𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐠𝐨, 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫

𝟑: 𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

"How about a silent auction?"

Elizabeth proposed to the other members of the student council as they thought of ways to raise money for the auditorium renovations.

"We could reach out to local businesses for donations," she suggested.

"That's not a bad idea," Jackie chimed in. "I've seen successful ones in New York where people bid way more than the items were worth."

"I could ask my dad if his business would participate," Skylar offered.

"Perfect," Elizabeth exclaimed.

"Do we have enough time to organize that?" Erin questioned. "But, a silent auction requires a lot of community involvement and interaction," Olivia, Erin's close friend, countered.

Erin sighed, sinking back into her seat. Elizabeth cleared her throat and stood up. "So, all in favor of the silent auction?" she asked, causing everyone except Erin to raise their hands. As Erin rolled her eyes, Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder why she always seemed to argue with Erin. Weren't they supposed to be partners?

__

After the meeting, Grace, Skylar, and Elizabeth headed over to Jackie's to make posters and brainstorm ideas for the auction. Though Grace wasn't part of the student council, she begged the trio to let her join in. Jackie was gradually becoming a part of their friend circle, and Elizabeth welcomed her presence; she enjoyed having Jackie around, especially since she discovered they had more in common than she initially thought.

"So, Tony's is offering five premium oil changes, and Kiley just texted me saying Monty's wants to donate a whole month of free pizza," Elizabeth informed the group.

"Wow, everyone here is way friendlier than back home," Jackie noted.

"How much do you guys need to raise again?" Grace asked. "$3,500," Skylar replied.

"And every time I hear that number, it makes me want to throw up. But it's okay, this is going to turn out great," Elizabeth reassured herself.

"Okay, so when are we going to take a break? You know, do something fun?" Grace asked, taking a seat on Jackie's bed.

"Um, if this auction falls even a dollar short of our goal, Elizabeth is going to have a breakdown," Skylar teased, earning a playful hit to his chest from Elizabeth.

"I can't help that I'm a perfectionist," Elizabeth asserted. "Come on, I promised to work a church barbecue tomorrow morning just to be here, so humor me, please," Grace pleaded with her three friends, who exchanged glances.

"Ooh, let's play kiss, marry, kill," Grace suggested. "What are we, in seventh grade?" Elizabeth quipped. "Come on, please," Grace persisted. Elizabeth sighed. "Fine."

Grace smiled and clapped her hands. "Okay, let's see." She pondered her question before a mischievous smirk appeared on her face. "Kiss, marry, kill: Cole, Isaac, or that guy in your English class," Grace asked, earning an eye roll from Elizabeth.

"Wait, what guy in her English class?" Skylar asked. "You haven't told him?" Grace asked.

Elizabeth shrugged. "It slipped my mind," she admitted, a smile creeping onto her face. "There's this guy in my English class who I think is cute. It's not like I have feelings for the guy; I just think he's cute."

"Is someone finally over Cole?" Skylar asked. "And you're in his house? That's a big step," Grace pointed out. "I've been in this house already this year. I tutor Cole, remember," Elizabeth clarified.

"What even happened between you and Cole?" Jackie asked, causing Grace and Skylar to exchange knowing grins. "Can we tell her?" Grace looked to Elizabeth, who sighed before nodding. Skylar guided Jackie to sit on her bed before telling the story.