A Harsh Reality | ✓

Chapter 24

Amanda

"Your favorite cousin is here!" I scream as soon as they open the door, "Hurry up and get your butts outside already, Jack is waiting for us in the car!" I was wearing a white T-shirt tucked into a pull-ring vinyl black skirt and fishnet stockings, a pair of black ankle boots adorning my feet for this 'dance' my school was hosting with the exchange students.

"No way!" Skyler said pushing Arden out of the way and looking at my outfit, "Amanda in a skirt!?"

"Shut up, Sky," I rolled my eyes, "It's a one-time thing." When I finally got them inside the car, we drove to Hillview High talking all the way. Jack was chill about the conversation, jumping in sometimes and getting along with the twins, I think.

Pilar, Riley and Hailey were already inside the decorated gym waiting for all of us. Jack, who had an arm draped around my waist, looked longingly at his friends. I looked at him and forced him to do the same.

"I'm not going to make you stay with us," I stated as my friends greeted each other.

"Then I'll go catch up with the guys, see you later?" he replied and I smirked as he placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, probably avoiding me getting any of my crimson lipstick on his face.

"Sure thing." He slipped his arm away from my waist and walked over to where Noah and his friends were. I catched Noah looking at me, and when he realized, he sent a wink my way. I turned back to my friends without another glance at the boys.

"What are you doing here, Riley?" I asked.

"I'm Hailey's date," she stated and frowned at Maya's look, "What? I wanted to hang out with my LA friends." She placed an arm around Skyler and Arden. Maya laughed with all of us. The twins had introduced me to her, and I liked her. She was pretty chill and very energetic, the kind of person I like.

"Good evening, students!" our boring principal said through the microphone on the small stage, "And welcome to the best night of your lives!" I snorted at that, didn't he have a family to be with on Christmas? He coughed and proceeded with his lame speech. "It's an honour to have you here tonight, exchange students! Have a wonderful Christmas!" he stepped down from the stage and horrible music started blasting from the speakers.

"So fucking boring," Hailey said and rolled her eyes.

"Realmente necesita una vida," Pilar commented, "Like, right now."

The party was a waste of my time, the teachers were supervising the whole dance, and some lucky couples managed to escape their glances to be alone for a while. Jack was talking with Noah animatedly as the girls chatted away. I tried to stay focused on the conversation, but my eyes were on both boys. I mean, Noah did not even try, he was wearing his black leather jacket as usual and Jack was himself, but a little bit more formal: button up shirt and simple jeans. I watched as Noah's eyes met mine while I examined them. A smirk crept up his sharp face and I felt myself blush. I finally turned my attention back to my friends and got involved in the conversation.

"Coach removed our fake IDs," Maya stated, "We won't be able to get inside the nightclub."

"Leave everything to me," Riley replied with a wink as she pulled out her phone and typed in a number.

"Hi Claire," she said through the phone, "I need seven passes to one of the best clubs in the city! You're included of course." When she ended the conversation with Miss Davenport, she looked at us and screamed:

"Girls, we are being waited at Le Grand Nuit!" Our jaws dropped, literally. Le Grand Nuit was one of the best nightclubs in the country.

"You can thank my friend Claire Davenport when we get to the club!" she added, "And don't let her intimidate you."