Breaking Free

Chapter 26

"Oh Andrea, you look so gorgeous," I gush, glancing over her mint green dress that flows just above her knees.

"Thank you," she replies, blushing.

We've all just arrived, and we're walking down the makeshift red carpet. At the end of it, there is a professional camera set up with a red back drop where we have our pictures taken.

When it's Carter and my turn, the cameraman starts to instruct us how to stand.

"Blondie," he starts with a thick german accent, pointing to me. "Wrap your arms around his neck. Yes like that. You, blondie boy, arms on her waist. Stare into each other's eyes, and do little smile. Yes, yes. Now one... two... three."

SNAP! The flash goes off, capturing the moment forever. When I'm gone, it will give Carter something to remember me by.

As we walk into the Event Hall, I sigh in awe. It really is gorgeous. The music swirls around the grandeur, almost palace like room. Couples are dancing, eating, talking, and everyone seems to be having fun.

When everyone else is done with their pictures, we meet up and go over to a table, sitting down.

"That guys accent- hilarious," Sky chimes, her eyes dancing.

"I know right!" I agree, a light chuckle escaping me.

We all chat for a few minutes before an unexpected person approaches is.

"Amelia, not tonight. Just go," I snap before she has the chance to speak.

"Actually, I wanted to see Sky and make sure she was okay," Anelia awkwardly states. "Um, it wasn't cool what that guy did to you."

"Thanks," Sky genuinely returns. They talk for a minute before Amelia leaves and rejoins his friends.

What a strange turn of events- Amelia being sincere and nice. Who would have thought?

After a minute, everyone gets up to dance. Except, Joy is just running around pushing Sky full speed in her wheelchair- but we can pretend that's dancing, right?

"Can I have this dance?"Carter asks cheesily.

"Of course- but Im going to go get a drink first," I smile, starting to stand up.

"No, I'll get it," Carter offers. Before I can object, he turns and starts to walk to the drink table.

"Where's he going?" Jake asks, watching Carter walk away.

"Just to get me a drink. So, Jake- are you still refusing to tell me who you like?" I slyly question.

"Yes, actually."

"Oh," I pout, staring down at my hands. "Do you not trust me?"

"No I trust you- it's just-"

"What?" I question.

"Fine, I'll tell you. But remember, you asked for it. I like-"

"Here's your drink," Carter chuckles, sneaking up behind me.

"Thank you," I reply, finishing the whole thing in only on sip. "Carter and I are going to dance, but we are finishing this conversation later, okay?"

Jake nods, an almost sad look in his eyes. I ignore it, and follow Carter out to the dance floor.

If I die young

Bury me in satin

Lay me down on a bed of roses

Sink me in the river at dawn

Send me away with the words of a love song

I frown slightly at the song choice, though it seems oddly appropriate in my situation.

Surprisingly, Carter is a pretty good dancer. We sway to the music, song after song after song. I follow his lead the whole time, disappearing into the moment. At some point during our dances, I payed my head on his shoulder.

"Hey Taylor?"

"Hmmm," I mumble.

"I love you." I smile, picking up my head to look at him.

"I love you too," I whisper. A wave of sadness takes over me when I realize that I won't be able to stay. I can't imagine not spending my life with him- but that's how it's going to turn out. I'm going to leave him tonight and never come back

"I, uh, have to go to the bathroom," I whisper, pulling away. "I'll be right back."

By the time I reach the bathroom, tears have already started pouring out of my eyes uncontrollably. I take deep breaths, trying to regain my composure.

After a few minutes, I look normal again, save for slightly puffy cheeks.

I glance at my watch, and gasp. It's 11:15.

I have 15 minutes till I have to go. Realizing this, I run out of the bathroom and into the secluded hallway- and right into Jake.

"Oh sorry," I mumble, starting to walk away.

"No, I actually wanted to talk to you."

"What is it?" I impatiently ask. Precious seconds are ticking by.

"The girl I like- it's-"

"Just spit it out."

"It's you."

I gasp, and stumble backward. Speechless and stunned, I let my guard down. Before I know what's happening, Jake leans in, and-

He kisses me. I start to pull away, but something stops me. Perhaps it's because I feel so utterly alone and have no idea what to do. Unconsciously, I kiss him back.

Eventually, I regain my senses, and push him away, hard. I bring my hand across his face, hard, stunning him. I'm sure he didn't expect me to slap him.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I whisper shout.

I turn to run away and find Carter, but stop in my tracks when I see the other person in the hallway.

Carter.

The look on his face is mangled with hurt, betrayal, and- disgust? I go to run after him, but he disappear through the door that goes into the Eventing Hall and I can't find him.

"You ruined everything," I spit at Jake.

Because, no matter how much I want to go after Carter and explain myself and tell him how much I love him- I can't.

It's 11:30, and my time is up.

A/N

Remember how much I love you guys and please don't hate me! No death threats!

And I ALWAYS have a plan.