Unbearable (Unexpected Sequel)|✔️

38- Playing Dress Up

Everyone had exaggerated my sickness that day. I, in fact, made it to my dress fitting in one piece. I even managed to find a suitable homecoming dress. It wasn't something that I was crazy about, but it was good enough. Besides, I was sick and all I wanted to do was go home.

For the next couple of days, I wondered how to get back on Ben's side. I put my entire life on hold for him.

Yes, including the homecoming preparations.

It wasn't until Friday that I got the perfect idea. Well, technically it came to me on Thursday night, but I executed it on Friday.

It was risky. I was putting all my pride on the line for this. Then again, I always did when it came to Ben.

Even though my gut was screaming at me about how stupid this was, I had to do it.

So, I decided I'd do it after school. That way, if it went horribly wrong, I could cry in my car. Kidding! Sort of...

"So you really gave up campaigning, huh?" Jaz asked, warily eyeing me. I didn't know why it was such a surprise. She knew my true intentions about winning–I really wanted to see the look on Taylor's face when I did. Normally I loved the idea of being homecoming queen, but right now I was too distracted by everything else going on to really care.

I shrugged. "I was busy."

Right now, I was anxiously sitting in study hall, waiting for the bell to dismiss us. Did I truly want to leave and talk to Ben? No. But it had to be done.

"Come on, Jaz. It's clear Bella never was really into it. She didn't even campaign with anyone!" Emma snorted.

I furrowed my brows and looked at her. "Did anyone, besides Taylor?" I then realized there was a better person to ask. My eyes flickered to Dylan.

"Nope, I didn't. Dean probably didn't either. Not so sure about Andrew though," he answered, then chuckled. "I think this is the first time that three of the four candidates didn't."

"Yeah... why is that?"

"Well, I didn't want to because that means committing. You know chicks! They're crazy. They'll think this is a gateway to dating and I'm not for that."

"Calm down, Romeo. Just because you're running with a girl doesn't make her automatically assume you're dating," Jaz snorted with a hint of annoyance in her voice. I didn't blame her.

"Besides, it's not guaranteed that you both will win, even if you do run together," Will pointed out.

Exactly! I didn't see the point of running with someone. It's not like both of us would win anyway. If anything, there was a better chance of one of us winning and that would just be awkward.

"Bella, are you okay?" Emma asked, making all eyes look at me. I guess I was doing a terrible job masking the anxiety I felt.

I had to lie. If Ben rejected me, it would be humiliating. It would be worse if my friends were expecting him and he didn't show up. I cleared my throat and forced a smile. "Yeah, I think I'm just nervous about tomorrow." I was though. Even though I didn't put in enough effort, I kind of did wanna win. It was exciting! Maybe I shouldn't have taken my nomination for granted. 

"Yeah, I bet. You put all your energy into this," Emma sympathetically replied. "If it makes you feel better, I'm voting for you."

Everyone else said the same.

"Thanks," I grinned, instantly feeling better. My friends were amazing. Annoying sometimes, but amazing.

My smile dropped when Jaz opened her mouth. "Although, I'm sure Dean wouldn't mind showing up with you on his arm."