It's All Fake

41.

The gym was loud and colorful when we entered, the five of us walking in as if we owned the place. Unfortunately, Julian wasn't there. I mean, not that I was expecting to see him or whatever... He was probably with Stacey what's her face right now, sucking faces in the garden... in my spot...

I tried to erase that thought out of my head but it was too late. I stopped in my tracks, causing the others to stop as well. We all trained our eyes to the sight in front of us and just stared at him.

"Uh, guys. I'll be right back." I said to my friends. "I'll see you guys later." I added.

They gave me knowing looks, which I ignored and went over to him.

"Hi." I smiled, slightly.

He turned to me and stopped. "Hey." He said, breathlessly and continued to stare at me. "You look... you look beautiful."

My heart constricted but I gave him a bright smile. "Thanks. Believe it or not, Colton helped Amanda pick this dress out. Uh..." I trailed off. Come on. Just talk to him! "Listen, I... I wanted to say I'm sorry. Of course we're friends. It was selfish of me not to share the garden. I mean, it's not even really mine and-"

"Babe!" It was the bitch herself. "Hey, baby. They're about to announce this year's homecoming king and queen." Stacey said, wrapping her arms around Julian. She turned to me and her sickly sweet smile immediately turned into something of disgust, which made her look like a baboon, honestly. "What is it doing here?" She mocked.

I tried to rein in my anger to the best of my abilities as I smiled at her. I'm tired of fighting with her. "Good luck tonight." I said and I meant it.

Her expression was priceless. It was a mixture of confusion. But mostly shock. I wanted to laugh, but I didn't. I'll laugh at her later.

"I'll see you guys around. Enjoy your night." I said and left them alone.

I went over to the snacks bar, which was beside the entrance only to find Damien looking really sophisticated in a freaking penguin suit. I went over to him.

"I don't remember my brother telling me he rented me a date." I joked and he turned to me and smiled. "What are you doing here?" I asked and gave him a hug.

"It's nice to see you too. You look great by the way." He complimented.

"Thank you. What's with the penguin suit?" I asked with a laugh.

"Right. Well, your brother sent me. You left your purse earlier. I'm actually on my way to L. A. My dad has a seminar there and my dad wanted me to attend. So I did your brother a favor." He answered and handed me my purse.

"Oh. I'm such a klutz. Now you're going to be late because of me." I said, feeling guilty.

He smiled. "Nah. I'm not exactly in a rush to go to some boring adult convention." He said.

I laughed. "Right. Well, you should go, if you don't want to be late." I said.

He grinned. "I'll see you soon, little James."

"See you, Damien."

He left and when I turned back around, the principal was already on stage and the music was paused. Principal K was smiling brightly at everyone.

"Good evening, students. It's finally time to announce your homecoming king and queen. A round of applause, please." Our principal said.

I found Julian alone, facing the stage. I came over to stand beside him. "I bet you're pretty smug and excited about this right now." I said with a small smile.

He turned to look at me and that's when I really saw him for the first time that night. His sea green eyes was looking so bright under the dim lighting of the gym, his suit fit him perfectly and his smile... my heart went wild inside my chest.

He chuckled. "Smug, no. I would never." He said, jokingly. "Excited, maybe. But, you know. I can't blame the entire student body if they adore me. I mean, I am pretty hot. Wouldn't you say?" He said.

I laughed and looked back at the stage.

Principal K was already announcing the king and queen. "This year's homecoming queen is," He paused for dramatic effect. "Stacey Mavericks!"

Stacey went up the stage, gushing on and on about how unexpected it was. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Yeah right, I thought. She probably bribed the entire student body to vote for her because she was that kind of person.

"And now, for your Homecoming king." Principal K opened an envelope. "Your homecoming king is..." Another dramatic pause. "Julian Turner!"

Everyone cheered and clapped and gave Julian high fives. I clapped along with them and moved away from the crowd as they dragged Julian to the front until he stopped. He had a small frown on his face when he turned to me. I was clapping still.

"Uh, Julian. Come on up here and claim your crown." Principal K called out once again.

I gave him a puzzled look. "Well, your highness. Your queen awaits. Aren't you going to go up there and claim what's rightfully yours?" I said, jokingly.

He smirked and then chuckled. He bit his lip and slowly, walked towards me, ignoring the calls of the principal, Stacey and his friends before stopping right in front of me.

"I don't need a queen, since I'm already falling for a princess." He said, softly so only I could hear at the same time staring right into my eyes. He gave me a genuine smile before slowly kissing me.

The crowd cheered even more. Apparently, a smooching session was better than seeing their homecoming king receiving his crown. We both pulled away slowly, both panting for breath.

"Wanna get out of here?" He said, grinning from ear to ear.

I couldn't help but return it.

"Absolutely." I said and then we left.