Loving A Deformity

Chapter Seven

Cera couldn't explain it. Just a month ago, Kiley was sweet, fun, and open with Cera. Now, she acted so cold. She hardly smiled. Their sleepover the night before was awkward. They hardly looked at each other. Please make it up to her, Alec. Please show her she's the girl you love, not me. She pleaded mentally. They got ready for the dance without much discussion. Cera was starting to feel bad but she didn't know why. She actively tried to keep this from happening but no one would listen to her.

No, everything will be okay. Alec will convince Kiley she doesn't have to worry. Everything will be fine. Tonight, Cera will hang out with her friends and have a fun time. Nothing will get in the way of that.

After a whole day of getting ready, the girls waited for the guys to show. The first to show was Gabe who Cera chatted with. Alec showed up and immediately greeted Kiley with a sweet kiss. He whispered in her ear something that made her go wide eyed, blush, then smile. They laughed to each other and Cera watch them and smiled. She really did wanted them to be happy with each other. She might not ever fall in love, but she hoped her best friend would, at least. Once Chris showed up, Kate started taking pictures. First, Kiley and Alec. Then, a bunch of other combinations. The last one was for Alec and Cera. Cera felt awkward and nervous but Alec was completely chill. He stood behind her and hugged her around her stomach. Cera felt tense but forced herself to relax in his touch. She placed her hands right over his, expecting a reaction of some sort, flinching away from her in some way, or something. But, no. That made her relax more, almost to the point where she could breath. Her mom took the picture and gave her send off. Shawn told Alec to keep an eye on Cera and make sure no boys flirt with her.
"Yeah, cause that's a hard job." Cera snorted and rolled her eyes.
"Alec might be busy with Kiley but we'll watch out for her." Chris smiled.
"My heroes." Cera said sarcastically.
"You got it, sir." Alec laughed and looked at Cera. "You ready to go?"
"Sure." Cera nodded before he grabbed her hand and took her out to his car. They got in and started their way to school. Kiley and the guys would be showing up later.
"I wasn't able to say it in your house, obviously, but you look great."
"Thank you. You clean up nicely as well." Cera smiled. There was a moment of quiet.
"That's the only thing that bothers me about Kiley. She's so jealous of you when she has no reason to be."
"I know. Makes me want to tell her about the fifth grade but I feel that'll only make it worse instead of better."
"Yeah, let's avoid talking about fifth grade." He laughed. "It'll be okay after tonight though. After I drop you off at your house, I'm going back for Kiley."
"Glad to know you answer prayers." Cera joked. They both smiled. After a while, Cera started to feel guilty again. "I'm still really sorry about this. Maybe if I tried being nicer to you before Kiley and you got together, neither of you would have to put up with me."
"Hey, I was the one tormenting you. Don't beat yourself up over something I should've taken care of. Besides, I'm lucky I get to hang out with Kiley at this thing at all. And the time I do get is thanks to you. You haven't done anything wrong." Alec said, making her feel better.

***

They went in the dance together and sat at a table to wait. They talked and made jokes until Kiley came up and kissed Alec for a long minute. Cera felt a pang of jealousy, but it wasn't of Kiley. It was of the fact she didn't have anyone who wanted to kiss her like that. Being around them, always making out, was starting to take it's toll on her lonely heart. She craved the kind of love she felt Alec was developing for Kiley. She wanted someone to look at her like that.

But, no. It's just not in the cards for me, She thought. I need to accept that. Kiley pulled away but didn't stop eye contact with him. They quickly moved to the dance floor, leaving Cera alone for a while. She figured Chris and Gabe came in with Kiley, what was taking them so long? Cera went looking for them and found them in different places, dancing with girls. With a sigh, she started back to her table to sit alone, again. I'm never going to another dance again. She decided. Just then, she saw the Principal as a slow song started. Cera freaked. I can't take their first slow song! She thought as she ran up to the Principal.
"Oh, hey, Cera. Where's Alec? Isn't it a slow song?"
"Oh, yeah. He's in the bathroom. I just wanted to tell you thank you." Cera smiled.
"You wanted to thank me?"
"Yeah! I feel like Alec and I have moved passed our differences. I feel like I have a new friend. You shouldn't be getting problems from us anymore. So, thank you."
"Oh." He smiled. "You're welcome then. I'll leave for now but I expect to see you two together, getting along, when I come back."
"You got it, sir." Cera smiled and nodded before he left. Cera sighed in relief and sat back at her table. She could feel it was going to be a long night.