Masquerade (Michael Clifford)

Chapter 11

"Scarlett Evans! Wait up!" I heard Michael yell. I stopped where I was. It was Wednesday and school was over. I was walking to the parking lot to meet up with Collin.

"What's up Gordon." I said, giggling when he glared at me for using his middle name.

"I was wondering, Nicole, if you were up to hanging out with me again." he said, extra emphasis on the use of my middle name.

"Yeah! When are you free?" I asked him.

"Actually, there's a party Friday night. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me." he said fidgeting with the bottom of his shirt.

"Like a high school party?" I asked. He nodded. "I've never been to a party like...that." I said.

"Please come! It'll be fun!" he pleaded.

"I don't know Michael. I'm not really into that kind of stuff."

"Awe come on. Let loose, and try something new."

"Hmm, alright." he started cheering. "But! No drinking." that made him stop jumping.

"But that's the best part! You can't go to a party like this and not drink." he said dramatically.

"I don't drink." I said crossing my arms. I mean, I've had a couple beers in my life, but never enough to get me drunk. And I'm pretty sure they don't serve just beer, it's always some mixed drinks from what I've heard.

"And I don't pretend to be girls' boyfriend." he said with a smirk. Well shit.

"Okay, maybe just a couple of drinks..." I said rolling my eyes. Michael let out a very unmanly squeal.

"Yay! You'll have fun, promise! I'll text you everything okay?"

"Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow." I said walking off.

"Wait!" I stopped again, and turned to him. He walked over to me and pulled me into a hug, his arms not fully going around me due to my stuffed book bag. I wrapped my arms around him as well. He started swaying us a little. This is a long hug, longer than a friendly hug should be. I felt comfort and warm. I was enjoying it, and I was hoping it would last just a little longer.

"Michael!" I spoke to soon.

Michael sighed, squeezed me, then pulled away.

"What Luke?" he asked irritated. Oh, its Luke.

"Um, I was wondering if I could...come over! So yeah, can I come over to like hang out." Luke said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sure, give me second." Michael said.

"No! Can we, like go now. I kinda have to use the bathroom." Luke said.

"You can use the bathroom here." Michael said turning back to me.

"I don't like the toilet paper here." he said. Michael closed his eyes and sighed. He opened them and smiled at me.

"Since Lukey here has to take a damn shit, I have to go. I'll text you later alright?" he said with a small smile. I nodded my head smiling a little too. He pulled me into a hug, but it wasn't like the one we had a minute ago. It was short and didn't give me comfort.

"Bye Scarlett." he waved.

"Bye Michael."

~~~

"So what have you been up to girly?" Kenna asked. She had texted me asking if she wanted to go shopping with her and Holly. Holly hasn't said a word to me but I could care less. She is my best friend's girlfriend, but that doesn't mean I have to like her.