The Popularity Project » l.h.

15. Gossip Girl

S T E L L A

"We've been slacking, so we have to make up for the lost time, Stel."

"Isn't cheerleading enough?"

"No." Luke shook his head in disappointment, weaving his way through the crowded mall as he clutched onto me with our pinkies intertwined.

"Cheerleading team was phase one, homecoming was phase two," Luke looked over his shoulder to make sure I was listening before looking back to the path. "Now for phase three, we have to make sure you're looking the part at school."

"I thought I already looked the part?" I groaned, throwing my head back as Luke dragged me past multiple clothing stores in the process.

"Yes, but no. You just need some finishing touches." 

Although I loved spending time with Luke, more times than not, the primary focus is on transforming me. Not only is it a bit exhausting, but the idea of Heather death glaring me is a constant vision burning in the back of my head. No matter how repulsive she may be, I held a type of guilt in my heart that could not be ignored when I thought about Luke's relationship. There were times I felt he was a better boyfriend to me than Heather and I'm not even dating Luke. Today was a prime example of that.

"Here's a nice start." Luke tugged my ungraceful form as he stood behind me with his hands placed on my shoulders, both of us facing the illuminated entrance.

"Luke, I can't afford a single thing here." I peered over my shoulder to show him my merciful expression as we stood closely in front of Urban Outfitters.

"Sure you can, it's not as expensive as you think. But we're not gonna worry about that, okay?" Luke shoved me forward like a football player, rushing me into the shop.

"I'll admit, you have style but I think mixing it up with some statement pieces would give you a boost." Luke shuffled through racks of women's clothes shamelessly, occasionally pulling out a dress or blouse to place in front of me before shaking his head and putting it back.

"Wait I actually liked that one." I pouted as Luke put back a olive colored, floral dress.

"I did, too, but green isn't your color." Luke continued to sift through the assortment of clothes.

"Wow thanks. Means a lot." I rolled my eyes, not even attempting to hide my defensiveness. 

"Your color is lilac." The blonde was crouched by the racks as he glanced up to meet my flighty eyes, letting the corner of his mouth tug up in a knowing smirk. "You have an olive skin tone so purples looks really nice on you."

"Right. Good save." I exhale a frustrated breath, crossing my arms over my chest before turning on my heel to walk over to another rack. 

I despised that the smallest of compliments from Luke made me flustered. The only reason I was being an extra hard ass to him was caused by the continuous bubbling in my stomach I had any time I looked at him. 

Unfortunately, it did not seem like it was leaving anytime soon.

"Stel." Luke called, striding over to me as I was scanning inattentively over a table of jeans. "How 'bout this?"

Luke held up a soft, lilac blouse. Although the cropping was not my normal style, I was able to adore the light, satin material that paired well with the tulle overlay around the puffs of the sleeves. It was like taking the top of a princess gown and cutting it so it would only be a foot long. It was unlike anything I ever wore before, but fitting for outfits I would see on Pintrest.

"I-I don't know." I laughed, feeling a nervous smile creep onto my face. 

"Okay, I get it. It's not your normal go to." Luke chuckled, his eyes scanning over the material in his hands. "But at least try it on before passing on it."