Saturday came and the group of friends all go to the mall. Carter, Maria, and Samantha head to a dress store to look for Homecoming dresses since it was coming up soon. Erick, Liam, and Charlie all go to pick up their football cleats.
Once the girls enter the dress store, Maria and Samantha immediately start going through the dress racks, meanwhile, Carter just kinda hangs back, looking at random things around the store.
"So, I've been thinking a lot lately." Maria says as she's in her dressing room, trying on a dress.
Samantha is in the fitting room next to hers and Carter sits on the bench on the other side of the doors.
"About?" Samantha asks
"About Charlie." Maria says
Carter's eyes dart from her hands to the ground at the mention of Charlie's name.
"He's been very flirty lately, and Liam said he's' been talking about me." Maria says
"OMG! He likes you!" Samantha squeals
"Do you like him?" Carter asks in an even tone.
Maria and Samantha step out in their dresses to take a look in the mirror.
"I do. I just never thought much of it, yanno? We've been best friends for so long. What do you guys think I should do?" Maria asks
"You should go for it." Carter says, not looking up.
"Really? You don't think it'll be awkward?" Maria asks
"Are you kidding? You guys would make the perfect couple. Head cheerleader and athlete star?! Goals!" Samantha shakes Maria by the shoulders.
"Yeah, perfect." Carter says, putting on a fake smile. She should be happy for her friends, but she's hurt because she too has feelings for Charlie. She has for a very long time.
"Ugh, I don't like this one. I'm trying on a different one." Samantha says, looking at herself in the mirror.
"I'm going to pick up a book that I've had my eye on." Carter says, getting up.
"Wait, we can come with you." Maria suggests
"No, that's okay. You guys need to find your dresses. Homecoming's coming up in a few weeks." Carter says
"How come you aren't trying on dresses?" Samantha asks Carter
"You're going, and that's not a question." Maria says
"I have a dress." Carter says
"Fine. Alright, catch you in a bit." Maria says, and she and Samantha return to their dressing rooms to try on some more dresses.
Carter goes to the bookstore to get her book and instead of going back to find her friends, she goes to the food court and finds an empty booth in the back corner. She curls up with her book and headphones while she waits.
***
Half an hour later, Charlie, Erick, and Liam find Carter in the booth, Liam slides in next to her.
"Where are the other two?" Erick asks
"They were trying on dresses. I wasn't feeling it so I went and got this book." Carter says, setting her book on the table.
"Always got that nose in a book, huh?" Liam pulls Carter in to wrap his arms around her.
"What can I say? Sometimes fiction is better than reality." she smiles
"So, do you have a date for homecoming yet?" Liam asks her
"Uhm... no." Carter looks down
"Why not?" Erick asks
"Do you?" she asks Erick
"Yes! Even Liam does." Erick says
"And he is-" *does a chef's kiss*, "gorgeous." Liam says
"How about you?" Carter asks Charlie
"Oh, I was going to ask Maria." Charlie says
"Oh, cool." Carter says, the pain in her chest coming back, harder this time.
"And Sammy's got a date too." Liam says
"How about we set you up with someone? Someone on the team?" Erick suggests
"No thanks! I'm okay going alone." Carter says
"Fine, but when you're all alone during all the slow songs, I don't want to see you moping." Liam laughs
"No promises." she smirks
Maria and Samantha finally join them, garment bags in hand.
"Sorry, we just had so many options." Samantha said
"About time, I'm starving." Erick says
"Let's go get something to eat." Maria says
"Actually, can you hang back a sec?" Charlie says to Maria, his hand resting on her arm, "You guys go on ahead." he says to the others.
"Sure!" Maria gleams
Carter silently slides out from the booth and follows the others. She's walking away when she hears Maria shout,
"Yes, of course!"
Carter turns around and sees Maria and Charlie hugging. Assuming he just asked her to homecoming. Before anyone notices Carter staring, she continues to move towards the food stands, shoving down her emotions.
YOU ARE READING
We Go On
General FictionAlmost everybody in the world has gone through some pretty tough times in their life. People have different ways of coping; whether it be seeking professional help, turning to friends and family, or they simply go on, living their lives under a cons...
