Secrets of Fayhill High

(14) Just Happy

We were all sitting in the lunch room when Rose was asked to homecoming. This was to be expected, it seemed Rose had three backup dates to every school-sponsored event from freshman year, all the way through senior year. What came as a shock was who asked her: Carter Evans. Carter was one of the nicer, quieter people that was a part of Fayhill High's football team. He was reserved around most, but from what I had seen of him, he was super sweet.

Even Rose seemed shocked at Carter being the one to ask her, but she accepted. Carter beamed with pride as he wrapped his arm around her for the pictures. He had given her a bouquet and some chocolate; a rather simple proposal, considering it was Rose, but somehow she still seemed super excited about it. It was odd and, judging by the looks of Charlie and Ben, we were going to be investigating Rose and Carter's relationship.

Later on in the day, as I was walking out to the gym (for dance practice) with Kendall, she stopped. I turned to look at her and saw the nervousness on her face. We waited until the halls were mostly empty before she began gushing about what was bothering her.

"Max and I are going to homecoming together. He asked me last night." She said, ducking her head down and avoiding eye contact.

"What?!" I screamed as I threw my arms around her. She stumbled slightly, but quickly regained her balance. "Ken, that's amazing!! I'm so happy for you! So what did he do??"

"He had a bunch of snacks and a whole dinner planned out and we had a picnic out by the lake in his backyard, that was when he asked me." Kendall blushed deeply.

"That is like something out of a movie, oh my Lord." I smiled as we continued walking.

- - - - - - - - - -

Practice had finally ended, and everyone was beginning to pack up their things. I told Rose about Max and Kendall, to which she nearly passed out from excitement.

"Okay, so: Kendall and Max, Charlie and Chris, Ben and whoever-the-fuck he's dating, me and Carter. Hazel, we have to find you a date, ASAP!" Rose squealed a bit too loudly for my liking.

"Shut up!" I whisper-shouted, but I knew at this point, everyone was listening to our conversation.

"Why don't you just ask Gray?" She asked nonchalantly as Gray walked up to us.

"I would, but I'm going to be in Georgia for a college visit that weekend. Sorry, Hazel." Grayson frowned.

"It's fine. I don't really want to go anyway." I shrugged.

"Hazel, this is our senior year and you've never been to homecoming- you have to come!" Rose whined.

- - - - - - - - - -

That night, the thought of homecoming refused to leave my brain. I had never been since, excluding this year, Charlie, Ben, Kendall and I found the whole idea of it stupid. Last year, the four of us (and Violet) went to see a movie and then had a sleepover at Kendall's. I had thought that was what we'd do this year... guess not.

With homecoming only being two weeks away, I doubted anyone would ask me. It would be weird spending that night without everybody, but I could always just watch a movie with Clover and my mom. 

- - - - - - - - - -

It had been two days since all the excitement of homecoming proposals and I still didn't have a date. They told me we could all go together, but the thought of being a ninth wheel made me want to actually vomit so I passed on that one. 

The thing I certainly didn't anticipate was Lucas Beckett, standing at my door, in the pouring rain. His hair clung to his face and neck and his face was red. In his hands he held a bouquet of flowers that were being pummeled by the relentless downpour. Luckily, no one was home so I quickly ushered him in.

"What are you-"

"I have fought against my better judgment, my family's expectations, the inferiority of your birth by rank and circumstance. These things I am willing to put aside and ask you to end my agony. Please do me the honor of accepting my hand. Hazel, will you go to homecoming with me?"  Lucas interrupted, his eyes glued to his phone. I instantly knew he was quoting Pride and Prejudice and tried desperately not to laugh out loud. Once he had finished his proposal, I finally let it out, laughing even harder once I glanced up at his confused and slightly hurt face.

"What's so funny?" He asked as he crossed his arms.

"While I appreciate the effort, you do know that's the scene when Elizabeth rejects Darcy, right?" I said once my laughter had calmed down.

"Oh." His face fell and grew ever-more red. I smiled and walked over to him, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

"Thank you so much. Of course I'll go with you." I laughed. I could feel him relax and eventually he draped his arms around my shoulders.

"But you should seriously get out of these wet clothes. I can dry them for you and you can wear some of my dad's." I said as I pulled away. He nodded and together we went to find something for him to wear.

- - - - - - - - - -

"But seriously, I was freaking out. You are the most difficult person to ask out. Who laughs directly at someone pouring their heart out." Lucas cried, looking mock-offended.

"Oh yeah, you were definitely 'pouring your heart out' with your stolen confession." I laughed.

"Not stolen, borrowed." He clarified.

The funniest thing about Lucas was the closeness I felt to him already. I never opened up to people, besides my best friends and family, but with Lucas, things were different. He made me smile and laugh, even when I had nothing to smile about. Clover loved him and I had no doubts my parents would too. I wondered if it was too good to be true; but honestly, fuck that. I'm happy and, for once, I feel like I truly deserve to be just happy.