The Deal (Jelena)

Chapter 7

11 Years Ago (Cont'd)

All around him people are cheering, shouting at their friends who are part of the parade. They wave back at everyone, giving special gestures to the people they know. Candy is being thrown into the streets for children and even some teens to retrieve. The marching band is playing their school fight song over and over again. People are cheering and acting like it's the most exciting thing that's ever happened in town.

The parade is mainly to show off the sports teams and clubs from their high school, which Justin doesn't really care about.

Justin's not paying much attention to the parade. His eyes are too busy watching Selena's reaction to the parade. He's waiting for the moment Selena sees Collin. He's waiting until her eyes light up and she smiles so fondly at him, just so he can pretend that she's actually looking at him like he's hung the moon and given her every last star in the sky.

The football team will be last and get the loudest praise. They're seen as the alphas, the warriors of the American high school athletic world. It's just the way the social hierarchy works.

"Hey, J!" Justin turns his head when he hears Fredo shouting for him.

He notices the Fredo has his arm draped across Nevada's shoulders so he assumes Fredo had enough courage to ask her to the dance this morning. His best friend is grinning as they walk up to him.

Fredo offers his fist to Justin, sharing a quick bump before he licks at his lips.

"I see you got the girl." Justin says with a quick nod. Then he turns his attention to Nevada. "Did he embarrass himself more than usual when he asked?"

Nevada lets out a laugh and Fredo just rolls his eyes because he's tired of being teased. "He stumbled up a bit but it was so sweet." She smiles and looks up at Fredo in an adoring way.

Fredo takes pride in that.

Justin's happy that his best friend finally gets the chance to show Nevada that he really cares for her. He thinks they'd make a pretty good couple if they decide to date after homecoming is done with.

"Whitney told me you're planning on asking Elaina tonight." Nevada comments.

"Yeah, she's gonna introduce me to her after the parade and before their routine." Justin replies, not really convinced that Elaina will even agree to go with him. He doesn't want her to think it's an invitation out of pity or being jealous that he's not going with the girl of his dreams.

"Well, I wish you all the luck." She says, ducking out from Fredo's arm. "I'll meet up with you boys later. I'm gonna go hang out with Selena." Nevada shares a smile with both of them before walking over to where Selena is.

Justin hears the happiest of sighs coming from Fredo. With a sly smile, Justin chuckles at him.

"Congrats, bro."

Fredo nods, trying to act like he's suave with a shrug of his shoulders. Justin knows that Fredo is probably still anxious about the entire situation because he's had a thing for Nevada for a while now. Fredo probably also can't believe she said yes.

"Man, I can't believe it. Do you think after the dance, she'd maybe want to start dating? I mean, I don't want her to think I'm only asking her to go to homecoming with me because we share the same group of friends." Fredo's speech quickens as he starts to put too many stressed out thoughts together.

Justin laughs and places a hand on his best friend's shoulder to bring him back to reality. "Hey, just focus on the dance and then you can figure out the rest."