True Lovers

Chapter 17 Happy Homecoming Havoc

Pierce posted the pictures of him and me late that night—since I was already following the Golden Boys (since eighth grade), I got the notification the moment there was a new post. Until then, there were only a ton of pictures of Matteo and Thea, Shane, and occasionally Tom and Julie. There were also group pictures of all of them from a few months ago, I wonder why I didn't see it. I wouldn't have been so nervous about Thea seeing Pierce then if I'd known they'd met up as friends quite often.

But the picture that held my interest now was the one of me and Pierce.

Me and my babydoll. Best time of my life. That was the caption Pierce had put under it, with five red hearts. Made me squeal in delight. He was so unbelievably sweet! I knew he put that in for me to see.

I was the first one to like it. I didn't want to leave any comments because we had to keep everyone in suspense—but in a few minutes, I saw Matteo and Thea like it and leave comments each.

That's my cousin. Looking good, Matteo wrote, with a sunglasses emoji. Thea wrote an extremely long 'EEEEEEEEEEEK!' and five exclamation marks with two party emojis. Pretty soon even their friends Shane, Tom and Julie commented.

Hot ham and cheese, my mate's got a mate! Good on ya! Shane said. He sounded like an Australian, it made me laugh.

Congratulations, Amb! Julie wrote with a kissy face emoji. Tom sent two thumbs-up emojis shortly after that. Within seconds, my own friends liked the picture and left comments.

YOU GO GIRL, Haruko wrote with a smirking emoji.

I've never seen a more perfect couple, Cassie said with two crying emojis. Aww, I gotta cheer her up tomorrow, I knew she was still feeling let down about not having a date.

Well, at least my secret was out. I shut off my phone quickly after that before I felt compelled to read the string of comments that started pouring in from everyone at school. Tomorrow, everyone else could wait till tomorrow.

~

I woke up bright and early after a great night's sleep—guess it was relieving knowing my secret was out. I wondered what everyone was thinking now—'Amber Gardener's dating the TA?!' will surely be the first thing on everyone's minds. However, that wasn't my concern. I'd barely finished brushing my teeth when Thea arrived and came running upstairs as I got out of the bathroom. She hugged me tight, squealing.

"Ahhh, I'm so happy for you, sis!" She exclaimed excitedly with a broad smile. "What made you decide to go public?"

"It was long overdue," I said with my impish smile, hiding the real reason. "So, are you gonna help me get ready for Homecoming or what?"

"I came all the way from New York for it, of course I'm helping you get ready!" Thea squealed, pulling me downstairs. She and Mom began working on me after breakfast—Mom put her hair-styling skills to good use doing my hair, giving me a trim so that I now had side swept bangs and adding in a few golden streaks. She said I was old enough for them now—I loved them.

Thea helped me with a face mask while doing my nails in silver with colored rhinestones—they glittered as much as the dress I bought. By evening, I was so ready for Homecoming.

I got a text from Pierce as I was putting on my earrings—he said he'd be over any minute to pick me up. I smiled to myself and sent him five hearts—yeah, I loved him like crazy.

I had asked him if he could wear something lilac to match with me—he promised he would. I couldn't wait to walk through the doors of the auditorium on his arm as an official couple!

"Amb, you ready? Pierce will be here any min—oh, my, gosh." Thea entered my room and paused with her jaw hanging open when she saw me. I smiled and did a little twirl.