Most of the Time

Chapter 8

I know it's weird, but I liked how it was just a crush. Him saying these overly flirtatious things is making it too real and though I have known him for the entirety of high school, all too fast.

I make it to the couch before Justin, ensuring seating arrangements were staying as they were. Lily in the middle cushion, and me on her left side. I was trapped by my thoughts for what was left of the first movie and all of High School Musical 2, which is arguably the best out of the trilogy. Before we started HSM 3, we took a much need break. Lily ran to the kitchen to make popcorn, leaving Justin and I in the living room. At this point, more than ever I wished I had telepathy so that I could tell Lily I did not want this alone time. I am way out of my element and he is way out of his mind.

"Hey, I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable" Justin says

"What? You don't make me uncomfortable" I say lying though my teeth. "I'm just a little confused, that's all"

Just before Justin was about to respond Lily walks in, popcorn in hand saving me from another conversation I didn't want to have.

"Did you add Parmesan?" I say hopeful to Lily

"Of course. Here, hands out" Lily demands as she pours a mountain full of popcorn in the bowl of my palms.

"Here, Justin, best combo ever" Lily says pouring popcorn in his hands

"Thanks Mom" Justin says jokingly

"Whatever" Lily chuckles "That's something Em would say."

I turn to Justin to make eye contact amidst slowly stuffing my face to commend him for his joke.

We start HSM 3 and immediately, memories of my senior year rush back. I hoped to have the senior year of Gabriella, minus the big school musical and a little bit of the drama. The senior year piano recital would have been my musical. Lily soon lays her head on my shoulders. I can tell she realized the emotional toll the movie is having on me. I fight back tears when we make it to the prom scene. I feel Justin's eyes on mine as I stare at the television. I am not sure if he gets it, but I know Lily does and that is all that matters.

The prom dance scene continues when Justin says, "Who did you go to prom with Em? I don't think I saw you there."

"I couldn't go." I respond bluntly. I thought Justin knew I was not there. I realize now that he didn't notice. Now he was the reason I was holding back tears. I tried to hold a grin to keep from showing any other emotion. The movie ended and I was relieved.

"I don't think I can watch another movie" I confess "My eyes can't look at a screen any longer." I close my eyes both tired and fearful that tears may fall from them.

"I second that. We can watch the last one another time" Justin adds

"And I really don't want to get up so..." I say stretching my legs on top of Lily

"I suggest a sleepover" Lily says "Justin, are you in?"

"For sure, Mrs. Collins wouldn't mind right?" Justin asks

"No, but Mr. Collins will" Lily responds

"Just sleep on the other coach and you'll be fine" I tell him

Justin and Lily fall asleep quickly, I fall shortly after thinking of the summer I have had so far and the confusion that is Justin Cooper