Something to Dream About {Slow Updates}

Twenty

𝄞 Layla 𝄞

Prom came a lot quicker than I expected since Trent asked me on a week-and-a-half notice.

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran was playing throughout the venue, blue and purple lights dancing all around us as we slow danced. I couldn't help but think about how perfect the songs were when Malachi and I went to Sweetheart's together. I couldn't listen to Mazzy Star without replaying that night.

Thankfully, though, Trent was a lot less...drama-causing than Ricky was. When we met up for pictures before the dance, the conversation had been very simple.

You have somethin' with Malachi, don't ya? he asked.

No, but... I replied.

He'd nodded. I don't mind. Just tell me if you're uncomfortable. Alright, darlin'? I ain't tryna push your boundaries or nothin' like that.

So here I was, my hands placed on his shoulders and his on my waist as we swayed to the music with a comfortable distance between us. It was a nice night, but as we danced to Ed Sheeran, I stared right over his shoulder, my thoughts anywhere but this place.

I wanted nothing more than to be here with Malachi—even if that would've been impossible, given the fact that neither of us were seniors. I only got to be here tonight because I was invited by a senior.

I wondered where he was. What he was doing. It was ten on a Saturday. Was he with Ezra or his other friends? Was he with his sisters?

Was he thinking of me?

I knew it was incredibly selfish but I really hoped he was thinking of me. Because I was thinking of him more than I'd thought of any guy in a very long time.

It got so bad that halfway through our fourth slow dance of the night, I started pretending I was dancing with Malachi.

I had my head turned so Trent wouldn't see that my eyes were closed. But in my head, Malachi's hands were on my waist. In my head, my hands were on Malachi's shoulders. In my head, I bought this dress with Malachi in mind.

Wait, no that wasn't in my head. I had bought it with Malachi in mind even though I was going with another guy.

Oh I was so screwed.

The second I even imagined running my fingers through Trent's curly hair and pretending like it wasn't his, I knew I had to leave. I wouldn't do it—obviously—but I did picture myself doing it.

I looked behind me, my eyes shooting to the clock on the wall like I was checking the time.

"Ah, shit," I muttered, feigning disappointment.

"Hm?"

I met Trent's eyes, feeling a little guilty. There was absolutely nothing wrong with him. And yet...

"I have to go home. My grandparents are gonna be so pissed that I'm out this late."

His eyes flickered to the clock. "Stay for the rest of the song?"

I nodded before looking away again.

When the song faded into another more upbeat one, Trent side-hugged me goodbye before letting me go.

♪ Malachi ♪

I leaned my forehead against the shower wall, letting the hot water cascade down my back.

Sometimes this was the only way to take a breather.

I loved my sisters to death. I would take a thousand bullets for them. But damn, sometimes they were so high maintenance.