teenage nightmare ² ━━ amour

57.

57.
chapter fifty-seven:
the council meeting
for reconciliation!

It took more than just a day for me to warm up to everyone, or at least pretend to. In fact, I didn't want to, but after consulting Mr. Looker, I learned to put my anger behind glass bars and at least be a silent part of the group rather than sit at the back desk, writing aimless poems, or skipping college altogether to avoid not only my friends but Lysandre as well.

Unaware of the incident, Misty was very puzzled by the rift between Gary, May, and me. She chose to stay with the others, as anyone else would, but still visited me often. During one such visit, I found myself getting agitated. "Look at them. They look worn out!"

I peered through my fake glasses at where Calem and Serena were, slumped against their desks. Their friends were offering them drinks or fanning them with their paper-bound books. "Why so?"

Misty straightened up. "Well, since the prom is for the seniors, they aren't involved in the planning and action. The burden's on us, as we're seniors to the lower grade. I daresay Dawn and Drew are no better. May's plenty upset because he rarely gets time to spend with her."

I nodded, my face falling at the mention of May. Perhaps I had been too harsh on her when she was already going through something.

"Say, Misty," I began, unsure. "Can you help them out? Being the vice and all?"

Misty's eyes widened, and I saw realization dawn on her. "Of course! Why didn't I think of that?" she exclaimed, cupping a hand to her mouth.

"It's only natural you forgot... with the rift and all," I added hesitantly. Misty made no move to acknowledge my reassurance; instead, she bolted to her feet and started toward them. I grabbed her forearm before she could go, though. "Hey!"

She turned back, irritated. "What?"

"Ask them if I could help too...?"

Her expression softened, and she nodded before pulling me to my feet and dragging me along to them.

Shauna and Lisia, who were fanning Serena and Calem with their books, smiled at us as we approached.

"Hey!" Misty greeted them. They greeted us in return, but I found Serena stealing my gaze. For whatever reason, her face fell as soon as we entered their space. "I wanted to ask if we could help you with setting up the prom!"

Calem looked thoughtful for a moment, then a look of appreciation lit his face, and he smiled. "We'd appreciate it. We're a bit short-handed," he laughed, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "And Dawn and Drew have their rehearsals too."

"We do too," Tierno added, motioning to himself, Shauna, and Lisia. "Trevor can only help out a little bit because of his photography and editing club."

"Yeah," Trevor confirmed, leaning against the side of Shauna's bench. "I'm in charge of creating the typography banners and printing them."

Misty nodded and looked at Calem. "Where can we help?"

The boy seemed to consider the question for a while before exchanging a glance with Serena. Although I knew the girl's true feelings, I couldn't help but feel insecure, given how easily replaceable I was.

"Maybe you could help Serena and Dawn with the planning. And Ash is a great leader. He could help me." Calem's smile was genuinely appreciative, and I forced the foreboding feeling away, choosing to nod. "Great! We're meeting up next hour in the ballroom."

Misty smiled and bobbed her head. "We'll be there!"

"Alright, everyone! Gather up!"

I cautiously stood behind Misty rather than sitting with anyone as Calem started directing us. "I want us to split up on this. We've got to check out the decorations with the Lumiose Brothers. Serena's in, right? You were the one who came up with the idea for the theme. I'm sure you have something in mind."

Serena nodded enthusiastically. I smiled as she started speaking; there was a glint of energy in her eyes that had been missing for days, I noted. "Yes! Would you and Dawn accompany me? You guys helped me with the plan too!"

"Sure!" Dawn piped in, and we turned to Calem, but he was looking at me.

"In that case, I'll have to pass over the responsibility of moving the decorations and furniture to you, Ash, and the rest of the guys from the sports clubs."

"I can do that."

"Alright. Let me draft a letter to Paul real quick. You can deliver that." I nodded, accepting the slip of paper containing a note for my soccer captain. "Shall I leave the responsibility of the punch tables to you, Bonnie? Max?"

Clemont's sister immediately straightened up at the sound of her name. Apparently, she was the grade leader of our juniors, something I had just learned. "Yeah!"

"Good," Calem said appreciatively. He then turned to Drew, who was avoiding my eyes fervently. "Drew, I hope you'll be hosting this one too!"

"I can..."

"Okay. Misty, can you ask the cooking clubs to help out with some of the dishes? I'll ask Korrina, the vice of class 'B,' to help you out. It'll cut our costs if we make some of the food rather than rely completely on catering services," Dawn suggested. The girl in front of me squealed in acknowledgment.

The meeting concluded fairly quickly, and I found myself trailing behind Serena and Calem as they discussed how they, along with Dawn, would be taking Calem's car to the far end of South Boulevard, where the Lumiose Brothers were located.

"We could grab some food on the way back. One day of freedom from the hostel menu, y'know?" Calem suggested. Serena nudged his side, and I felt my heart drop. As much as I knew where her heart lay, I couldn't help but wish, even for a minute, that I was in Calem's shoes rather than my own.

At least then, I would have a reason to genuinely smile.