Roommate Rivalry

Chapter Eight - Drew

Friday, September 22nd

I didn't have much to do to get ready for the game. All I did was shower and throw on my suit. My hair just does what it wants anyways. Meanwhile, Penelope, Sophia, and Tess were running around the apartment for the past 3 hours. Obviously, it was worth the havoc. Stepping out of my room, I immediately noticed how amazing Sophia looked. Nobody could deny it. Her hair was straight but had a perfect bounce to it. She was wearing more makeup than usual yet, it was still natural. Her legs were- I need to stop.

"Can I please get a picture of you two?" Penelope asked, holding her camera in her hand.

"Sure," Sophia agreed without protest. She might just be warming up to me. We stood next to each other until Penelope signaled for us to move closer. Sophia slid her hand onto my back and we were shoulder to shoulder. I, quite nervously, followed her actions.

"Aww, you two look lovely," she said, staring at the small screen. This is giving me flashbacks to homecoming with my ex. Except, Sophia isn't kind of insane. Oh, and Sophia and I aren't dating.

"Okay, mom, we really need to get going," Sophia laughed nervously.

"Soph, you need to stop worrying. It'll be fine. Don't freak out because then you'll cry and cry even more because you ruined your makeup," Mr. Barlowe rolled his eyes. That was harsh.

"Let's just get in the car, okay?" she closed her eyes and scrunched her nose.

As her parents filed out the door first, I stopped her, "Hey, do you just want to ride with me? No need for a freak out, right?"

She glanced between me and her parents and sighed. "Yeah, actually, that sounds great," we got into the parking lot and she yelled, "Hey, I'm riding with Drew."

"Oh, Soph, are you sure?" Penelope sulked. Sophia nodded and told me to leave.

"So, I've never seen your dad that... intense?" I hesitated.

"He can be kind of an ass sometimes," she sighed, "but I've learned to not let him ruin my day. Are you excited?"

"Uh, sort of. Being all dressed up in front of people isn't new to me," that sounds horrible, "You know for all of Kelly's things."

"Right," she replied slowly. I glanced over at her and watched her applied lipgloss in the mirror. Fuck, why do I want to kiss her? I quickly returned my eyes to the road before she could notice I was staring.

"So, how about you?" I tried to continue the conversation.

"I'm a little nervous. Part of me thinks people only voted for me as a joke," she admitted.

"I don't think that's the case. People just didn't really know you until you started hanging out with me, Jason, and Tess. You know, when you started putting yourself out there more. You're like a hidden gem," what am I saying?

***

The pairs were lined up just off the football field. Sophia and I were going last so we had to wait the longest. We were sitting on the back of our assigned golf cart while she held my arm as instructed.

"Okay, I lied. I'm very nervous," she let out a shaky laugh.

"Don't worry. You'll look super cool walking with me," I patted her hand. She rolled her eyes and let out a more relaxed laugh. Suddenly, our golf cart jolted forward and we began traveling across the field.

"Our final homecoming queen nominee is Sophia Jane Barlowe. Sophia is the daughter of John and Penelope Barlowe. Sophia wishes to attend Columbia University next fall and aspires to become a writer. Sophia enjoys cooking, reading, and exercising. Her favorite class in AP English and her favorite teacher is Ms. Rozales. Sophia's favorite high school memory is Mr. Barlowe's class last year. That is Sophia Jane Barlowe," Karina announced and the crowd was going crazy. Mr. Barlowe's class was very fun last year. I snapback to reality and smile as the camera in front of me flashes.

"And, last but not least, we have Andrew, Drew, James Henly walking the red carpet as our last homecoming king nominee," the crowd suddenly became even louder, but I expected that, "Drew is the son of Sarah and Dave Henly. Drew has hopes of attending Havard this summer and joining his father's company after his time there. Drew's hobbies include hockey, video games, and reading. His favorite class is Calculus and his favorite teacher is Mr. Barlowe. Drew's favorite memory from his time here was Mr. Barlowe's field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Finally, Andrew, Drew, James Henly." Sophia and I joined the four on the risers and stood for pictures.

"See, that wasn't so bad," I whispered to her.

"That was terrifying, but did you hear everyone cheering? They really love you, huh," she laughed.

"Me? They were cheering for you too. You didn't hear them calling your name?" I teased. Finally, we were dismissed from our duties and began roaming the field.

"You know you can let go, right?" Tess giggled at Sophia's hand still positioned on my arm. My arm grew cold as she quickly swiped her hand away. I hate to admit that it made me the slightest bit sad.

"Did you have fun up there?" Jason asked with a hardly noticeable arched eyebrow.

"Lots of fun actually," I replied.

"Oh Soph," Penelope cooed, "You looked perfect up there! I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks mom," she said as Penelope embraced her.

"Oh, John," I called to the boy with the camera, "can we see the pictures?" He came closer and turned the tiny screen in our direction.

"Oh, we look great!" Sophia exclaimed.

"Yeah, we really do," I agreed as her eyes met mine and my heart fluttered. Man, she makes me feel like I'm a shy little kid again.

"Uh, do you guys want to go to Waffle House?" Jason interrupted, laughing to himself.

"Yeah, but could I run home or something so I can change?" Sophia scratched her collarbone.

"That'll take too long with all the traffic. If you want to go just go in your dress," Mr. Barlowe told her. The more time I spend around him outside of school, the more I learn how he really is.

"Your slippers are in the car if that helps," Penelope added.

"I have a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie you could borrow if you want," I offered to her as we all made our way to the parking lot.

"Are you sure? Won't you be uncomfortable?" she's so sweet.

"Of course. I won't be nearly as uncomfortable as you look," that didn't come out right, "They say beauty is pain, right?" I laughed, but was internally screaming. Why am I so weird?

"Thanks?" she laughed with a confused expression. I cursed at myself under my breath as Sophia went to change with Tess accompanying her.

"Nice move offering her your clothes," Jason laughed, leaning against my car beside me.

"That wasn't my intention. I was just trying to be nice, but when I am trying I sound like a complete idiot. I've never not been able to talk to girls. I don't know what's going on with me," I complained.

"I overheard that awkward exchange. I've never seen you act like that around a girl. I think you really like her," his tone turned serious during his last sentence.

"I know I do."