Head Over Boots

15. Friends Don't

"Shh, don't wake them," I hear someone whisper in my groggy stat as I curl further into the warm pillow below my head.

"But they look so cute!" I hear someone else whine along with the click of a camera.

"I don't know how they can deny that something is going on between them," I hear a voice again, this time I can tell it is female.

"Go away," I hear my pillow groan in a deep voice as arms tighten around me. "Are they gone?" he whispers in my ear as I peek one eye open, I'm met with Nate's rugged face and I scan the room quickly before closing my eyes again.

"Mhmm," I mumble, closing my eyes.

"Good," he mutters, pulling me closer to him as we drift back to sleep.

----

When I awake on the couch again I'm alone with an actual pillow, not Nate, under my head and the soft tartan blanket covering me. I fold the blanket up on the end of the couch before heading to where I can hear voices in the kitchen. Surprisingly Mom is stood in there with a cup of coffee, joined by Nate, Rachelle, Jane and Jenny.

"Morning," I greet them as Jenny runs over and hugs me around my waist.

"Morning sweetheart, coffee?" my mom offers.

"No thanks." I take a seat with them at the breakfast bar, next to Nate as Jen climbs onto his lap. "No offence Mom, but why are you here?" I definitely didn't expect to see her until at least the middle of the summer, if not the last few weeks.

"Oh I dragged her out," Jane laughs lightly, "We have to plan the final details for the dance that's coming up next Saturday."

"And that's why I'm here," Rachelle interrupts, "I need to buy a dress and thought I'd see if you wanted to get yours at the same time?"

"Um, what dance?" I look around at everyone.

"We hold a dance every year to raise money for the community centre, everyone goes and it's a great night," Jane explains, eyes full of excitement.

"Sure sounds cool," I reply, "Has anyone seen dumb and dumber yet?"

"I sent them to get ready," Nate pipes up, "Jesse and I are going to take them to the field to practice and if they aren't regretting their choices yet they will be soon." He smiles evilly as we shake our head at him. To be fair it's exactly what they need to realise that actions have consequences.

"Hey Chelle, Hot Chick," Bently nods at us as he enters, followed by Charlie.

"Is Luke home?" My brother asks hesitantly. They both look like death warmed up.

"No, but I'd get your ass outta here before he does," I look at him sternly.

"Yep, let's go, Jess is meeting us at the field." Nate stands up, putting Jenny on my lap before kissing her on the cheek, "Later squirt," he tells her. "Bye everyone," he quickly bends to kiss my cheek before walking out. I hide my face in Jenny's hair to block my burning cheeks from everyone else.

"And you think there's nothing going on between you," Rachelle rolls her eyes as Jane pulls her mug up to her lips to hide her smile.

"I'm going to get ready," I change the subject as I stand and leave the kitchen. Hearing them whispering mine and Nate's names as I leave, I smile secretly, there's something going on. I'm not sure what something it is yet, I just know that I think I like it.

--

"Where are we going?" I ask as I reenter the kitchen.

"There is a gorgeous little boutique in town. All the dresses are so individual. The others have already got their dresses so it's just us, and I need to get Jess a tie," She stands up, putting her coffee mug in the sink. "Thank you for the drink Emma," she smiles over at my mom, pulling Jane into a quick hug.