3:15 [fezco]

seven

S E V E N - A L L   N I G H T

"ever since you came around, can't nobody hold me down. you showed me how to find myself when i needed it the most."

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It had taken me almost three hours to pick the perfect outfit for the carnival. I was determined to find an outfit that screamed "I'm cute, you should date me", but that also said, "I want you to rail me." So, I settled on a plain black romper with a plunging neckline paired with a pair of converse – simple, but still booby enough that Fez would hopefully get the hint. I jogged down the stairs quickly once I got dressed, meeting my mom at the bottom. When I noticed she was in scrubs instead of in casual carnival clothes, however, a frown fell upon my face.

"No, mom," I whined loudly. "You were supposed to come out tonight and meet Fezco."

"I know, sweetie, but they really need me at the hospital." She reached out and grabbed my hand.

"They always do," I mumbled with an eye roll. I quickly pulled out my phone to send a text to Maddy, praying she'd be able to pick me up.

I was used to this; work always needed her and she always went. But I had never been in a situation where I desperately wanted her to meet the guy that I wanted to make my boyfriend. Sure, she met Fez the night of the party when she interrupted our car talk, but I wanted her to really meet him. Being blown off this time undoubtedly hurt more than the others.

"Hey, watch it." She warned with a soft smile. "Why don't you invite him over this week? We can sit down and have dinner and I can get to know him. I'll make sure I'm here." She promised.

"Okay," I agreed. "But can we go out somewhere? No offense, mom, but your cooking has gotten a little rusty." She gasped loudly, placing her free hand over her chest.

"Sophia Brooke Harrison, that wounds me." She feigned hurt. "Are you sure you wanted me to come tonight? You're not dressed like someone who intends to have their mother around." She eyed me closely. "Don't you think you should change? One fast turn on the Gravitron and your beanbags are gonna pop out."

"Mom!" I swatted her hands away. "Who calls them beanbags?" Her laughter cut through the air, and I found myself joining shortly after. "Do you think it's too much?"

"As your mother, yes." She stated firmly, pulling me into a tight hug. "But as someone who was a teenage girl once, I think you look hot." I hugged her tightly, relishing in the feel of having her support. A horn honked from the driveway breaking us apart. "Text me when you get there, and if you're not coming home tonight, which I'm sure you won't, let me know. I'll be back home early tomorrow morning, but I expect updates."

"Yes, ma'am," I promised, kissing her cheek quickly before running to the door. "I love you!" I gave her no time to respond before I was out the door and running to Maddy's car.

"Look at you, bitch!" She called as I flopped into the passenger seat. I gave her a once over, noting her purple two-piece set that left very little to the imagination.

"Me? Look at you. If I wasn't with Fezco and you weren't with Nate, you might just drag me to the dark side." I winked. She pulled out of the driveway and shot me a big smile.

"So, you're official now?"

"No!" I rushed out. "But I want to be. I was hoping he'd ask me tonight."

"Mhm," she hummed. "Have you guys done it yet?"

"Maddy!" Heat rushed to my cheeks.

"What? It was a genuine question." She defended.