Ugly Girl

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen: Riley

                “What?” I screamed when Ally and Johnnu had told me about the previous day’s events. “How could Lizzy do that to Zoey?”

                Ally shrugged, “I don’t know.”

                Although Ally and Johnny had the decency to inform me of the event, I could tell they were holding something back. “What is it?” I say with an agitated sigh.

                “We saw her walk off with Beth Jones and Ryan,” Johnny looked so defeated, I actually felt bad. “We think she’s with them now.”

                Mace, who had been sitting silently next to me the whole time, finally spoke up. “So, Lizzy is a backstabbing bitch.”

                Johnny looked alarmingly at him, “You liked her though.”

                “I don’t like girls that do that.” He said firmly before storming out of the small diner. Johnny sighed and quickly ran after him.

                Ally turned to me and must’ve seen the expression on my face because she let out a sad sigh and said, “You really like her don’t you.” When I nodded, she slid out of the opposite side of the table and into my side. “She likes you, she really does. She just doesn’t realize it because of Ryan. We need to show her that you truly love her.”

                Sighing miserably, I wipe my weary eyes. “I don’t know. If she’s happy with Ryan…”

                Ally put a hand on my shoulder. “She isn’t. She thinks she is because he has the face of a model. He’s dumb as bricks and a jerk too. You’re better than him.”

                Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around Ally and hugged her. I honestly have no idea why, I just really could use a hug. Thankfully, she hugged me back instead of shoving me against the wall. I think its safe today I finally got Zoey’s best friend’s approval. Something I desperately needed.

                There was something stirring in the high school population today. Everyone was chatting nonstop and staring at their cell phones. Something big was coming and it was making everyone nervous and excited. It had started this morning when a single school principle tacked a large poster on the school’s bulletin in front of the school.  On it was one word, four letters; PROM.

                “I can’t believe I’m about to say this but I think I’m actually excited to go.” Ally mumbled when the three of us stood in front of the poster.  Out of my peripherial vision, I saw Johnny grin and grab her hand. Although the two of them were excited, I was not. Zoey would be there no doubt, with Ryan. I was also positive that they would win prom king and queen. I would be forced to stay back and watch their merriment.

                “Riley!” Ally said, shaking my out of my day dream. I blinked a dew times before giving her my attention. “Geez, listen to me sometime! That’s the perfect way to express your feelings to Zoey!”

                I turned back to the silvery poster, already thinking of what to say.

                “I can pull some strings to get you on that stage and have that microphone!”

                “What? No!” I screamed. I had a severe fear of speaking in front of large crowds.

                “You want her don’t you?” Johnny said, surprisingly level headed.

                I do don’t I? I was going to have to do this.