My Full Eclipse

Chapter 20

Homecoming

"Maya!" I keep walking and try my best to disappear into the crowd of my peers as if I didn't just hear my girlfriend call me. I dash downstairs and down the hall just to run back upstairs and outside. I hide behind a piller as I watch Cass look around to see where I disappeared to before turning back around.

I'm exhausted. Avoiding someone is really hard work that the movies never point out.

"Who we looking for?" I jump and turn to see Derek behind me. "Don't sneak up on me like that you ass." I smack his arm and he just laughs. "Again who are we looking for?" He sticks his head around the corner and I pull it back quickly.

"Don't tell anyone but I'm avoiding Cass." I admit and his brow jumps in surprise. "Really? I mean usually you two are joined at the hip. Well I should say mouth cause you guys are always making out." I raise my brow and he shrugs. "Back to why you're avoiding your girlfriend."

I sigh and rub my forehead feeling a headache coming on. "It's a long and complicated story but it's just best if I give her some space right now."

"Best for who? I spoke to her this morning and she didn't mention being upset with you or anything."

"I'm doing what's best for her. I'm doing this because I love her." I say trying to convince myself more than him. "Okay just don't lose her in an attempt to show you love her by staying away from her." He gives me a quick hug before going inside for the rest of lunch.

Even though I know Derek is right I continue trying to avoid Cass for the rest of the day. Just as I'm about to leave school I feel someone grab my arm and pull me sideways. "What the fuck-Cass." Cassidy looks at me expectedly and I'm not really sure what she's waiting for. "What?"

"Really Maya?" She glares "What happened to my girlfriend? You know she looks like you, sounds like you, but acts like the opposite of how you've been acting." She folds her arms across her chest. "I don't know-"

"Don't lie to me," she cuts me off "we don't lie to each other Maya." Her face softens into a look of disappointment. "Or at least...I thought we didn't."

"Cass...I've just had a lot on my mind lately is all, you know with homecoming and my moms divorce and Lisa being pregnant. It's a lot right now babe."

That was low, I ought to be ashamed of myself.

I step closer and unfold her arms. "Baby homecoming is tonight so afterwards things should calm down." I pull her into hug and just hold her for a while before letting her go.

"Anything else you wanted to talk about baby?" I ask and she shakes her head. "Alright then lets go home and get ready for homecoming then." As we walk out of the school she grabs my hand and I have to fight myself to not pull away. I look around parking lot and relax when I see it's nearly empty. I glance sideways and let my eyes fall upon Cass.

The sun reflecting off her hair makes it look even more radient than usual. Her eyes are bright and have an excited look to them as she tells me some story that I don't hear.

She looks so beautiful it makes my heart hurt. How dare I do anything to make her smile disappear? I know I have to-

"Earth to Maya." She pushes me lightly, pulling me out of my thoughts. "You didn't hear a word I said did you?" I blush slightly and shake my head. She rolls her eyes as she links her hands behind my neck and mine automatically go to her waist. She leans in closer until our foreheads touch.

"I said that my parents are taking Josh and Mariah to see my grandparents this weekend. They're leaving this afternoon." I nod and wait for to continue.

"That means I'll be at home all alone this weekend and you know I don't like to stay home by myself." She pouts and presses her body into mine.

"If you want me to I'll come stay with you baby." I grin as she puts her head against my neck and nods. "But what will we do?" She asks before she starts kissing my neck. "I uh- I'm sure we'll find something." I choke out and feel her smile against me. "Hmm I bet." she mutters against my skin sending shivers of anticipation and pleasure down my spine. We stay embraced for a few more moments before pulling apart to make our way home to prepare for tonight.

I drop Cass off at her house before heading to my own. Normally we would get ready together but she said she wants me to be surprised when I see her in her dress for the first time tonight. As soon as I get home I hear music coming from upstairs and figure that Nicky must already be in the process of getting ready. I walk into the kitchen to grab a drink and see Lisa prepping dinner for tonight. "Hey you shouldn't you be getting ready like Nicky?" she asks. "Yeah, I just got back from dropping Cass off, I'm about to head up in a bit."

Maybe Lisa can help me without me having to explain my situation

"Hey can I ask you something first?" She looks up from the dinner she's starting, "Yeah shoot." "How do you do what's best for someone if it hurts them in the process?"

"Well if it's hurting them then you have to ask yourself if the end will justify the means. Like when we ground you guys, it might hurt your feelings but there was a reason we did it. We know that at the end of the day you'll be good law abiding people because of the rules and punishments we reenforce." I nod in understanding and thank her then make my way up to my room.

After we leave the dance tonight I'll tell her the truth about why I've been so distant lately. I don't want to keep hurting Cass like this, I need to be honest with her.