The Other Bowen || Nini Salazar-Roberts

anti-homecoming

Lily's pov

Ever since that night at Nini's house, things have been different between her and I. I think we both know we have feelings for each other but we're trying to ignore it. Mostly because the both of us have a lot going on. Nini is trying to get over her break up with EJ and I'm trying to get over Mom leaving a little over a week ago.

"Too big... to go down!" I heard Nini say as I walked into the girls bathroom.

I slightly cringed before looking at the stall that Nini was in. I looked over at Kourtney to see that she was just as confused as I was.

"Top ten things I never wanna hear in a public bathroom." Kourtney walked over to the stall Nini was in and pushed the door open, letting out a gasp. "What are you doing?"

"I am flushing my Homecoming dress down the toilet." Nini answered before the both of them started laughing.

"Look, I know you're still mad at EJ, but there are healthier ways to move on!" Kourtney told her. 

"This is not mad. This is empowered. I'm done with boys who think they can control me, and exes who can't even handle being friends." Nini responded. "I am done with boys."

"Nini, you need help." Kourtney shook her head.

"No. You know what I need? Like actually need?" Nini took her Homecoming dress out of the toilet and plopped it in the sink. "A girl's night."

"I'm in." I said.

Nini let out a small gasp as she turned to look at me, finally noticing my presence. "Lily. I didn't notice you come in here." Nini started to awkwardly lean on the wall as she slightly blushed. "What's up... girl?"

I chuckled. "Hey, Neens."

"Uh, didn't we do face masks and The Bachelorette last night?" Kourtney cut in.

"Yeah, but, I'm talking about like a night on the town. I miss my besties." Nini smiled at Kourtney and I. 

Kourtney hummed. "So, it's like an anti-Homecoming Homecoming? I'm down."

We heard a toilet flush and we all looked over to see Miss Jenn walk out of a stall. How long has she been in here?

"I'm in." Miss Jenn smiled causing Kourtney, Nini, and I to look at each other.

Later that night, Miss Jenn took the three of us to the bowling alley. Not exactly what I had in mind for a girls night but it beats sitting in our smelly living room with Dad.

"So, here we are! Tonight's on me, girls." Miss Jenn told us.

"Okay, I am so into this, but, um, do not expect Kourtney to bowl." Nini informed us.

"Yeah, this manicure goes nowhere near a 20-pound ball." Kourtney smiled as she held out her hand.

"There was an incident." Nini added.

"Hmm. If only I had a back-up plan." Miss Jenn winked at us.

She walked away and we followed her into this back room where there was pool tables, drinks, and karaoke.

"Welcome to the most exclusive karaoke club in town." Miss Jenn exclaimed.

I looked onto the stage, slightly cringing as I listened to the guy sing off key. "Good for him."

"Oh, just get ready." Miss Jenn started to lead us to a table. "Tonight, we are going to sit back and listen to some of Utah's worst vocalists."

"Seriously?" Nini asked.

"Seriously." Miss Jenn nodded. "Look around. These people? They have half your talent, and twice your confidence."

"I am totally confident! Aren't I?" Nini defended herself before she looked at me and all I did was look away. "Way to have my back on girls night, Lils."