Roman Holiday

Lauren

I've known Arthur for years. We went to the same elementary school. So did Jacob. And I still don't like him.

Ignoring what Normani said about that girl, I ask "Who are you guys trying out for, really?"

"The sleazy friend who wants all the money," Arthur replies.

"The suave leading man," Jacob combs his hair over, "Lauren, I do hope you're the leading lady."

"So do I," I say firmly, not looking at him.

"I'm so hurt," Jacob continues, not that anyone asked him to.

I'm tired. I'm hungry. These put me in a bad mood. "I didn't say shit to you."

Jacob puts up his hands. "Woah, didn't say you did. You just looked mad."

"I am mad," I take a deep breath in, "Jacob, get out my face."

Arthur grabs his arm and they take the walk of shame back to his desk. Normani is glaring straight in his direction.

"Mani?"

"Yeah, what?"

"He's a dick."

"Yeah," she folds her arms and sighs.

At this point I'm thinking irrationally. I can't keep my mind straight. I keep thinking the same thing. Normani likes me. Normani likes me. Normani likes me. Normani likes me. Just as the bell rings, I blurt out "Do you like me?"

She's already waiting for me by the door. Did she hear that?

I let it go. The whole day, I can't stop thinking about her. I want to tell her. I really really do.

I walk home after school, not planning on talking to anyone. But when Max, my neighbor with the fakest blonde hair comes up right beside me, I have to say hi. Or else I'll seem like a bitch. Which I am, and I proved that earlier today. 

"Hi Max."

"What's good?"

"Not much. We got musical tryouts the first day. Not the third, this year."

"Jeez. When you start? What are y'all doing?"

"Some kid in our class adapted Roman Holiday. The film with Audrey. It's a big deal. I can't remember when tryouts are."

"The Nicki song?" he says, deadpan.

"The...what?" I look up at him and realizing he's talking about the Nicki Minaj song Roman Holiday. I burst out laughing. "No, not that one for sure."

"That's cool though. Are you trying out?"

"Yeah, I might as well try. I want my friend Normani to get the lead role though."

"Normani Hamilton? She's cute."

My face starts to get red and something comes over me. If this was an 80s movie, I'd stop in my tracks and turn around, my leather jacket gleaming in the sunlight. I'd take off my sunglasses and ask him what he said in the most menacing way. And then I'd start throwing punches. But instead my arms are folded and I'm shaking slightly. "Not to you," I respond. What am I doing? What am I thinking? I don't know. This is where shit starts. My stomach does a flip.

"Oh shit, is she with someone?"

"Yeah."

"Eh, who?"

"Me," as soon as I say it, I regret it. I start picking up speed. I'm almost sprinting.

Max likes to gossip. He'll tell everyone I'm dating that girl I'm not even dating. He'll tell the world. And what am I gonna do to stop him? What is Normani gonna do if she finds out?

I go straight up to my room when I get home. My parents aren't even home and I don't care where they are. I have to set this straight. I pick up my phone and call Normani.

"Uh...hi?" she says from the other side.

"Hi, can you meet me at the Clearing Trails again? ASAP."

"Wait, why? Hello? When?"

"We need to talk. I'll leave now."

And then I hang up. I have to make things right, I keep telling myself. But what if this just makes it worse?

God, I'm in fucking trouble. 

A/N Sorry this wasn't the best chapter, and that I don't update often. I am very busy with school! Thank you all for reading. Continue to vote and comment! Thank you! All the love!