The cafeteria is bustling with students today. They hold mint-green trays piled with food as they weave through tables to sit with friends. A *pop* sounds when a fellow cheerleader opens her bag of Doritos beside of me.I'm mostly quiet as I eat my lunch. I'm with the cheer team, sitting across from Meghan. She wears a bright red turtleneck today. I make sure to compliment her; she looks nice in it.
I, on the other hand, am wearing an assortment of clothes I grabbed at Anson's house. I feel like a bit of a mess, in Indie's spare outfit, but no one has said anything. Yet.
"You're just the sweetest, Caroline." Meghan blows a kiss my way, and then whispers something dramatic to us about a basketball player's girlfriend walking by.
I'm tapping my fingers against the tabletop, when she finally speaks up with something important.
"Girls, I have exciting news. The cheer team is having a party at Mandi's house this weekend. It's going to be insane."
Mandi squeals excitedly. Her almond eyes are bright. I frown.
"It's exclusive to cheerleaders only. No stoners or jocks!" Mandi shrugs narrow shoulders.
Meghan chimes in, "yeah, unless that's who you bring as your plus one."
"Plus one?" I ask, regretting my curiosity when I hear snickers under some girls' breath. I rest my balled fists in my lap.
"Yeah." Meghan tosses her ponytail behind her head. "Every girl can invite a date. Unless she doesn't want to, of course."
Oh, well that settles it.
Mandi giggles. "It's more fun with a date."
Meghan nods, looking at me. "For instance, I'll be taking Bryce with me."
At mention of him, my stomach churns. I touch my palm, remembering his fingertips. For a moment, I see Bryce's brown eyes, instead of Meghan's.
I don't think I want to go to this party alone.
"Caroline, you don't know anyone to ask, do you?" Mandi questions pointedly from the side.
I open my mouth, but I hear more snickers from the group. Heat engulfs my face when Meghan puts up a hand to silence the girls.
"Caroline will have a date. I'll see to that myself, if she wants one." Her eyes are on me. "Just say the word."
I can find a date myself, thanks!
"No." I fake a smile. "I've got people I can ask."
"Well you only need one."
Mandi coughs, "one that isn't your brother."
At that, anger laps at my chest. If I wanted, I could retort. But, I'll do one better.
I've been proving myself since I got here. I can prove myself by finding a date to a party, too!
"I've got someone else on my mind." I lie to Mandi. She shuts up, at that.
"Well I can't wait to meet him."
"You're gonna have to." Without a glance to Meghan, I stand. "I'll actually go find him and see if he's free right now."
Another lie.
I grip my lunch tray and take it up to the conveyor belt. I ignore the stares on my back as I go. The lunch lady nods at me. I give her a half-smile, internally scolding myself for lying.
YOU ARE READING
His Gold ✓
Teen FictionCaroline Abbott is the shy, new girl. Bryce Brown is the school heartthrob. With 4-months left of senior year, Caroline feels as if fitting-in doesn't seem like much of an option. However, Bryce knows all about fitting-in. He's a perfect candida...