Beautiful Headache

Just Ask

I tried to bury those gross feelings for Malia deep down inside and acted normal.
Unfortunately, Stiles wouldn't let me live it down.
"Scott, look! There's your girlfriend. Malia!" He shouted as I hung my head. Mortified.
"I hate you." I sighed. He had been mocking me all week and showed no signs of stopping. She walked over to us. My heart pounding. Sweaty palms.
"Hi. What are you weirdos talking about?" She asked.
Sitting at our table.
"The Winter Formal. I have a lock. I'm going with my boo, Lydia." Stiles said.
"Never say that again. Oh. Wear a mint green tie to compliment my dress. Lydia said. Stiles sighed.
"Yes, dear."
"You guys are funny." I looked up when I heard her laugh. Her smile was so precious! Ugh. I'm pathetic.
"You laughed." I said softly.
"Yeah. I am allowed to do that. What's wrong with your face? Other than the usual." Malia asked.
"What are you even talking about?" I asked annoyed.
"Your face is all red." She gently tapped my cheek. "Are you sick?"
"Like you care." I said dismissively.
"Since you could give it to me then yeah. I care." She said sarcastically.
"Don't touch me." I muttered.
"Scott's just cranky because he hasn't mastered the art of feelings yet." Stiles said making her laugh again.
"Shut up." I said and ate a green pea.
"So, who are you taking to the dance, Malia?" Stiles asked.
"I'm not going. I was going to go with Theo but..." I followed her gaze to Theo and Tracy. "I'll just stay home and eat junk food and watch Infinity War on dvd or something."
"You can do that any day. Forget him! You get out there and live your best life girl! You don't need him to have fun." Lydia said passionately.
"Sorry. She's on the committee. But she's right. You should go." Stiles said.
"Kinda lame to go by myself. Believe it or not, I don't have friends to even go with." Malia said.
"Well I am insulted. What am I?" Stiles asked. Feigning appall.
"You're my friend Stiles. You also have a girlfriend and a date. I don't wanna be a third wheel." Malia said.
"Hang on, doll. It's the florist. Talk to me, Maurice. What the hell do you mean you sold the last 6dozen white roses to some rich guy for his proposal to his girlfriend?! I paid for those in advance. No I don't want my money back, I want my damn roses!
I am not done with you. Don't you dare___he hung up. Ooh. Excuse me. I need to go cut a bitch. Keep talking." Lydia walked away. Heels clicking angrily behind her.
"She's a sweetheart, really. So, Malia...if you can get a date, you'll go?" Stiles asked. She shrugged.
"I guess. I'm gonna watch the swim team practice. Later." Malia got up and tousled my hair as she left.
"That's your in!" Stiles said hushed.
"What in?" I asked.
"To ask her out dummy." Stiles said.
"Because you love her, obviously. This is your golden opportunity. Girl needs to get out." Stiles said.
"And if she says no?" I asked.
"You asked. It shows you care." Stiles said. Curse is airtight logic.

After school, caught up with her.
"Malia?" She stopped.
"What's up?" Malia asked.
"Since Jackson is helping coach with Lacrosse stuff for next year...do you want a ride or whatever?" I asked.
"Yeah. That'd be great." Malia said with her little smile that made my stomach do backflips.
"Cool."
I listened to her talk about random stuff the whole time. Just being her cute, weirdo self. I actually want to kick myself for wanting to hug her.
We finally got to her house and she unbuckled and got out.
"Well, thanks for the ride." She said and turned to walk to the door.
"Wait!" I yelled after her.
Louder than expected. She faced me.
"What?! What's wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing. Just...Do you own a dress?" I asked. Having no chill in that moment. She raised an eyebrow.
"One from when I was 12 but I kinda filled out since then. Why?"
Malia asked.
"Do you want to go to this dance with me? Yes I feel bad for you but mostly I think it would be fun." I blurted.
"If this is a joke, it's mean. Even for you." Malia said sadly.
"I wouldn't do that. I was serious." I said. I got out when I saw tears well up in her eyes. "Please don't cry."
"I wasn't crying." She clearly lied.
"I can tell. Hey. You don't have to go to Winter Formal me if you don't want to. I__"
"Okay." I heard her say.
"Huh?!" I said surprised.
"Okay. I'll go. Pick me up at 7:00. Night." Malia gave a half wave and went in.
"What just happened?"