Can't Hold Back

Chapter Eight

Oh, why did I sign up for this hell of a night?

I shouldn't be here. This wasn't my place. It just looked so...magical. Everyone was happy, chatting around with their friends and laughing along.

 The school hall was decorated with huge balloons and that black and red theme made it look more exquisite. 

I just stood by the corner of the room, one arm folded across my chest and the other one holding my phone to my face. I scrolled through my gallery aimlessly, smiling at random pictures. Most of them were of me and Raven. While others were of me and...him. 

That caused me to let out a slow breath while shutting my eyes, hoping that it would shut out all the uninvited emotions resurfacing through my mind. I glanced up from the screen, only to see Raven hitting Parker's arm playfully. 

A genuine smile was etched upon her pretty face as she listened to whatever Parker was telling her. It's been a long time since I have seen that kind of smile from Raven. To be more precise, since she broke up with Parker.

 Yup, you heard me right.

 Parker freaking Ruth.

 They were in a relationship for almost five years. Until one day, they decided to part their ways and moved on with their own lives mutually. When I confronted her about it, she just turned down the whole matter by saying that 'something was missing but I couldn't put a finger on it' bullshit.

Seriously?

5 years of relationship and she only managed to come up with that lame excuse of a reason. Even though she is now in friendly terms with Parker, I doubt she's completely over the thought of him. 

Sometimes, I could see the flicker of hurt in her eyes whenever she comes across Parker. But come on, we are talking about Raven Wingsley here. She's a pro at masking her emotions n just matter of seconds. 

She hasn't dated anyone since their break-up and I'm really really hoping she would find someone who deserves her, one that could mend her and not judge her based on her past. Hopefully.

Now, back to my business. When you're fucking dateless on your own prom and your best friend ditched you for her ex-boyfriend, what would you do? And yes, I went straight to the snacks table. 

Food solves all problems, right? 

That too, and I didn't want to look pathetically miserable in font the others. I was chugging down my umpteenth cup of fruit punch and that's when I felt someone's presence right behind me. A familiar, I mean very familiar cologne assaulted my nostrils. 

I froze at my spot; I didn't want to turn around. It was just I couldn't bring myself to face him after all these things that happened between us. Wait, us? Where did that come from? Okay just let me rephrase that; him and I.