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Once we pull up to Red's driveway she gets out slamming the door. "I think I'm going to stay with red," I tell Scout before getting out of the car and running after her.
"Red," I call out to her but she ignores me fidgeting with her keys trying to unlock her door.
"Red," I call her once more but when she looks over at me tears are streaming down her face once again. My arms wrap around her limp small body. She buries her head in my neck as she wraps her arms around me.
I swayed her back and forth trying to calm her when she lets go of me. "I don't understand Lana." She shakes her head wiping the tears from her cheeks. The porch light hitting her watery eyes perfectly making them glisten. "Why does he do this to me? He just acts like I'm not even there. The worst part is that I probably didn't even cross his mind." Her fingers run through her hair aggressively.
"I knew this was too good to be true. Why would he be with me?" My eyebrows scrunched in confusion wondering why she felt this way.
"Look Red, I don't know why Finn does the things he does, but this isn't your fault." I shake my head taking a hold of her hand. "You are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. God, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. It's him who isn't worthy of your love. You're outgoing, really fucking smart, and so so kind. You deserve to be with someone who can cherish-," before I could finish I feel Red wrap her hand around my neck crashing her lips onto mine.
Completely taken back I stay still but before I know it I grasp her hand around my cheek kissing her back. The taste of alcohol on her tongue snaps me out of my trans breaking the kiss.
"Oh, Sadie," I mumble. She cups her mouth with her hand in realization of what had just occurred.
"I'm so sorry Lana. I -I," she struggles to speak as I shake my head tucking a strand of hair behind my warm ear.
Not understanding what was happening I did the only thing I could and turned away walking away and down her driveway. Not turning to look at her I shove my hands in the pocket of my jacket making my way to the book shop.
...
It had been a couple of days since the party and the first day of school. Everyone seemed to be in even a bigger rush than usual. I had just finished ironing my pleated cheer skirt.
I looked at my reflection studying the way my short skirt fell on my thighs and the ginormous bow in my curled blond hair. Nothing about what I was seeing standing in-front of me, was me. But remembering how excited Red was about trying out and actually getting into the cheer team made it worth it at the time.
Things with Red and I had not gotten any better. In fact, we avoided being alone together in fear that one of us would bring up the occurrences of that hectic night.
Grabbing my backpack I make my way downstairs into the kitchen where Finn and Dr.Wolfhard sat eating their breakfast.
"Are you going to eat?" My mother asks as she watches me pack up my things.
"Nope, I'm good." I grab a random yogurt that was sitting in the fridge. I was so nervous eating was the last thing I wanted to do.
Finn follows close behind me grabbing his car keys from the plate next to the front door.
Once we're halfway to school Finn turns down the radio. "Lana." He pauses waiting for my response.
"Are we ok?" He questions finally gathering the courage to ask me rather than shy around like a timid puppy like he had been doing since the party. I had seen a totally different side of Finn that night. If I was completely honest I was far from ok. I felt belittled.
"We're cool. just don't let it happen again." I reassure him with a smile. I didn't want to talk about it.
Once we pulled into the parking lot I see Red getting out of her Mom's powder blue car. She's wearing her uniform. Her hair is pulled into a perfect ponytail with tight curls cascading over her shoulders. It all looked so natural on her the lipgloss and rosy cheeks. She looked beautiful.
"Wow. She looks..." Red caught Finn's gaze. More like the bouncing of her skirt while she walked did but none the less I nodded.
"Gorgeous." I finish his sentence before grabbing my bag and exiting his car. I could feel butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
I ignore the unusual feeling and walk into the school in hopes not to see her yet looking for her ever turn I make. As I walk towards my locker I feel cold hands wrap around my waist. I spin around quickly frightened at the sudden gesture.
"You look-," Scout looks me up and down.
"Nothing like myself." I look down trying to avoid being so close to his face.
"I was going to say beautiful. But yeah it's kinda weird." I look up at him a smile forming on my face.
Everything is so easy with him. He's smart, charismatic, and very genuine. I like him, I do. But I don't know if I want him in that way.
A small part of me was a bit angry with him for not stopping Finn that night but I didn't want to pick a fight. And it really wasn't his job to defend me I should know better.
Before I could turn away he tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear, cupping my jaw and kisses me. It was short and sweet. It took me by surprise that I stood there for a while and hugged him. I open my eyes to catch Red's gaze. She quickly looks away closing her locker. I look away releasing Scout.
