Last Dance || 5sos

Chapter Twenty Seven

It's December now, about a week in. Thanksgiving was alright, as it always is. We spent the day together as a family, which isn't something we get to do all of the time anymore. However, that being said, my birthday is this month, and I couldn't be happier. I'm still suspicious of Luke's bruises that he had when we had our date, but they've since disappeared, as far as I can tell. I haven't seen him as much though, since then. I can't help feeling like he's been avoiding me, but I don't want to be the overly attached, clingy girl. 

So, instead of worrying about Luke hiding things from me, I've given him more space, and he's come around when he wants. He still comes to most of my games, and I see him every Friday in music class, and throughout the day in the halls, but we've only hung out one weekend since. It's okay, though, because I've been thinking lately that maybe we should slow down our relationship anyways. I mean, this is my first relationship, and I don't want to force it. I haven't quite worked up enough courage to actually ask if we're official or not, so I decided to just pretend I know the answer. 

I've gone to a few more poetry slams, and even competed in my first. It went really well, and Jackie and Trent were so proud of me! Plus, when I was onstage, I caught Emily and Calum exchanging a private smile, and saw that she had eventually leaned up against him throughout the performances of the night. I can't help but be excited for them, because it feels like everyone is a lot more happier. No word on whether or not Sasha and Ethan are officially official yet, but I'm working on that, as well. 

Today at lunch, Jackie and I discuss my final photo for her project. It's due at the end of the week. We've already gotten shots of me in my games, and we took the fall shot outside of my house sitting against a tree with my beanie and jeggings and whatnot. I still have no idea what to do for my last one, and I don't feel like exposing my relationship with Luke or Ashton. 

"Well," Jackie starts. She leans closer to me, whispering. "What about a photo that shows you connecting with your father?" she asks. Just the thought of it alone hits me. Channel my relationship with my father?

"I don't know, Jackie..."

"I won't make you, I promise. I just think it would make for a beautiful shot, and help you truly express yourself." I sigh, thinking about it.

"What would I have to do?"

"Well, if you had some belongings of his, you could be surrounded by those," she suggests. I hesitate to answer. I honestly can't believe I'm doing this, but I agree.

"Okay. I'll do it." Jackie seems more surprised than I am.

"Really?" I nod. "Thank you so much!" She squeals in excitement, giving me a hug. "I promise, you'll do great." I smile, hoping that she's right.

Looking over at the giant table in the distance, I squint, trying to see what's going on. "Hey, what's that table over there?" I ask, pointing.

"That? Those are the candy-grams. You know, like singing telegrams, but they give out candy," Ethan explains. Emily adds on to his explanation.

"Yeah, it's kind of like giving out flowers on Valentine's day, which we also do, but they give out candy canes or chocolate Santas to people. You pay a dollar each, and can get as many as you want for friends and sometimes family."

"Oh, that's so cool! So it's like a fundraiser?" I ask. Emily nods.

"Exactly, and it funds prom, so you should totally get people to participate," she laughs.

"Prom," I repeat, stifling a laugh. "I don't think I'm going to go, anyways." The girls gasp.

"Um, excuse me? You're going to prom," Sasha tells me.