Prom Committee

Interrogating Layla's Love Life

The next day when I woke up my body appeared more relaxed and not so stressed out. It was interesting that solving a simple problem with someone could make you feel so much better. I felt excited and cheery just to see what the day would bring. The sun was shining and the flowers were in full bloom.

Lunch time came around which I was happy about because I was quite hungry. Consequently I wasn't elated to clean up all the tables again after. Layla was the only one besides Mrs. Greene that knew of my actual punishment. I'm sure if Sadie knew what Mrs. Greene decided to give me she would have had a cow.

"So I honestly think it's kind of funny how in English Literature Mrs. White assigned you and Beck to read the main roles in Romeo and Juliet," she quipped.

I took a bite of my carrot, and responded, "It's definitely ironic. We would be the last two people to ever fall in love with each other."

"I totally agree, especially since you and Josh might be falling for each other," she beamed.

A smile spread across my face as I took a sip of my milk.

"I don't know if that's what is happening on his end, but what I can tell you is that I'll be thrilled when we're done with this Shakespeare era in Mrs. White's class."

"Oh you and me both, it's starting to bore me to tears," she chuckled, "But don't try changing the topic Tara."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You know what I mean because we both can sense that something is happening between you and Josh. I mean he asked you out on a date, and he doesn't typically do that with other girls," Layla clarified.

My heart wanted her to be right with that statement, but I just didn't want to fully get my hopes up. I may have had a crush on him since like forever, but there's always that slight possibility that he likes Sadie. Other than being a she-devil she is better than me in every way. She dresses nicer, she has more money, and she's prettier than me.

"Maybe," I mumbled.

"Hey are you okay? What were you thinking about?"

I sighed, "I don't know I just can't help but wonder if maybe he does like Sadie. I mean she is cooler than me."

Layla rested her hand on my shoulder, and stared into my eyes.

"Hey don't say that. You shouldn't think like that Tara, we both know that you are truly the nicest, and coolest person out there. Josh clearly wanted to hangout with you, and once again I'm gonna sound like a broken record but HE asked YOU out on a date NOT Sadie. Okay," she explained giving me a reassuring smile.

I grinned, "Yeah, you're right. I don't know what I was thinking. Sometimes I can really get in my own head. I'll be grateful when he sits over here so I can see his cute face."

"Who's cute face?" Josh asked sitting down.

"Yours," I blurted out.

It took me a hot second to realize what I just said. I should have known that was him sitting down and now he knows that I think he's cute. I'm so embarrassed. Lord save me.

"Oh thanks," he smiled down at his tray.

As I glanced at him I saw a slight shade of red appear on his cheeks.

Was Joshua Spring blushing again?!

I squeaked, "You're welcome."

"Your face is pretty cute too," he winked at me sipping his milk.

I wanted to die in a puddle of happiness and embarrassment at this point.

"Hey Josh, what's been going on?" Layla asked.

"Um not too much, what about you guys?" he quizzed looking between Layla and I.

I mimicked, "Um not too much."

"Yesterday Tara finally made peace with Beck, and they're actually getting along swimmingly."

"Oh wow, well that's good news. I'm sure that will make decorating easier between the three of you," he chortled.

"I hope so, but to be fair it was already easy between Layla and Beck before I even cleared the air."

"Oh," Josh gawked.

Layla raised an eyebrow confused, "What do you mean?"

"Oh come on Lay, like it's not obvious. You two were buddy buddy since the first day this whole situation started. You can't tell me that there is nothing there," I depicted.

She scoffed, "I don't know what you're talking about Tar. Beck and I are just friends who are decorating a prom together."

"As a guy that does kind of sound suspicious," Josh butted in.

"See, it's not just me. Josh thinks so too," I grinned at Josh.

"You're making a big deal out of nothing."

"Oh really? Then why did you have that certain sparkle in your eyes yesterday when the three of us were walking out. You only have that look in your eye when you might like someone," I explained.

Layla rolled her eyes at me, "Please Tara, I just think he's funny. It's not my fault that he enjoys talking with me."

Layla was way over her head if she thought that she was going to win this argument. I know what I saw and what I saw was someone having a crush on Beck.

"Is that all you think about him?" I questioned.

"I mean he's not bad looking he is actually kind of cute, but you can't tell me that you don't think that either," she muttered.

Ew gross.

"Gross I rather not answer that," I said disgusted.

"Why because you're scared of the truth?" she smirked.

"No," I shook my head, "because Josh is right here."

"Thanks Little T, that makes me feel better," he joked smiling.

"You're welcome," I blushed.

I didn't understand what Layla was attempting to get out of me. She knew I thought Josh was the cutest guy ever so I didn't get what her point was.

"Layla can you at least try hanging out with him outside of school. I have never seen you like this before and it's not like you to have crushes on guys from our school," I added.

She sighed, "Okay fine if it makes you happy I will. But I'm telling you now that nothing is going to happen. We're just friends and he probably likes someone else."

"So during our meeting all you have to do is ask for his number," I chuckled.

"Why?" she pulled out her phone to show me, "We already exchanged numbers."

"Oh my gosh, you are not helping your case. This proves that I win," I quipped sticking out my tongue at her.

"Whatever," she replied doing the same.

Josh laughed. "Oh dang, you two really are my favorites."

Layla and I rolled our eyes at each other and stated in unison, "We know."