Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 59- She's Closer Than You Think

A Few Days Before Prom

Justin and I are close friends, and I hope I don't develop feelings for him. With prom just days away, it's the main topic of conversation.

As we walk into school, Arlene says, "Kyle asked me to prom last week."

I reply, "Lucky you; no one has asked me yet."

Austin approaches us and says, "Hey nerd, look up."

I glance up to see a large poster that reads, "Will you go to prom with me?"

I gasp, "I would love to, but there's a girl who would want to go with you instead."

He nods and walks away.

Arlene asks, "Why did you do that?"

I shrug; I don't really want to go to prom anyway.

Jordan chimes in, "Prom here I come, and I know who I'm asking—Stephanie," which isn't surprising.

Arlene laughs, "Good luck! A lot of guys have asked her, and she turned them down."

Jordan smiles, "That's because they don't know how to charm her like I do."

I roll my eyes, "Right, that's how you dated her last semester." He nods.

I open my locker, and a paper slips out. I unfold it to read, "Go to prom with me" ~ anonymous.

Frowning, I look around and spot Jack holding a rose. I shake my head.

I close my locker and say, "Ask that girl over there; she looks more heartbroken than I do," pointing to a girl with swollen eyes.

Jack looks sad as he watches her. "You're right; two broken hearts can heal together."

Ian adds, "That's nice—helping others get dates, except for yourself."

I laugh, "You should get one too; I'm not going, so don't worry about me."

He replies, "I already asked someone, and she said yes." Lucky him.

The bell rings, and I head to class with Justin and Luke.

Justin tells me, "I might not go to prom."

"Why not?" I ask.

He shrugs.

_____

Justin's POV

"Why not?" Anne asks. I shrug, not wanting to reveal that I want to go with her but feel I don't stand a chance. If I ignore these feelings, maybe they'll go away.

After class, I see Greg and Anne chatting and laughing.

Carlos slaps my back and says, "Dude, anyone can see you're in love with her. Just ask her to prom."

I punch him playfully and laugh, "Me? In love with Anne? Haha."

He shrugs, "Whatever, dude." Maybe he's right; I got jealous when Greg asked Anne out two months ago.

"Maybe you're right, Carlos, but how do I ask?"

He replies, "Think about it, and I'll help if you need it." I nod.

Time is running out.

______

At lunchtime, most guys are asking girls to prom. Even Jordan got a date—a player actually scored.

Arlene says, "Ask Anne; she's been turning down guys all morning."

I gulp; what if she says no?

Arlene laughs, "You know Anne better than I do. She wouldn't turn you down. You're the friend who saved her from her enemy and carried her home; you chose to do that."

She's right.

Arlene adds, "I'm always right when it comes to love."

I watch Anne at the table, deep in thought. She looks at me and smiles; maybe Arlene is right.

I walk over and sit next to her. She whispers, "Your face is red."

I deny it, "No, but can you ask me if I'm fine?"

She sighs, "Are you okay?"

I say, "No, the doctor says I'm lacking vitamin U."

She blushes—bingo.

Jordan says, "Dude, seriously? A cheesy pickup line?"

I kick him under the table. "You always use it, and girls fall for it." He frowns.

I eat my food while glancing at the next table. Stephanie is watching me, and I hope she doesn't become prom queen this year; that would be funny.

After school, I go home and ask my mom for help.

"Mom, I'm in love and don't know how to ask her to prom."

My mom smiles. "Finally! Who's the lucky girl? Have I met her?"

I smile, "She's closer than you think."

"Tell me, please."

"It's Anne."

My mom gasps, "I never thought this would happen! I'm surprised it took so long."

I laugh, "But I don't know how to ask her."

My mom says, "Just ask her normally, nothing cheesy."

I nod.

________________

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