Written. (JB//Complete)

Chapter 26.

I walk through Edison High's hallways to get to my locker to exchange the books I need for my next class.

Many groups of teenagers scatter the corridor chattering about the latest gossip, including who's going to be going with who to Prom. And I'm not going to be in their conversation since I'm not going with anyone. At least, not yet.

As I'm unlocking my locker and swapping out my books, someone pops up from behind me and startles me. I'm way too jumpy. I turn around and sigh when I realize who it is. I should've known.

"Ryan. You scared me," I chuckle, clutching my chest.

"Sorry," he laughs. Ryan stands there for a moment as he watches me slip out my Chemistry books, then he clears his throat. "So, you excited for Prom?"

I nod. "Yeah, it should be fun. You going with anyone?"

He shakes his head and purses his lips. "No. I was going to go with Sophia, but then I found out that the school doesn't allow students to go with anyone not attending, or who has not graduated from, another school. I don't know why they're being so strict about this," he pouts. I feel a bit bad for him that he can't go to one last school dance with his lover.

At least I wouldn't be able to go with Justin, God, I don't even know how awkward that would be. I would be the talk of the school then for just being seen with someone like him, covered in tattoos and crude-looking. Or maybe I could have gone with Chaz, but the rules say otherwise.

"That's indecisive," I say, looking among the group of girls across the hall snickering over towards Ryan and I. "I wonder why they would make that rule..." I add, trailing off as I continue looking over at the girls who are now giggling at us. Ryan seems to notice when he looks over at them too, following my vision.

"What?" He looks back at me, which I'm now looking down at my feet. "Just ignore them. Don't worry about what they think about you."

That reminds of when Justin was giving me a pep talk about the exact same thing. Everything seems to remind me of him now. I hate it but love it at the same time.

I nod my head at him. "I know, I just wonder what they're talking about."

He laughs. "No, that's exactly what I don't want you doing. They're probably just laughing over those ridiculous markings people call artwork all over these lockers here." He points at the lockers behind us and I shake my head at him. Thanks for trying, Ryan. I laugh anyway and walk off with him to our next classes.

"So... Since we both have no date to Prom, do you want to go with me?" Ryan asks. "I know it isn't the perfect way every girl wants to be asked to Prom, but it's just last minute." He searches my features for an answer. "And we would just be going as friends," he clarifies.

"Of course," I giggle. "Yes, I'd love to go with you. As friends," I agree.

He grins and says, "Great. I'll pick you up at six thirty," then flashes one last smile before heading off in his own direction to get to class. As I'm walking to Chemistry, I can't help but smile at the thought that I actually have a date to Prom, whether it's Ryan or not.

Justin

My mind is so flustered right now. I've been thinking way more than I should be lately, and I hate it.

Thinking, thinking, thinking... Hate it.

I've decided to go on a short cruise to clear my mind from everything, maybe that could help. I exit my apartment (which I've been dying to get out of this cramped place) and hop onto my awaiting Harley Davidson. I slip on my helmet and begin roaming around. Instantly, my mind is cleared. Since I've got that taken care of, maybe it's time to have a little fun.