Out of the Woods

Chapter 38: fresh faced freshman's, salty sophomores and us juniors

'Guys, homecoming is around the corner, and with exams nearly done, we need to pick up the pace with the decorations.' Mark,one of my homecoming committee co-partner, ordered as I checked off some boxes on my checklist. 

'How many balloons do we need to order?' Veronica, asked me, as she held her hand over the speaker on the phone.

'We don't need the balloons now. The event isn't until next week.' I assured her, slightly stressed.

'But the guy says we need to book them in advance. They're really busy. Sorry, yes I'm still on the line.' She desperately told me before frantically babbling into the phone.

'Tell them we need about four hundred. Actually, make it five.' I smiled at her, before she went off.

Things were hectic.

My exams had finished and now my main priority was helping the school sort out the homecoming things.

A stressful but rewarding job, must I say. On the plus side, I was looking forward to going to my first high school dance. For the past three years, I had tried to avoid the couple infested dances where everyone was in a relationship, but now I was happily in one myself.

'Alright kids, go on, it's time for lunch.' Mr. McCoy bellowed, as he ushered us out of the school's gymnasium. Before he had even finished his sentence, half painted decorations and clipboards were dropped onto the floor as everyone ran for Taco Tuesday.

On my way to the cafeteria, I bumped into Natalie who looked quite pleased with herself. 'I'm guessing the AP Business exam went well?' I asked, with a grin on my face as I gently nudged her. 

'Surprisingly yes. I mean, I made a couple of errors on the last question, but the rest of the paper was brilliant.' She exclaimed, the biggest gleam on her face.

'Aww, I'm so happy for you!' I cheered, throwing my right arm over her shoulder and bringing her in for a side hug. 'We should get in before all of the tacos are gone.' I joked, pushing the cafeteria doors open.

As predicted, the place was packed with some remaining seniors who hadn't finished their finals yet, fresh faced freshman's, salty sophomores and us juniors. After Nat and I had got our food, we tried to make our way out of the crowd of students who had formed an ant hill near the checkout. In the distance, I noticed Mandy, her boyfriend Logan and Ethan, seated at one of the few big round tables, so we started walking towards them.

'Hey love.' Ethan smiled towards me as I sat down besides him.

'Hey.' I blushed, sitting down and placing my hand in his, still not used to the feeling I get in my belly when I see him.

'Guys, Logan was just telling us about how his parents own a large summer villa in Mallorca. We totes have to go this year!' Mandy squealed as she leaned up to kiss Logan on the cheek.

'I mean, the place is fantastic. Every room has a view of the ocean.' Logan continued from Mandy, as he took gulps of his chocolate milkshake.

'Sounds great. We're in, aren't we?' Ethan raised his eyebrows glancing at me as I took a bite of my taco.

Not wanting to spray everyone with tortilla shell, I simply nodded, earning a chuckle from everyone at the table.

'Why don't we have a party? To celebrate the end of exams and junior year.' Natalie suggested as she bit into a curly fry.

'I love a good party.' Mandy shrugged a cheeky grin on her face.

'We could have it at my house. If it's just us.' I simply stated, interested murmurs going around the table. 'My mom's going out of town tonight for work and Willow's apartment hunting in Florida for college.' I explained. 'I have the house to myself.'