Ugly Girl

Chapter Twenty-Two

A/N: Oh my... Only two chapters left of Ugly Girl!

Chapter Twenty-Two: Riley

                Twenty minutes before I had to leap on stage, I pulled Ally aside. I had to tell her something that might mess up the whole night. I had to tell someone though, and at the moment, Ally was my best friend.

                “What’s wrong?” She asked, probably nervous I would wimp out. “You have to go up in a few minutes.”

                “Ally, I’m moving.”

                Her happy ad nervous demeanor suddenly cracked into shocked and depressed, “W-what?” When I sadly nodded, she grabbed my shoulders. “No! You can’t leave! Not now!”

                “Ally, I’m sorry. My dad got another call from the Army; we’re going to be stationed in Florida.”

                I watch in horror as tears well up in her eyes, “Oh no, Riley, no…” Ally always had the exterior of being badass and able to take on the world but watching her actually look sad about my departure made me think, was Ally really as hard as she made everyone think she was? “When are you leaving?”

                “Next week,” I say with a sigh, “But I won’t be going to the same school anymore.”

                “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” she says, looking extremely hurt.

                “I just found out, these army re-locations are last minute.”

                “But you’re still going to tell Zoey?” She asks, still nervous I’ll get cold feet. I nod with fake bravery. In reality, I’ll probably pee my pants like a little girl when I get up there. She smiles but her eyes are still glassy, “Riley, you’re a great kid. I’m sorry Johnny and I weren’t s nice to you as we should’ve been. We were both wrong about you.” She takes a shaky breath, “Just understand that Johnny and I thought wrong about you. You’re a sweet kid and I’m sorry we didn’t realize that.”

                “Ally, I understand. I was a jerk when I first got here but I changed, I guess.”

                “Because of Zoey.” She smiles. “I’m really going to miss you Riley.” She then throws her arms around me and hugs me sadly. “You were one of my best friends.”

                “Thank you, for everything.”

                She pulls away and smiles sadly, “I’m going to go find Johnny, and you get on that stage.”

                I salute her, “Yes ma’am!”

                I watch as she walks away, heading right to Johnny and Mace. My eyes leave them and focus on the large stage. I guess it’s my time to shine. I sneak my way backstage, avoiding teachers and the occasional making out couple, and reach the edge of the curtain, just as the principle announces its time to name homecoming king and queen. From here, I can see Johnny and Ally holding hands, grinning at me. My heart stops for a second and I seriously contemplate jumping of the stage and running home. And then I see her. Zoey stands in the back, with tears streaming down her face. She stares at me, probably wondering what the hell I’m doing. Sadness washes over me, along with a hell lot of anger too, why is she crying? Then I see the couple standing a few paces away from her making out. It happens to be none other than Ryan and Beth Jones.  Without even thinking or breathing, I storm onto the stage.

                The crowd goes silent; their eyes lock onto me and demand to know why the hell I just interrupted the crowning. Well, they’ll have to wait.

                “Zoey?” I say shocked at how strong my voice sounds. She looks up from wiping her face, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’m not the perfect guy and I don’t look like Greek God or play the guitar like a rock star or incredibly smart. I’m just me and I-I love you.” Everyone gasps and turns to stare at her. Zoey’s mouth drops and her face turns bright red. “I should’ve told you earlier, but I’m a wimp.” I say with a snort. “But I’m better than man candy over there who is making out with the loosest girl in the school.” The whole auditorium begins to laugh and I grin proudly. “You are better than Beth Jones and Ryan and any other popular kid here. But forgive Johnny and Ally. They are the greatest people you will ever meet and they would never do that to you. And without them, I never would have gotten on this stage.” I glance at them and see the two of them beam at me happily, “One more thing before I let Mr. Syllus crown the king and queen; Beth, the reason you have no one up here confessing their love for you is because no one wants to be with a freaking bitch. Lighten the hell up!”

The whole room explodes into applause. Everyone whistles and chants my name. I glance at Johnny and Ally who are yelling and clapping the loudest. They then violently shove their way through the crowd, ready to meet me at the bottom of the stage. I turn back to Zoey and realize she isn’t there. I swear I can hear a tiny shatter as my heart breaks when I see her exit the homecoming dance. She clearly doesn’t want anything to do with me. I turn and bolt of stage. Adrenaline certainly did its thing because I wasn’t nervous at all. Everything suddenly crashes down on me and I feel like hitting the ground. I barely hear Zoey and Ryan getting called to be king and queen.

Johnny and Ally meet me and throw their arms around me. “Riley, you did amazing!” Johnny bellows.

Ally notices my sadness however, “What’s wrong?”

“She-she left…”