took a deep breath, letting the beauty of the scene wash over her. For a moment, she felt her disappointment melt away. She had dreamed of this night for so long, and she wasn't going to let anything ruin it.

She danced with her friends, laughing and spinning under the chandeliers. The music was lively, the atmosphere electric. But as the hours passed, Maya couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place. Every couple she saw seemed to remind her of the glaring absence at her side.

Eventually, the weight of it all became too much. Excusing herself, she slipped away to the bathroom.

Once inside, she locked the door and leaned against the sink, her chest heaving as she tried to hold back the tears. But they came anyway, spilling down her cheeks and streaking her carefully applied makeup.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her hazel eyes glistening with tears. "Get it together, Maya," she whispered to herself. "You're better than this."

She rummaged through her clutch, pulling out a tissue to dab at her face. Slowly, she reapplied her mascara and lipstick, determined to look as composed as she had when she arrived.

When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, her head held high, she overheard voices coming from the hallway.

"Vic?" one of the voices said. It was Mark, talking into his phone.

"Yeah, she's here," Mark continued. "She seems fine, though. Guess she didn't expect you to come anyway."

Maya froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She pressed herself against the wall, straining to hear.

"Man, you're missing out," Jason's voice chimed in. "She looks amazing tonight. Like, crazy amazing."

Vic's reply was muffled, but Maya didn't need to hear the exact words to understand the tone. He didn't care.

Tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time, they were accompanied by a surge of anger. How could he be so cruel?

She turned and walked back into the ballroom, determined not to let Vic's absence define her night. But deep down, a seed of doubt had been planted—a question she couldn't ignore.

Was she really just a convenience to him.