The Boy Next Door Is Not What He Seems

Chapter Twelve: Did the Wicked Witch Piss You Off?

Chapter Twelve: Did the Wicked Witch Piss You Off?

•.⌯.•River's POV•.⌯.•
Homecoming was about a week away and the halls wouldn't stop buzzing about homecoming queen. Every class there was no escaping the talk of who was going to be nominated this year and every so often I would hear my name among the murmurs.

I didn't want the title, though. In my opinion, the idea of it was pretty stupid. I'd rather just have a fun night with friends than fret if I was going to be crowned with a plastic tiara.

When I told Ma about how it was possible for me to be crowned homecoming queen this year, she asked if Charlie was being nominated as well. I knew Charlie was going to be on the ballot, because last year he was on it too, but I chose to not tell my mother that. She didn't need to know.

Plus, I don't think Charlie is even going. He didn't even go when he was nominated last year, so what would compel him to do the same this year?

Anyways, from what I heard from Elliot, apparently there were going to be a Top 30 to pick from the senior-junior classes—fifteen being girls and the other half being guys. Last year it was only Top 10, but ASB decided to be more inclusive, I guess. However, the inclusivity ended there because unlike before where people who wanted to be a part of the homecoming court could sign up, the upperclassmen now had the power of nominating the people representing the Top 30 this year for homecoming.

I don't know what kind of logic our ASB were going off of, but I would love to kindly tell them to stop.

Before I knew it, it was Friday—the day the list of Top 30 would be posted onto social media and the walls of the school. I was with Elliot, Spencer, and Arden when I hear squeals down the halls where the list was posted. I winced as I looked at Elliot whose eyes were glued on her phone, refreshing her screen incessantly.

"You know I don't understand what's the big deal with homecoming." Arden grumbled as he took a big bite out of his rice crispy treat.

"Oh hush, you're just sad that you're not getting a date again this year." Spencer teased as he pinched his friends cheeks.

Arden swatted Spencer's hands out of the way as he glared at the younger boy beside him, "It's not even that." he continued, "Our football team sucks and we're going against our rivals for the game.. When was the last time our team has even won against them in the four years we've been here?"

Spencer rolled his eyes, "That's why you don't go to our homecoming game to watch the actual game. You go for the food."

As huffed at Spencer's statement, Elliot screams in excitement, "Guys! We're in Top 30!"

Elliot shoved her phone into our faces as she shows us the list of names on our school's social media and she was right. Everyone in the groups' name was there on the list and my heart sunk when it skimmed over mine. I groaned, "'Tangina." I cursed as I scrunched up my face, "Is there anyway I can just not go?"

"Rivie!" Elliot whined, "There's no way that you're not going. I won't let you not go, babes."

"Dude, I legitimately would rather be tackled by the entire football team than become part of homecoming court."

"Well, it's too bad that you already are a part of it." Elliot said, crossing her arms, "The dance is next week and we need to get our dresses."

I groaned outwardly as Arden patted my back with a heavy hand, "Don't worry, Grey. It won't be that bad. Charlie's in the same boat as you so at least y'all can complain together."

My lips formed a thin line as I glared at Arden playfully as I thought of any way I could get out of the situation without making Elliot mad.

*