I'll Sing For Me

26.

I finally met back up with Steph at lunch. I had missed two periods and I spent the whole time with Diane, telling her everything.

I felt lighter, happier even. I felt less of a victim and more of a survivor.

Steph gave me the one hundred and one questions and I answered them the best I could. She was concerned and I loved her for that.

Sitting down against the tree in our usual spot, I opened up my wrapped blueberry muffin and took my phone out, looking at all the messages.

I saw all of them were from Dean. Oh how sweet. He was asking was everything okay and more importantly, was I okay.

"Why you smiling?" Steph asked in a sly tone. I didn't know I was and quickly locked my phone.

"No reason." I answered, taking a bite from my muffin. "Where are the boys?" I asked Steph casually, leaning against the tree.

"I told them we were having lunch alone today. Why? Disappointed?"

"What?" I shrieked out. "No! Good. It's been so long since we've had lunch, just the two of us." I quickly recovered.

"Beth, we are living together." Steph laughed and I joined in.

"I know. I meant here."

We stayed under the shade, eating and laughing. I had my bag under my leg and I felt a slight vibration, making me jump. I'm still not use to having a phone.

Pulling it out, I saw the message. Tapping on the notification I smiled, trying to suppress a laugh.

It was Dean, stating how bored he was because Steph wanted to split for lunch.

I quickly replied, telling him there was only ten minutes left.

Dean's reply was instant. I smiled wider.

He was bored and his reply was one really long word. Groan. I replied again, sending out an emoji. I at least know what they are and their meanings.

"You're grinning again." Steph told me in a sing song tone.

I quickly wiped the grin off my face. "I am not!" I stated.

"Then who are we talking to?" She inquired and I felt my cheeks heat up.

"No one." I shoved my phone in my bag and finished my food. Steph didn't say anything more, she just sat there, smirking at me. I rolled my eyes and tried not to grin again.

*****

"So, what are you pair upto tonight?" Steph inquired as she and I got out off Dean's car.

"Going home." Tommy grinned.

"Actually, do you want to study tonight?" Dean asked loudly and Tommy and I stared at him shocked. Dean isn't one to study.

"Oh!" Steph gasped loudly. "Great idea. Mum is at work tonight, so it's survival night, make our own dinner. We can get pizza or whatever and study."

I frowned at Steph as she nodded to Tommy. "Meet back here in an hour." She yelled out before grabbing my hand and we went inside.

"That was horrible acting." I groaned at her.

"What?"

I laughed at her, shaking my head. "Any excuse to see lover boy, hey?"

Steph relaxed and agreed. "So, whatever, I'm gonna get dressed."

I went to my room and emptied my bag, taking out the books I'll need.

Steph came in, a night gown around her loosely tied. "Get dressed, Beth." She told me before disappearing again.

I was confused because I didn't understand what was happening. We are studying and eating in.

Then Dean's question floated in my head. Dinner. He asked if we wanted to do dinner. The four us. Was this it?

I took the school skirt off then rolled down my stockings before putting on leggings.

I took my braid out and combed my hand through my hair, taking my beanie off. I liked what Steph did to my hair.

I went to go to the kitchen when I saw Steph's door open and peeked in. "Fuck, Steph! You look like you are going clubbing!" I stated, staring at her.

Steph wore a strapless shirt and her skinny jeans. I saw the coat over the chair with her knee high boots. Steph glared at me. I still had on the school blouse and tie.

"You're right. Too much." She muttered and stripped her shirt off.

"Yeah. Try a singlet and this." I went to her closet and pulled out a long cardigan. It was black and lacy. I thought it was pretty. "And that black string chocker. Plus have your hair down." I insinuated to her. "Why so fancy?"

Then it was a light bulb moment. "Oh no." I shook my head, leaving Steph's room. "You are not dressing me up."

Steph grinned wider at me. "Yeah, I planned too, but you look hot in that."

I blushed at her words. "No, Steph."

"Come on, Beth. Just the shirt, please." She begged me.

I groaned and sighed, stepping closer to her and sitting on her bed. "Fine." I whined out. "But nothing slutty and if we are leaving the house, I'm wearing my converse shoes!"

Steph nodded in agreement and squealed, going through her shirts.

"This one?" Steph asked, holding up a red shirt.

"That is a one piece and the only time I'll ever wear that again is if I somehow became an infant again." I stated to her, crossing my arms.

"Okay! This one then?" She showed me the lacy white short dress.

"Nope! No dresses."

Steph sighed and dropped it on the floor.

"Ah! This one!" She pulled out a red sleeved lacy shirt.

"No. The sleeves look massive! It's a belly shirt. No way!"

"Come on, Beth, be a sport." Steph moaned at me.

I don't know why I can't deny her. I took the shirt and undid my blouse, yanking the tie off and then the blouse and pulled the shirt over my head.

I gripped the hem to pull it down more but it wouldn't go down anymore.

I groaned. "Happy?" I whined at my friend. But Steph pressed her lips together.

"It's missing something. Oh, I know." Then she disappeared from the room.

I don't mind doing these things for my friend, but sometimes she likes to push it.

Steph returned with one of my flannel shirts and I beamed widely at her as she tied it around my waist. She teased my hair a bit and grinned, nodding to me. "Happy."