Caught in the Middle

Chapter 4 Part 3

Considering what had just happened, Finn and I had decided that turning up to their friends party may dissapate some of the tensions that had just been caused... but my mind had only kept wanting to return to thoughts of Finn...
Daydreaming in class I hadn't notice Tess's eyes stuck to me. Literally glued to my face from three seats away. She had arrived to school late and ended up taking what seat she could. But I could assume by reading her face, she had been desparate to ask me something. She tries mouthing something, I can't quite read. Her eyes widen in frustration, and she pouts as she looks away. She shifts in her chair, before sliding out her phone from her pocket and tapping away at it, keeping it hidden under the table on her lap. I feel as my phone vibrates in the pocket of my jeans, and I instantly know she has sent me a message. The teacher's back is to us as she writes upon the board, and so I use the opportunity to sneak my phone out and check Tess's text.

Tess: YOU ARE DATING FINN and you never told me!! >:/

I take a quick glance her way before typing back... and she does appear pretty furious...

Me: But we aren't really dating! It's ALL fake.

Then I suddenly realise I left out one very important bit of information and rapidly type away, glancing at her quickly and seeing the confusion on her face before she receives my next message...

Me: YOU CANT TELL ANYONE WE NOT REALLY DATING!

When my eyes return to meet hers again, her face is all squinty, looking at me suspiciously, watching me quizzically.

Tess: ???

Me: It's a long story I will tell later.

Tess: Tell me now!!!

Me: No

Tess: I over heard some girls say your going to some party tonight? Can I come?

Me: Sure. I will ask Finn. Im unsure why he doesnt want me at this party, but Troy is determined I go.

She doesnt reply then. When I look at her she looks slightly off. Alittle pale in colour even. Like my text had put her off. It's not like her to not reply. What was wrong? What had made her react this way? Tess is use to parties. She is one that goes to many. From cousins parties to some party she got invited by some random kid at school, to the party held by a popular kid. Everyone knew she loved to party on most weekends even. So what could have made her seem so off so quickly. Had she known something I hadnt? And still wonder why she had not text me back? I wait eagerly for the bell, and without a moment hesitation, instantly scramble to my feet, pulling back my chair, rushing over quickly to meet her. She watches me from the side of her eyes as she goes about packing her things up slowly into her bag. Her eyes then dart to me curiously as I stand there.
"So your going to Tyler's party?" She groans in a hushed whisper, trying not to draw attention of some curious classmates passing past. I shrug my shoulders, seriously confused.
"Who?"
"You shouldn't go!" She exclaims, the words ringing in my ears. I'm gazing at her all confused and exasperated... "Bail now, Gab. While you can."
"Tess I'm not following!" I exclaim to her urgently. What the hell?
"I've heard some terrible things about his parties. That is why I would never myself go."
She swings her bag over her shoulder and starts to walk to the door. I follow closely behind, not leaving a gap between us.
"Like what sort of things?!"
She turns to me suddenly, looking me directly and firmly in the eyes. She watches me for a few seconds, determining how I could react.
"Like they will usually get the newbies so drunk they won't even remember a thing. Then the next day your picture gets postered all over their socials. They play dumb dare games. And if your too 'chicken' to do their dare you take a drink. Until, that is, your passing out all over the floor or you become 'famous' on social media."
Fuck.
"How do I get of going Tess?!"
"Just don't go."
"I can't do that! They will attack my brother!"
Tess turns to me again, then holds my shoulders.
"Shit. Ok." She says as she thinks. Humming to herself, she's trying to come up with an answer. Then her eyes snap back to me.
"But Finn will be there right?" She questions. I nod my head, watching her, hoping she would come up with a solution. "If I go, you will have two people to watch you."
"But..." I breath. "They will also do the same to you, Tess. I cant let that happen."
At that instant I feel a hand on my shoulder, startling me. I instantly turn to find Finn standing there, one hand in his pocket, the other on my shoulder.
"You ok? You look like you've seen a ghost." He says, looking worried. Tess grows a smirk then takes a step closer to him.
"You think taking my friend to Tyler's party is ok, Finn?" She scoffs. Finn looks taken back. I mean, he looks like his the one whose seen a ghost now.
"She will be ok, she will be with me."
"And I'm coming too."
He laughs.
"No you are not. I don't need to babysit two of you. I can take care of Gabs... but not you. Its out of the question."
Both Tess and I scorn at him. Did he just say babysit? Tess tries to get in but I manage to cut in first.
"Babysit us? God, Finn, is that what we are to you? Why do you have to-"
"You two are babies-"
"God! No... Maybe Tess and I should just go on our own so you don't need to 'babysit' us-"
"We will need Finn there-" Tess quickly puts in before her chance is up.
"You know you need me there, so try not to act so dumb-" he says as I gape at him "Your plan to go there with Tess... just stupid."
I could feel my stomach bubble with fury. Tess surprisingly, though, huffs out a laugh, Finn crumpling his brows at her in confusion.
"Congratulations... you officially had your first fight as a couple. It's damn cute." She sighs in mock admiration.
"Tess, shut it." I grunt, before turning slowly on my heels and trying to escape before Finn sees the fluster filling my cheeks. But Finn holds me back. His eyes narrowed on me, looking intensely at me.
"Remember... we need to stick together. Can you at least try to act like you know how to be a couple, before people become suspicious?"
"What do you want me to do? How can I be a better partner-" I whine sarcastically, before he stops me as he swiftly leans in and presses his lips lightly against mine, brushing my lips as soft as a feather... his lips so soft and supple. Finns eyes flicker over me as he pulls away, trying to read my reaction. My heart beats intensely, heavy with each pound... and heat rises to my head, making me dizzy. His hands find their way to mine, then slides his palms into mine, threading our fingers together as I begin to recall how warm they made me feel. With all the stun cursing through my veins, I had forgot Tess had been standing there, watching us in awe.
"So..." Finn says, cutting my train of thoughts. "I'm guessing we are going to that party. But your going to have to stop blushing whenever I kiss you." The last part, he leans and whispers into my ear.