Hidden Within

36 | won't last

School becomes more dreadful as homecoming approaches.

Locker breaks between classes turn the hallways into the likes of New York City sidewalks, packed with spectators as proposals for the dance strike up. Boys hold up posters, asking girls to join them as their date to the dance. Groups crowd around to watch the ordeal, whipping out their phones to record and post the event on SnapChat.

I can't resist rolling my eyes when Delaney is asked to the dance by Beau Ackerman, her on-again off-again boyfriend whom she originally started going out with because his father is loaded. Of course, Delaney makes a big deal about Beau's half-assed poster he presents to her in the middle of the hallway, alongside a wilted bouquet. Delaney shrieks her response (which is yes, of course) loud enough to give me a headache.

I'm not looking forward to homecoming, still uncertain as to whether or not I'll even attend. If I were still friends with Delaney, not going would be out of the question. She had always been big on our group creating a social reputation. It's nice to now have the freedom to decide for myself if I want to do something or not.

However, I find myself having second thoughts about not going to homecoming during lunch period as I listen to my friends' conversation.

"Do you guys know what you're wearing to homecoming?" Mason asks between bites of a banana. "I can't decide between a dress, a power suit, or a two-piece."

Kai wrinkles his nose and sets down his sandwich to respond. "Do we have to dress up? Because I really don't want—"

"Yes you have to dress up, you big oaf," Mason retorts. She shoots Kai a glare that instantly shuts him up, and would probably send me running to the bathroom crying if it'd been directed at me.

"I'd go with the suit," Clover says. "That's what I'm wearing."

"I was leaning more towards the two-piece," Mason admits. "I guess I'll have to think about it."

"So . . . you're all going to homecoming?" I question. I don't know why this leaves me so stunned.

"Duh!" Mason exclaims. "Why?"

"Were you not planning to go . . .?"

I turn to face Devon once she's asked the question. I can't tell if I'm imagining things or if she really looks disappointed at the thought of me deciding not to go to the dance.

"I wasn't sure," I admit.

"You have to go!" Mason cries, eyes wide as she gazes at me from across the table. "It's going to be so much fun! Plus, the rest of us would totally miss you if you stayed home."

Eager to change the subject and remove myself from the spotlight, I ask, "Who are you all going with?"

"I'm bringing Marigold," Mason tells us. "Her homecoming is the week after, so she's taking me to hers too!"

"I'm going with a friend," Clover says casually. "She's in my art class. Her name is Luna. She's pretty cool."

"I know what that means," Mason teases. "Someone's in love."

Though Clover doesn't respond, her cheeks do tinge a shade of pink.

"I'm not sure yet," Kai admits. "I basically only hang out with you guys . . . so."

"Very funny." Mason shoves Kai. "You know Stella in our physics class has a huge crush on you."

"Yeah, well . . ." Kai shrugs. "I don't know."

"What about you?" I turn to face Devon. "Who's the lucky girl you're taking?"

Devon's eyes glitter mischievously as she gazes at me. "I dunno," she mutters with a secret smile. "I haven't decided yet."

I bite back a grin. "Because there are just so many girls dying to be your date, right?"

"You'd be surprised, actually," Devon plays along. "I might have this one girl in mind. I'll let you know when I come to a decision."

"You do that," I retort.

As lunch period comes to an end, our group breaks apart to head to our respective classes. A sinking feeling sets into my bones as I leave my locker and make my way to third period. A small voice in the back of my mind whispers that something is wrong. I haven't been this happy in forever.

Which has to mean the happiness won't last.

___

a/n: drama may or may not be about to take place 👀