Pretty in Plump

•sEVEn•

"We will be recording you singing your auditions today." Ms. Taylor announces. Bethany bumps my side. I glare at her. "If you don't want to try out for this amazing opportunity- you may go do homework." Once the words are said most of the kids leave to go get their work.

"Marley, you're going to audition, right? You could get the opportunity to talk to a producer and have a chance at a music career!" Bethany squeals, grabbing my arm.

"I know, Beth, but I just get really nervous with this stuff- you know? I just-"

"Marley, I hope you're trying out." Ms. Taylor says, giving me a smile as she walks by.

"Yeah, I'll try out but, while I'm waiting I'll go get my homework." I offer nervously. Ms. Taylor nods. Bethany squeals and drags me to our lockers.

"You're going to make it and you're going to be famous and you're going to win every single thing out there vocally and then you will-"

"Bethany, shut up." I roll my eyes but I can't help the smile on my face. "I don't even want to pursue a music career."

"You should." She grumbles. I send her a glare. "You should.... go get your work is what I meant." She corrects.

I move past her locker and open mine, being startled by a note flying down in front of my face.

You better not bail on me, Marley Shay. You're riding the bus with me to my house.

I smile. William was strange, but it was cute. The note is suddenly ripped from my hand and Bethany look it over before giving me a suggestive look.

"What are you doing at Will's house?" She asks. I frown.

Will? William sounds much better.

"I'm helping him with math because I opened my big mouth last night in front of his mom." I tell her, grabbing my History.

"Oh, do tell, Marley Shay." Bethany puts the emphasis on the name that William has chosen to call me. I shrug past her but tell her all that happened at the dinner table last night.

"I just have to get myself in the worst possible messes." I finish. Bethany laughs.

"No, you just have a crush and it sounds like Will does too." Bethany laughs at my look.

"Can we not with the whole-"

"Hey, Marley Shay!" William's voice reaches my ears and I see him carrying a pail of brushes of all different sizes.

"Uhhh,"

"Hi, Will!" Bethany greets, bumping me.

"Hi, William." I splutter.

"What are you doing out of class?" William asks. I frown. "You know your education is-"

"We're just getting our work." I shrug, interrupting him. Bethany lets out an annoyed sigh.

"Marley is going to try out for an amazing singing opportunity!" Bethany squeals.

I accidentally drop my books so I can hide my face as I pick them up. William chuckles.

"I'm proud of you, Marley Shay. Glad you could come out of your shell like that." He grins- the cheeky, adorable one.

"I don't have a shell."

"You seem pretty SHELtered." William laughs as I send him a glare. Bethany watches my reaction. She nudges me.

"Laugh, he made a joke." She hisses at me. I pinch her side, smiling at her.