Secret in the Heart ||Descendants|| (♡Ben)

19

Evie helped Kara out of the dress, and Kara quickly changed into more comfortable clothes: light blue jeans, a white body-hugging t-shirt, a loose light purple cardigan, and white sneakers. When she emerged from the bathroom, Evie looked at her and said, "Kara."

"What? I thought I kinda styled it good together," Kara said, spinning around. "Don't you think?"

Evie laughed. "Yes, you did that very well."

There was a knock on the door, and Jay and Carlos walked in. Jay noticed Kara's outfit. "That's a different look from this morning."

"Yes it is," Kara agreed. "But at least it is comfortable."

Jay and Carlos laughed. "You guys ready?" Jay asked.

"Yes," Evie said, grabbing her purse. The group started walking toward the lockers so Kara could pick up her backpack, which Mal had put there for her. As they walked up the stairs, many girls greeted Jay, making Kara remark, "Looks like someone's become very popular."

Carlos asked Jay, "Why do you torture them?" while Jay greeted yet another girl.

"Just pick someone to take to Cotillion already," Carlos urged.

Kara, feeling overwhelmed by the constant talk of Cotillion and the numerous decisions she had to make, fell back a few paces. She tried to avoid the conversation, looking down and focusing on the floor in front of her. The pressure of Cotillion and its implications was heavy on her mind.

Jane approached. "Kara," she said.

"Hey, Jane," Carlos responded, stepping in front of her.

"Hey," Jane greeted. "I was wondering... Uh..."

Carlos stammered, causing a smile to creep onto Kara's face. She knew exactly what he was trying to ask Jane and was rooting for him. Carlos glanced back at Kara, who silently encouraged him with a nod.

"If you liked the carrot cake last night?" Carlos asked.

Jane shook her head. "I had the pumpkin pie."

"Oh. Cool. Uh, uh..." Carlos continued to stammer.

Kara nudged Jay, who got the hint and whispered to Carlos, "Smooth." Jay then pulled Carlos away, leaving Kara feeling pleased with how things were going for her friend.

Lonnie joined Jane, and Evie stepped forward. "I have an opening for a fitting at three. Who wants it?"

"Me," Lonnie shouted.

"Sorry," Evie said to Jane. "Perfect. I'll take you later, okay?" she said to Jane before walking away with Lonnie.

Jane turned back to Kara. "Kara," she said.

"Yes," Kara responded. Mal brushed Kara's hand, and they exchanged smiles before Mal joined Evie and Lonnie.

"I hate to keep bugging you, but the Decorating Committee needs more answers," Jane said.

Kara sighed. "So as much as I hate to, um... You know, um..."

"Bug me," Kara finished for her.

"Yeah," Jane replied. "Right. Jane, I would love to. I just have to get to class," Kara said, stepping to the side.

Jane stopped her. "You know, just nod if you like it," she said, swiping through her tablet and showing Kara photos.

Kara nodded at each option: chair swags, entry banner, twinkle lights, napkin design, and table bunting, though none really registered.

"And you still haven't picked the party favors yet," Jane continued. "We can do chains, key charms, pen toppers."

Kara sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "Honestly, Jane, whatever—"