Diary Of An Accidental Wallflower Seduction Diaries 1 Jennifer Mcquiston

Diary Of An Accidental Wallflower Seduction Diaries 1 Jennifer Mcquiston Diary of an Accidental Wallflower Seduction Diaries 1 Jennifer McQuiston Chapter 1 The Accidental Invitation Dear Diary Its official I Jennifer McQuiston the queen of awkwardness the master of blending into the background the girl whos happy with a good book and a cup of tea am going to a party A real party Not a family gathering party not a book club party not a forcedsmilingandmaking smalltalkwhileeatingtoomanyhorsdoeuvres party This is a party The kind with loud music questionable lighting and maybe even a dance floor The kind where you actually have to talk to people And most terrifyingly the kind where you might actually have to dance It all started with the email It popped up in my inbox like a surprise notification on a Saturday morning a bold splash of color in my otherwise predictable world The subject line was simple Youre Invited It was from Michael Michael the guy who sits across from me in Intro to Psychology Michael with the kind eyes and the charming smile Michael who according to my best friend Lily is a total catch Lily of course was the one who saw the email The same Lily who when I told her about my almostconversation with Michael in the library the other day shrieked Oh my God you have to talk to him Now here I am holding the email like its some sort of holy relic Ive reread it at least five times each time hoping the words will change Jennifer youre invited to a party at my place on Saturday night Its going to be a lot of fun and Id love for you to be there 2 Its all so unexpected Why me Why now Am I actually capable of navigating a party without hiding in the bathroom for an hour I know Lily will tell me Im being ridiculous but I cant help but feel a pang of fear What if I say the wrong thing What if I spill something on myself What if What if I actually have fun The thought is almost as terrifying as the party itself I look at my reflection in the mirror trying to figure out what to wear My usual jeans and t shirt Too casual A dress Too bold I sigh Im so out of my element This is not my world Maybe I should just tell Michael Im not coming But then I remember the sparkle in his eyes when he handed me a copy of my favorite authors new book I remember the way he listened when I nervously told him about my passion for vintage photography And I remember that feeling of butterflies in my stomach a feeling I havent had in a long time So I guess Im going Maybe just maybe I can be more than a wallflower Maybe just maybe this party can be the start of something different The party is on Saturday Dear Diary wish me luck Chapter 2 The Dress the Disaster and the Dance Dear Diary Its 730 pm on Saturday and Im standing in front of my closet paralyzed I know I should be excited I know this is a huge opportunity But all I can feel is anxiety I finally choose a dress that isnt too fancy but also isnt my usual hidinginthecrowd jeans and tshirt Its a pale blue flowy thing with a floral pattern I look at my reflection and sigh Its okay I guess As Im applying mascara Lily bursts through the door dressed in a shimmering silver dress 3 that makes her look like a disco ball You look amazing she exclaims grabbing my face and examining my makeup Jennifer you have to relax This is going to be so much fun I try to smile Im sure it looks like a grimace Relax How can I relax I ask my voice shaking slightly This is a party Im going to be surrounded by strangers who are probably all much cooler than me What if I say the wrong thing Lily rolls her eyes You wont Youre going to be amazing Youre smart funny and beautiful Just be yourself Her words are a soothing balm but the fear still lingers We arrive at Michaels apartment and the place is buzzing with people Im instantly overwhelmed by the noise the lights the unfamiliar faces I feel like Im about to be swallowed whole by a wave of party energy Lily bless her soul pushes me toward the center of the crowd Go talk to someone Jen she instructs winking before disappearing into the throng I try to make eye contact with someone anyone but everyone seems so busy laughing talking and dancing I feel a wave of panic rising Then I see Michael Hes standing by the drinks table talking to a group of people I take a deep breath and walk towards him Hey I say my voice a little shaky Michael turns a smile lighting up his face Jennifer So glad you could make it He introduces me to his friends all of whom are friendly and welcoming They ask me questions about my major my hobbies and even my favorite band which to my surprise is the same as Michaels The conversation flows surprisingly easily and I actually feel myself relaxing Its almost like Im having fun But then disaster strikes Just as Im laughing at a joke Michaels friend has told I feel something wet and sticky on my leg I look down and see a large red stain spreading across my dress I gasp in horror Oh my God I say my voice cracking I spilled something on myself 4 The party the laughter the friends all disappear All I can see is that red stain a symbol of my own clumsiness my own ineptitude Michael seeing my distress steps forward Dont worry he says his voice calm and reassuring Ill get you a napkin He returns with a stack of napkins and I start frantically dabbing at the stain Its not coming out Im mortified Its okay Michael says his hand gently touching my arm It happens Its just a dress Its not like its the end of the world Hes right Its just a dress But I cant help feeling like its a metaphor for something bigger Im a mess Im awkward Im a klutz Just when I think Im going to disappear into a hole of selfpity Michael does something unexpected He takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor Come on he says his eyes twinkling Lets dance Before I can protest he pulls me into a slow dance We move together his hand on my waist his other hand holding mine The music is soft and romantic and for a moment I forget about the stain the party everything Im just Jennifer and hes just Michael And it feels perfect Dear Diary this night has been a rollercoaster I spilled wine on my dress I danced with Michael and I realized that maybe just maybe Im not as bad at parties as I think I am To be continued