The Beauty Queen

The Beauty Queen - Chapter 17

For anyone who read "All the Way to Hollywood", there's a sequel up! It's not about Jen and Adam, it's about Hayley and Luke. Check it out ;D

And enjoy this story! :3

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Chapter 17

I felt a jolt of electricity run throughout my body. I jerked backwards, shocked at my own reaction to Nate's kiss. My back collided with one of the make-up tables. All of the lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, and other make-up items fell onto the floor. My face was on fire.

I wasn't the only one surprised by the kiss. Obviously, with the way Nate's mouth hung open, he was shocked at what he had just done.

"I... umm.." he said quietly, not continuing. He shoved his hands in his pockets sheepishly. Nate's speechless. How often in a lifetime do you see Nate speechless?

Even though he really hadn't said anything, I understood perfectly clear. I tried pressing my lips together to ease my flushing face a bit... It didn't work. At all.

"Right," I said breathlessly, still staring at Nate. He stared back. I couldn't read his expression, or even his hazel eyes for that matter.

We held our shocked staring contest for a while, not realizing that we had been watching each other without even thinking. It was like we had spaced out, and it just so happened that we were looking at each other.

But it wasn't exactly like that. We meant to be watching each other like that. At least I know I did.

"So, I think I'm just gonna..." I started awkwardly, jerking my thumb at the door. It was the universal signal that said "I've gotta get outta here", and I was hoping Nate would pick up on that. He nodded slightly, still a little dazed. When I started walking towards the door, however, he snapped out of it.

At first, I half-expected him to grab my hand and tell me something, well, special. I don't know what exactly, but I felt like he would say something meaningful, maybe something that could lead up to telling him how I really felt... But no. He didn't dramatically grasp my wrist and pull me away from the door. He simply cleared his throat and said, "Right."

That was that.

~~~

On the way to practice, I was having a mental debate with myself. I was trying to decide whether or not to tell Katy about... you know.

Yeah, she's basically my best friend right now. Katy was the only one that had actually talked to me when no one else would. I'd feel guilty not telling her.

But at the same time, I have no idea how she'd react. She might resort to teasing me, like she always did. Katy might look quiet on the outside, but if you get to know her better, she likes to talk more than you'd think. Especially when it comes to Nate.

Thinking about Nate made me blush. I silently mumbled a curse at myself, trying to cool down my face. I only thought about him more. His face, his slightly messed-up hair, his hazel eyes, the way he kissed me...

I shook my head quickly, trying to think about something else. Anything. Turtles. Airplanes. Cotton candy. I wonder if Nate likes any of those things...

It's no use. I just keep going back to Nate. Even if the last time I saw him was yesterday and he... kissed me.

I remembered his face after he pulled away from me. Well, after I jumped away from him. Details.

His expression was so shocked, it made me wonder. Had he kissed me on impulse? By the way he looked so surprised, it couldn't be far from the truth...

Was that all the kiss meant to Nate? If it was just on impulse, it could've have meant much at all...

When I reached the auditorium door, I decided it would be smart to put on my high heels before walking in. It would make a good impression... possibly.

I'm happy that I've gotten somewhat used to the feel of being six inches taller than normal. I've even gotten used to how uncomfortable they are. It's about time. It's been two weeks since the first day I wore them.

I walked into the auditorium, and all the other contestants were already inside, sitting on the stage like usual. Because of the newfound awkwardness between me and Nate, I was actually glad to see that everything was normal here, at least.

"You're late," Penelope said sternly as I walked to join Katy on the floor. I froze in mid-step, wrinkling my nose. I straightened up and faced Penelope, who was glaring at me with her arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently. She raised an eyebrow at me. "Do you want to tell us why? Sharing is caring." I almost snorted at that. Since when did Penelope care? I cleared my throat nervously.

"I was... uhh..."

"You were with my step-nephew, weren't you?" Penelope interrupted.

A huge gasp erupted from the crowd of girls on the stage. All their heads whipped around, their vicious attention on me.

Oh crap.