Perfectly Unseen

42: living dress-up doll

L i v i n g
              dress-up doll
              ~+~+~+~

"AILIE," Missy suddenly appeared the second I cautiously stepped out of my Math class.

Lucas wasn't in class today, but I wouldn't put it passed him to surface again when I was alone and vulnerable. Hence, the guard was still solidly up as looked around like an alert meerkat.

"Hey," I smiled at the blonde, welcoming the change of routine. Lucas wouldn't attack with her around, right?

"I know you don't really go to school events but I want you to come to the pregame festival Thursday." She looped her arm around mine, following my lead as I caught curious dark blue eyes outside of the slow crowd.

"Pregame festival?" I furrowed my brows, looking at her uncertainly as I stopped walking, "Why do you want me there?" My voice squeaked out, not understanding what she could possibly gain with me being there with her.

She shrugged nonchalantly, "I just thought it would be fun." She answered as the people around us began to notice her talking to me. "Being a cheerleader creates an untouchable boarder. You're the first person outside of my group to actually talk to me as if I'm a normal person." Her turquoise eyes dulled for a moment and I could instantly see the loneliness she was feeling.

Was that even possible? For popular people to be lonely?

She smiled a perfect smile again, the sadness long gone as her eyes shone excitedly, "So what do you say? You can bring that little blue eyed friend of yours too if you're more comfortable." She offered as we started walking again after a hurried student pushed us accidentally.

I bit my lip just as we reached a waiting curious Ashton. "Um, I'll let you know what Emma thinks." I nodded, ignoring the bodyguard.

"Great!" She clapped her hands before turning to Ashton, "Are you waiting for Ailie?" Her blue eyes widened as she looked between us with flushed cheeks.

"He's just trying to keep Lucas from hurting me." I spoke up, fidgeting in Emma's gladiator sandals and high waisted jean skirt -the weather was gorgeous and Emma had no intentions letting it go to waste on her or me.

Plus after she somehow miraculously pummelled me into nothing during our bowling game, she was given the rights to dress me like her own personal doll for however long I was staying with her. Aurora would be happy knowing I wasn't allowed to throw on my usual rags.

"Earth to Ailie." Missy snapped her fingers in front of my face before laughing at me.

"Sorry," I scrunched up my nose, readjusting my glasses.

"I was just telling Ashton that we should all go out to the beach sometime this week. It's supposed to be hot like today up until Sunday." She spoke as Ashton's arm wrapped around her small tanned shoulders casually after she hit his chest excitedly. "I have to look after my little brother for a couple of days and Ash can bring little Effie to keep him company." Missy spoke, making up a plan with the snap of her fingers. "You know what, I know this guy that would be just perfect for you Ailie." She grinned mischievously, "I'll bring him along and while Ash and I are busy with the kids you guys can go off and-"

Ashton coughed loudly, throwing a menacing look at Missy that sent shivers down my back. My cheeks were already warm at the prospect of Missy setting me up on a blind date. All I could picture was some football player and when I thought of football players, only one adorable face showed up. I wasn't completely turned off by the idea...