𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓶𝓷𝓮𝓭

𝓐 𝓡𝓸𝔂𝓪𝓵 𝓓𝓲𝓼𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻

The six Vk's were still closer to each other than anyone else, especially with Hadie in high school now. They never strayed far from each other if they could help it. Though Hadie seemed way keener on running off whenever he could, something about not needing his older sisters to stand guard for him anymore. He crossed his arms in annoyance as he walked with the five older Vk's. Girls greeting Jay in a flirting manor as they passed, he gave polite replies to them all but made no move to slow his pace or talk with any of them. "Why do you torture them? Just pick someone to take to Cotillion already," Carlos said.

Jay grinned, "I already did, I'm just waiting for the perfect time to ask her."

Holly rolled her eyes as she bumped Jays shoulder, "Lon doesn't care how you ask her just that you do. She's getting impatient." 

"Shush!" Jay huffed, "Unless you want to shout my business to the whole school."

Holly rolled her eyes, "Drama king." 

Carlos looked really nervous running his hands together, "What do you guys' think is the best way to go about asking someone to Cotillion?" He didn't say a name but both Jay and Holly knew he was talking about Jane. In fact, everyone knew except her. Even Mal who was so spread thin she could barely remember her name some days. 

Jay placed a hand on Carlos' shoulder, "Listen, all you got to do... is look like me."

"Oh ha-ha," Carlos huffed. 

Jay laughs as Holly smacks his chest, she took Carlos hands in her own, "Just relax, be yourself and ask her. If it'll help calm you down, you could also pray to Eros at the alter building." 

At that moment the person of Carlos' affections walked up looking for the up-and-coming ladies of the court. "Hey Mal, Hey Holly!"

Carlos looked entranced as she approached, "Hey, Jane."

"Hey," she smiled willing to spare a moment for him. She was just as in love as he was, but they were too scared to tell each other, Jane hiding her feelings much better than Carlos. 

The boy stammered and scratched the back of his neck, "I was wondering...uh..." He was having trouble getting anything out at all in fact, "if you liked the.... carrot cake last night."

She was still smiling but shrugged and said, "I had the Pumpkin pie."

Carlos winced at his own failed attempt, "Oh, cool. Um, uh--"

Jay grabbed his shoulder, "Smooth." With that he pulling his friend away sparing him from further embarrassment and to escape his own impending awkwardness that was sure to blossom around the incoming Lonnie.

Evie also saw Lonnie approaching, knowing neither Jane nor Lonnie had come to her for cotillion prep she decided to take advantage of their appearance and see who she could squeeze in next, "I have an opening for a fitting at 3:00. Who wants it?"

Lonnie heard this just as she was approaching, "Me" she called quickly. She winced and turned to looke at Jane who had rasied her hand to speak but didn't get the chance to claim the opening, "Sorry."

Evie nodded, "Perfect. I'll take you later," she said to Jane.

"Mal, Holly?" Jane asked again. Holly looked at Jane with a smile on her face, Mal was staring off into space. Holly noticed her sister dissociating and bumping her shoulder bringing her back to reality. "I hate to keep bugging you, but the decorating committee needs more answers. So, as much as I hate to, um... you know, um..."

"Bug us?" Mal questioned; Jane nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, Jane, I would love to. We just have to get to class," Mal said hoping to pull Holly off to class.