Peer Pressure [S.Barber]

[08] JUST A STUPID BOY WITH NOODLES FOR HAIR

The afternoon before Ricky's party, Lana had yet another group therapy session to attend. The entire time she sat, Stanley was across from her, though he didn't stare at her like he usually did.

Instead, he purposely looked away from her at all times. It was strange, though she tried to shake it off. Today was the day she would ask him to homecoming.

Soon enough, she gets passed the stick. "My mom is pregnant. We don't know who the father is." She takes in a deep breath, staring directly ahead at Stanley, but he continues to avoid her eyes.

"She's expecting me to drop out of school to help raise the baby. I— I sort of freaked out on her and— well, of course I said no. I just.. I'm beginning to wonder if I was too harsh." Lana forces herself not to cry.

"It's just— things are getting complicated."
She feels her eyes tear up. Not wanting to break down in front of everyone, she sighs. "I'm sorry, can I just— can I take a moment outside?" She requests.

"Yes, of course." Angie nods. "Thank you." Lana holds her head down as she walks out into the hallway, sitting down against the wall, hiding her face into her knees.

Soon enough, she heard footsteps approaching. Part of her hoped it was Stanley coming to check up on her, but when she looks up, it was Iris.

The redhead takes a seat beside her, leaning her head onto her shoulder. "Stanley's avoiding me." Lana says silently.

"He's probably just awkward because he still likes you, Lana. Don't worry about it. I'm sure he'll say yes in a heartbeat when you ask him to homecoming." The redhead assures, earning a soft smile from Lana.

"Do you wanna come over to my house before the party tonight? I think what you need is a fun night." Iris offers.

"That was always my plan, Iris." Lana smiles sadly, looking up from her knees. "Logan decided he's gonna come anyways. He's picked tonight to bore us to death." Iris jokes, earning a chuckle from Lana.

"And you're gonna be confident, and you're gonna slay 'em all dead. And for the grand finale, you're gonna ask Stan to homecoming." Iris concludes.

Lana wipes away her tears, sniffling. "You sure have a way with words, Iris."

"So, I've been told." She grins. "By who?" Lana laughs. "By you. Right this second."

***
"Lana— I don't do makeup." Lana rolls her eyes while the girl continues to push her arms away. "Just— let me do a little bit! Come on, you have to look extra fabulous for your first high school party." Lana reaches for the eyelash curler, bringing it forward.