Speak Now

Chapter 22: Friendship cannot be purchased

A/N Sorry for the late update guys! I've had no motivation whatsoever but I'll try to update at least once a week from now on. Thanks for your support! Don't forget to vote and comment! 😘
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"When twilight drops her curtain down And pins it with a star Remember that you have a friend Though she may wander far."

L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

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The night starts with us playing a horror movie, which proved to be a very bad decision as we couldn't run to the bathroom without shivering in fright. Kayla tripped over a stuffed teddy bear and screamed her head off, thinking it was a possessed doll.

Miranda accidentally spilled Coke over me and I yelled until Kayla turned on the lights and I realised I wasn't covered with blood.

"No more horror movies," Kayla shivers as the credits finally roll in. Miranda is half asleep, her eyes red as she stares straight ahead,"No more horror movies EVER."

I laugh,"It wasn't that bad."

Kayla raises her eyebrows and throws a stuffed animal at me,"You screamed when that masked dude lunged at the camera."

I blush,"Er yeah but still.."

Miranda shakes her head,"Your optimism doesn't do you credit, Maddie. That movie SUCKED."

Kayla yawns and falls on the beanbag with me,"So, are you prepping for that essay thingie on Saturday?"

I pour some Coke for myself, not meeting Kayla's eyes. Fact is, I don't want to win. Winning would mean climbing onstage to get the certificate. It would destroy the little privacy I've build up around myself. Someone, like Tristan, might remember I exist. But losing would disappoint me. I know I write better than most people, and I have a decent chance of winning. But I'm still afraid. And I don't know how to say all thay without seeming like a coward.

"I don't know how you can prep for an essay competition," I finally say meekly.

Miranda shifts the covers over her,"I'm gonna sleep. Shat up," Pillow fluffs stuck in her hair peep out and Kayla plucks it,"Pillow fights should be an Olympic sport. Miranda would slay every year."

Miranda gives a muffled reply and pulls her pillow tighter around her ears, causing me to laugh.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Kayla points,"Pray I make it out alive."

"And that Moaning Myrtle isn't there to disrupt your privacy," I add, as she shoots me a sly wink and shuts the door behind her.

Meanwhile, I grab my phone and scroll through the comments on my latest Bookstagram picture. After I've replied to all of them, I get a new text alert.

TRIS: U okay?

ME: I think so.

TRIS: Sorry about earlier.

TRIS: Are you free tomorrow?

I'm about to say yes when Miranda's words from yesterday rebound in my mind.

ME: Nope. Got a date. Btw why didn't you accept coach's offer to be Co captain?

He doesn't reply immediately. Maybe he's conjuring up some hilarious reason to make me laugh.