White Lies | All American

eight

Haiden adjusted her black, fitting dress, waiting on the others so they could go to the dance. Coop bothered the teen, continuously putting her hand on her butt.

"Don't you have a girlfriend?" Haiden questioned.

"Hm?" She hummed, smirking.

"Somebody get that?" Billy announced, hearing a knock at the door.

"What's up, Spence?" Chris said, entering the house.

Their attention diverted to the stairs as Liv came down.

"Hey." She softly spoke to Chris.

"You look hot." Haiden said causing the younger Baker to smile.

"Olivia, are you serious?" Jordan asked, almost glaring at Chris.

"Last time I checked, I don't need to run my dates by you."

"Okay, everybody, let's get together. Let's take this photo, quick, quick, quick." Billy said, glancing at the time.

"Who's ready to turn up?" Asher spoke as he and Layla came through the door.

The group gathered together for the picture, Haiden noticing Spencer  hurtfully stare at Layla and Asher; Layla avoiding his stare.

"You know, maybe don't stress out over a girl who'd cheat on her boyfriend with you and then avoid you." She whispered to him.

"Alright, humor me." Billy spoke then smiled.

"What?" Spencer asked, looking at the senior.

"Smile." She said, looking towards the camera.

"1..2..and boom."

The flash illuminated the room before they broke apart and made their way to the dance.

Most enjoyed themselves but to Haiden, it was boring. The DJ played trash music and people were barely on the dance floor.

"How'd you know about me and Layla?" Spence asked, coming to her table.

He didn't know there was an audience that night. It wasn't her, though. Olivia had seen the two; sad over missing her chance, she spilled the beans to Haiden.

"It doesn't matter. You better hope Asher doesn't find out or he'll be your worst problem."

"Promise you won't say anything."

Before she could respond, Coop came over with Chris, pushing him by Spence's side. They'd been at odds since the game and she wasn't dealing with it anymore.

"Alright, enough. This is stupid, okay? We three kids from Crenshaw in this crazy ass room with these crazy ass rich people, dancing to some damn Diplo or whatever, I don't know. I can't enjoy myself because y'all fools keep shooting them Kobe and Shaq death stares instead of talking. Y'all gotta get it together, now. Hello." Coop lectured then hit Chris in the chest.

Chris gave her a look.

"Stop looking at me like I'm stupid. Figure it out while Haiden and I go dance."

"No." She told her.

"Come on. Show me that rich people got rhythm."

"That literally has nothing to do with rhythm but okay." Coop ignored her, grabbing her hand and pulling her to the dance floor.

The pair danced to a couple songs. It was filled with laughter due to Coop barely being able to dance and being scolded for inappropriately placing her hands.

"What's up Beverly!" Asher yelled into the mic onstage.

The music stopped, the students turning their attention to the drunk receiver.

"Allow me to introduce you all to the best damn football team in Southern California. Aaron Miller, mister strong safety himself, get up here. Make some noise, everybody." The boys ran up as he called them.

"And that beast, JJ, my boy. Best damn linebacker I've ever played with. And of course, the real MVP. Beverly's latest transfer, Spencer James."

The crowd cheered as the spotlight was placed on him.

"He's the best there is. Isn't that right, Layla? I mean, you did cheat on me with him so you would know."

The crowd muttered and gasped, looking at Layla and Spencer. Asher laughed, continuing.

"No, no, it's okay, really because technically I cheated first. Tell her, Olivia. Tell her, go on. Tell your bestfriend how we had sex way before Spencer showed up on the scene. Go ahead, tell her."

"Come with me!"

Billy sternly said, snatching the mic away from him and pulling him off the stage.

Arturo stood against the wall, keeping his eyes on Haiden. She hadn't noticed his presence due to the drama the others had her in.

She sighed, watching the teens leave the room as the DJ played music to cut the tension. She followed behind them, shortly after, with Arturo on her heels.

As the two entered the large hallway alone, he grabbed her arm, pulling her in one of the classrooms.

She gasped, swinging her fist which was caught by his hand.

"Woah, no need for violence, love."

"Let me go." She demanded.

"Or what?" He questioned, towering over her.

She stared at him, the boldness quickly disappearing.

"Huh? Or what? I didn't hear you." He smirked, tightly gripping her wrists.

"Please.." She whispered, wincing at the pain.

He stared at her, loving the view.

"Billy!" Laura shouted, rushing down the hall.
.

Arturo quickly covered Haiden's mouth to prevent her from screaming as Laura passed the classroom.

Her tears wet his hand as she screamed into his hand, kicking to get out of his hold.

"Shut your mouth!" He whispered.

He moved closer to the door, making sure the hallway was clear before letting her drop to the floor.

She sobbed, wiping her face as she quickly got up. He opened the door, gesturing for her to leave.

"Don't forget, that article is due or that's a D+, darling."

With those words, she rushed past him, sniffling.

"Mm.." He chuckled.