The Valentine Dance

Chapter 4

We agreed to meet Zoe at the Rec Center at 5, and when we got there, there were only two people there. Zoe and Lauren. Hmmm.

"Okay, so what you want? Don't waste our time." Maria said.

"And we deserve every bit of the abuse you send our way. Just hear us out, will you?"

"Talk" I said

"Well, after you insulted Lauren, you apologized. No one ever did that for us. You were the only one who actually saw that you hurt her and said sorry, even if I was under pressure."

Surprise lit our faces. Did she just say that?

"And I know it's too late, but I wanna ask for both of us. Will you forgive us? I know we've never done anything to deserve it, and I know we're untrustworthy, but please?"

I looked at the others. They looked confused. I was too, but heck, I'll give them a chance. Just one thing.

"Lauren, is this true?"

She turned to face us, and I saw tears streaking down her face.

"All of it."

I looked back at my friends, and they were shocked. I was going to have to make the decision for the team. Hopefully it's the right one, after what they did, it's only fair...

" Well, I think........

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We made our way home, feeling better about ourselves. I knew it was the right choice.

30 minutes earlier~

"Well I think I speak for the team when I say that you're forgiven."

Zoe threw herself on me sobbing in joy.

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Then she realized the position she was in.

"Oh, sorry." flustered, I nodded.

She then did something that scarred- I mean stuck with me- for life. She went over to Lauren, pulled her to her feet, and kissed her?

I wasn't expecting that

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We arrived at my house, me and November, for a sleepover(friend zone level 999) and settled in for the night. It was about 6 when I woke up, and got ready for school. After I was done, I watched November sleep for a little ( I'm not a stalker). When I woke her up, I knew she was going to kill me. She always does.

" What time is it, anyway?" She said after a 20 minute rant about waking her up during a good dream.

"7:30. You got 15 minutes to get ready." Gasp

" Oh no, you let me sleep that long? Why?!"

"I'm just kidding, calm down!" I laughed at her overreaction. She smacked me on the head.

"Idiot."

"Furball!"

"Weirdo!"

"Furry!"

Gasp!

"Okay, you went too far!"

"Sorry."

She pouted, getting up to smack me again, dashing out of the room. We ran around the house, occasionally knocking things over in our ruckus. She slipped into the bathroom, escaping my reach, giggling the whole time.

As time went by, she showered and was getting ready when I looked at the clock. Oh no! 10 minutes to get to the bus! I ran up the stairs, hoping to get to November fast.

I burst into the restroom, and was about to say that we had 10 minutes, when I saw her.

She's naked! Oh God! What have I done?!

"NOVEMBER! 10 MINUTES, OKAY???!!!"

I ran out before she could answer. I went to my room, slamming the door.

I hoped to forget the sight burned into my eyes. God, she's so beautiful, I could cry. Man...

She is going to hate me now for sure.

She came out of the bathroom, banging on the door. "Oliver, it's cool. No harm, No foul"

"I can't forgive myself. Like, how could I do that?"

"Just come out and we'll talk on the bus, OK?"

"OK..."

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I couldn't talk to November on the bus. I mean how could I do that? What was I thinking? She kept saying it was alright, but I still couldn't forgive myself.

"Oliver, I know you didn't mean to! It's fine Oliver. Talk to me damn it, or I'll tell everyone!"

"Okay, okay. What do you want me to say. I said sorry and I assume you forgave me, but that doesn't change the fact I did it."

"God, Oliver. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I mean, I've seen my fair share of your body and those times were not on purpose."

"Well, I need some time to recover from the horror, so..."

She punched me, mock-glaring.

"Like you're any better looking."

"Nope, wayyyyy worse than you. You're like a freaking masterpiece compared to me." oh no. She wasn't supposed to hear that, and I don't know how she'll react. Play it cool, Oliver. Play it cool.

"Aww, thanks! I guess I should say that you're not bad yourself. To return the compliment."

Phew...

We arrived at school, and met up with our friends inside the library, where we usually met. We did our own thing for a while, only occasionally talking amongst ourselves to chat about a test or a essay due. We shared the time in pairs or singles, usually depending on the day. But today felt different. The air was weird, and neither Kirstin or Yuli were here. Odd. Maria and Jaeger were talking together quietly. Spooky. They soo like each other. I can tell. Since when did I become a love expert. Gosh, calm down, Proske!

The bell rang, signifying the release to 1st period.

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After 3 hours of clock staring and utter boredom, it was time for my favorite time of the day. Lunch. Yay.

I walked into the cafeteria, and received the surprise of a lifetime...

Okay, that's just weird. I must be dreaming...

Not only were Zoe and Lauren sitting with my friends, having a seemingly normal conversation with November, but...... Maria and Jaeger were... Okay, I'm done. Gag.

I sat down next to November as per norm, and I was curious. I heard the words Aaron, date, and tomorrow in the whispers. Also could have sworn I heard Phase 2. That phrase again. Note to self: Must ask Tristan what it means.

I sat down in my usual spot, casually eating. If you didn't know me it would look like I wasn't listening. But..... I heard this....

"Do you think that he likes you? Cause we could find out.Discreetly of course." Lauren whispered. Loudly.

"No, that defeats the purpose of Phase 2. He's gotta do it on his own. Otherwise we go to Phase 3. Understand so far.