𝔻𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕣 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖

𝔻𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝔻𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤

Race threw me into the bathroom and Shiner followed. He and Albert disappeared into the men's restroom.
"Get dressed! Go! Go!" Shiner exclaimed as she shoved me into a stall. I quickly pulled on the dress before exiting. This wasn't my ideal way to get ready, in a high school restroom, but it would work. Shiner messed around with my hair for a while before pulling out some makeup. I dodged the makeup brush in her hands.
"No way. You're lucky you're getting me in a dress." I said. Shiner stomped her foot.
"Please C! It's homecoming." I shook my head stubbornly.
"No!" I insisted.
"C, put the damn makeup on!" Race called into the bathroom.
"Mascara and lipstick but that's IT." I said sternly. Shiner squealed before applying the makeup. It felt weird to have things on my face, but I prevailed. I looked at myself in the mirror.
"I look-" Shiner cut me off.
"Absolutely beautiful." I nodded. I would never admit that though, I didn't really think I was beautiful. I couldn't believe I was getting all prettied up for a guy. I walked out of the bathroom.
"In the words of Finch," Race started. "Damn, C!" He finished. I laughed
"I'm not that pretty, but thanks!" Albert smiled.
"Now that. Is our best friend!" He said proudly.
"Somehow that took you an hour, so let's go!" Race said excitedly, pulling me along to the gym. "Let the night begin!"
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
The dance was in the gym. The hot, smelly gym. Great. Big crowds were never my thing. I wasn't socially awkward or anything, I just didn't like it. Ace was waiting outside the gym. He was wearing a nice polo mush like the rest of the guys. None of us were ones to really dress up. Jack saw me and got to me before Ace did.
"I don't like this." he whispered.
"What?" I asked.
"Him. I don't like him." He responded.
I rolled my eyes. "I sure hope you don't, he's my date."
Jack gave me a look. "You know what I mean."
I waved him off.  "Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm getting to the point where I don't need to be protected everywhere I go." I told him.
He sighed. "I understand that. But still, just be careful. I couldn't stand if someone broke your heart." He gave me a small smile. Jack was always like the older brother I never had. The one who was protective and caring, but also a pain in the ass.
I kissed him on the cheek, something I did all the time. If I did it to Race or Albert they would lose their minds. But Jack was more mature, thank God.
I walked over to a confused Ace. "What was that about?" he glanced nervously at Jack.
"Oh. That. He's known me for what, five years now? He's like an older brother."
Ace nodded. "You look amazing!" He breathed.
I rolled my eyes. "Stop it I'm not that pretty."
"Yes you are." He insisted.
"Oh no I'm not." I refused.
"Oh yes you are." He pressed.
"Oh no I'm not." "Oh please shut up." Albert smiled sweetly. I pushed his face away before walking into the gym with Ace.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I was starting to get fidgety and nervous. There were a lot of people here and it was very hot. Ace had left a while ago to talk to the team about something and the rest of the guys were off doing who knows what. So I was here, alone at a table, which was about as fun as you would expect it to be.
"Hey." I looked up to see Jack smiling down at me.
"Oh. Hey." I responded glumly.
"Did Ace ditch?" He asked.
I sighed. "Feels like it. But he just said that he was talking to the team."
Jack nodded. "Mhm sure. Hey, why don't we head to Medda's. Grab something to eat. Ditch this party." He put party in air quotes. I hesitated before agreeing and sneaking out of the gym with Jack.
"How's Crutch been?" I asked once we were in the car.
"I'm doing fine thanks!" I turned to see the blonde in the backseat.
"Oh so this was planned, huh?" I crossed my arms giving Jack a look.
"So what if it was? I know you enjoy curly fries and drives a lot more than stupid dances." He pointed out.
I nodded. "Definitely." We talked about a little bit of everything on the way there. I had been spending a lot more time with Albert, Race, and Shiner recently. I haven't really caught up with Jack and Crutchie yet.
"Jackie has this huge canvas. Medda got it for 'im. Of course he's painting Santa Fe." Cruchie mentioned, playfully elbowing Jack.
I laughed, shaking my head. "Of all the things you can paint and you choose Santa Fe everytime."
"So? It's as close as I'll probably ever get." He said sadly.
"You'll make it there someday Jackie, I know it." I reassured him.
"Wow I'm doing some real third wheeling right now." Crutchie sighed.
Jack and I exchanged a look. "Ewww." We said at the same time. Crutchie just laughed.
"Soooo, you an' Ace huh?" I rolled my eyes as we got out of the car.
"Crutchie you've been there for everything." "Doesn't mean I was paying attention." he shrugged. Jack held the door for Crutchie and I and we took our seats at the bar.
"Heya kiddos. The dance too boring for ya?" Medda teased.
"Yeah. Someone had already spiked the punch, we were out." Jack laughed.
"Anything for the three of you?" Medda asked. We all shook our heads. "Nah, just came to get away. Medda nodded before going back to cleaning the counter. The diner was fairly busy for this late at night. Jack hopped down from the stool and headed over to the jukebox.
"Oh no." Crutchie sighed. Let's just say that Jack likes to embarrass himself. The jukebox incident is exhibit A. I think we were both surprised when he picked a slow song. "I'm tellin' ya. I'm third wheeling!" Crutchie smirked. I rolled my eyes. It was a common conspiracy that Jack and I liked each other. But he helped me when no one else would, he was always like an older brother.
"Cuori, will you dance with me?" Jack beamed, holding out his hand. I laughed, taking his hand and hopping off the stool.
"I will." I answered, smiling.