Chapter 21: 7/26 and Breaking It Down

Chapter 21

“Your dress looks amazing.” Jessie admitted to me after I put it on. I smiled at her, responding with a compliment just as kind. She thanked me and started straightening her hair. I decided to curl mine.

“You’re ready?” I asked, applying my last coat of lip balm. My mascara was thick and in my opinion, it looked nice. I walked over to the dresser to see her fangs sitting there.

“What about your fangs?” I asked and she smirked.

“I can’t kiss well with those.” She excused and I rolled my eyes. That was such a Jessie thing to say.

“Let’s go.” She rushed me and I sighed, allowing her to drag me out of my room. My mother stopped me.

“Where are you going?” She asked, taking in my attire. I held up the little slip for a Halloween dance.

“Halloween dance.” I replied, smiling.

“I don’t remember you asking my permission.” She said, raising an eyebrow. I furrowed my eyebrows, pulling the innocent look.

“I asked Dad.” I spoke, my voice low. She just waved her hand.

“That guy’s head is like a tube, what goes in one ear comes out of the other. Go, have fun. Don’t stay out late.” My mother warned me, giving me a motherly look. I nodded and continued walking.

“Well that was nice of her.” Jessie muttered under her breath and I nodded my head. Something’s up.

__

“Are you going in the Haunted House?” I asked her, smirking slightly and she shook her head. I raised an eyebrow.

“Why not?” I questioned, sitting up in my seat.

“Well, because I don’t want to.” She excused terribly. I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly what to say to get her to go.

“Trent’s going to be at the end of it. Football players had to help, seeing as they can take a punch from a girl if she gets scared.” I stated casually and her eyes lit up.

“Are you serious?” She asked me and I nodded my head, pretending it was no big deal. Well, it wasn’t.

“When do you want to go?” She asked, her whole entire attitude changing.

“I never said I was going to go.” I replied and she frowned, pouting slightly.

“But, you brought up the idea.” She whined and I shrugged.

“Yeah, so?” I shrugged and she gave me an annoyed look.

“Wait, if Trent will be there- doesn’t that mean that Adrian will be there?” She asked, raising a teasing brow. I gave her an annoyed look. I shrugged.

“I don’t know; I’m not his stalker,” I replied and she smirked. “Besides, he’s probably going to be flirting with any girl who steps foot into the small chamber.”

__

I entered the dance area and saw all of the girls that hang out with Brielle dressed in the shortest, thinnest dresses that I’ve ever seen. Jessie and I looked at each other and let out a bark of laughter.

Some other girls wore cleaner costumes. I was surprised to see that I wasn’t the only one who didn’t wear a costume, though. Most of the guys didn’t wear costumes, or just wore a cowboy hat, jeans and a checkered shirt.

Jessie and I immediately recognized the Private School boys because they were either talking to only each other or getting drinks. They looked foreign compared to the people that we have to see every day.

We made our way over to the drink table. I had a feeling Jessie was only doing this for me, or for some eye candy. Either way, I was okay with it.

“Hey, I’m Jessie and this is my friend Fiona.” Jessie introduced us. Out of the two of us, she was the most outgoing. I planned on keeping it that way, too.

“I’m Grant,” He said smoothly. “I’m here to grant your every wish.” He joked and I let out a small laugh.

“You’re funny.” I smiled and he winked at me. I rolled my eyes. If the word, Player, wasn’t making an entrance into your noggin, then I don’t know what was.

“Thanks. I get that a lot; do you know what you probably get a lot? ‘You’re pretty.’ Because you are.” He winked and I gave him an annoyed look.

“Listen, I’m only here to tell you to go talk to that girl right over there.” I informed, pointing in Brielle’s direction. He obviously gave her a once over before nodding and making his way towards where she was. Jessie excused herself to go to the ladies room.

“I do not like him.” I thought aloud and I heard a laugh from behind me. I turned around and saw a boy with black hair and light blue eyes standing there. He had the looks down, that’s for sure.

“Nobody really does, we just put up with him.” The kid laughed and I smiled.

“Good, because I just set him up with a girl who’s exactly like that.” I smiled and he looked over at Brielle and sighed, shaking his head. I nodded with a sigh.

“So, this is a nice school.” He awkwardly said and I smiled with a nod.

“I guess you can say that.” I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

“I think your friend is calling you.” He informed me, pointing to Jessie who was trying to call my name. I couldn’t hear her over the loud music playing, right now it was Coldplay.

“I’ll see you later.” I waved and he nodded. I made my way over to Jessie.

__

“So how’s it going?” She asked, smiling at me. I gave her a flat look.

“It was going good until you ripped me away from him.” I spoke and she smiled.

“It’s weird seeing you flirt with another guy other than Adrian. Well, let’s dance!” She exclaimed, running out to the crowd on the dance floor. I didn’t follow her; instead I walked towards the bathroom.

On my way there, I noticed that the school must’ve rented a photo booth. I passed it and noticed that people were standing in line for.

Reminder to self; get Jessie to take pictures with me.

“Do you think Adrian will notice?” I heard a familiar voice asked and a squeaky laugh erupted from the hallway I was approaching.

“Of course, unless Fiona takes all of his attention. She probably pays him to talk to her.” She gossiped and I awkwardly arrived in the hallway.

I noticed it was Brielle and her friend Paris. They gave me dirty looks before I entered the bathroom with a smirk on my face. I think Brielle thinks that I’m competition.

After an hour of awkwardly standing outside on my phone and avoiding all people, I heard heels clacking towards me. Jessie was standing there.

“Let’s go to the Haunted house.” She exclaimed, grabbing my hand. We made our way towards the football field.

Very few people were standing around the Haunted House and I understood why. They had the creepiest music I’ve ever heard playing and nobody wanted to be standing in the dark with that music on. I looked at Jessie and I could see that she was scared, too.

I let out a large sigh. Why had I let her and Adrian persuade me into this? As Jessie entered the Haunted House, she was a few feet in front of me and I was trying to make sure that nobody would pop out. During that time, I was going a bit too slow. When I looked back up, she was gone.

A guy in a scream mask popped out and I looked at him for a moment before he let out a sigh.

“Someone’s tough to scare.” He sighed and I laughed. I continued walking and I was making my way towards a closet. I knew someone was going to pop out of there so I had my guard up.

What I didn’t expect was the person to pull me into the closet with them, and the worst thing was that they had a clown mask on. I shrieked as they covered my mouth. A rapist snuck into the Haunted House and is going to hurt me in the closet!

I recognized the breathing patterns, I mean smell, of the person and I quickly punched his shoulder as he laughed. Adrian was holding me hostage in his small closet. He took off the clown mask and I glared at him. He just smiled.

“You took my advice,” He told me and I nodded my head. I didn’t realize the close proximity between us until I heard his voice. His breath fanned my face and I realized that he was chewing gum. “Scared, are we?” He smirked. I shook my head.

“Cat got your tongue?” He asked me and I coughed slightly.

“No,” I spoke and he smirked wider. “You should let me out of here before they start wondering what happened to me.” I suggested and he laughed.

“This thing closes in 10 minutes, save me a dance.” He told me.

“Dancing isn’t my thing. Besides, Brielle wants to dance with you.” I informed him and he laughed.

“I’ve been avoiding her all night. She’s walked through this thing 3 times and I stayed in this closet the whole time. Besides, you dance better than her.” He told me.

I snorted, but couldn’t help but feel that I was a bit more special to him than Brielle. I had to push that aside for a second. He opened the closet door and I happily exited.

“I’ll see you in a few.” He informed me and I smirked, thinking about my reply.

“See you when you come out of the closet.” I winked and he rolled his eyes and put on his mask.

When I exited the Haunted House, Jessie was sitting there with a worried look on her face.

“What happened to you? You were right behind me! I come out and 10 minutes later, here you are!” She said and Trent smirked, seeming to know what happened.

“Adrian probably pulled her into the closet and they made out.” He teased and I shook my head, rolling my eyes.

“No, I had to convince him to come out of the closet.” I said jokingly.

Jessie was rolling her eyes as we waited for them to close up the Haunted House. I decided to bring up the photo booth.

“The school rented a photo booth.” I spoke and she nodded her head, as if already knowing my question.

“We should get a group picture in there!” She told me and my eyes widened. No, I just wanted one of my best friend and me!

“No-.” I started to tell her but she cut me off.

“Good idea, Fiona! I’ll go tell Trent and Adrian!” She laughed, smiling at me before running, well hobbling, off to them. I stomped unhappily, frowning. Why would she think I would say something like that? That doesn’t even sound like something I’d say!

“Aw, if you wanted a picture with me, you could’ve just said so!” I heard Adrian’s mocking voice from behind me. I turned around and glared at him until he approached me. It was now that I realized that the football and baseball player was much taller than I was.

“You’re out of the closet. And I don’t want a picture with you!” I whined and he laughed, grabbing my shoulders and pushing me towards the school.

“You still owe me that dance.” He laughed and I scowled before grinning mischievously.

“Okay, you can get the dance.” I spoke calmly. He stopped pushing me and turned me around to face him.

“Are you going to hurt me?” He asked and I shook my head, unless embarrassment counts as hurting.

__

“I need a drink, stay here.” Adrian told me, watching me as he walked backwards towards the drinks. As soon as he turned around, I raced to the DJ stand, ready to request a song.

“Can I request a song?” I asked and he nodded his head.

“Breaking Free from High School Musical,” I told him and he gave me an odd look. “It’s for my friend, not me,” I told him and the song appeared on the screen, ready to start in 30 seconds. He paused it while I continued talking to him.

“Why do you even have that song?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. He was questioning me!

“Don’t judge me,” He said and I raised an eyebrow at his sudden outburst. “I work at children’s parties, too. Should I say something before the song starts?” He asked and I nodded.

“This is dedicated to Adrian Easton.” I smiled and the guy nodded, writing it down. Was it really necessary to write it down? He started the timer and Adrian was standing where he left me.

“Sorry, I needed to use the ladies room.” I spoke and he gave me a look of disgust before he laughed. I stood there awkwardly as he just stared at me.

“What did you do?” He asked at the same time the DJ began speaking. I smiled innocently at him.

“This next song is dedicated to Adrian Easton.” He spoke before the familiar beat sounded throughout the room. Adrian’s face went red in embarrassment and I smiled, backing away slowly. I looked to see Trent and Logan laughing as Adrian angrily looked at me.

“You’re going to pay, Harper.” He told me, pulling the last name card. I started mouthing the words as he approached me.

“We’re soaring, flying. There’s not a star in Heaven that we can’t reach.” I mouthed, smiling innocently at him. He glared at me and I looked around to see that people were actually dancing to this song.

From what I could remember from the movie, I started dancing the dance that Troy did during his part, even attempting the Moonwalk. Adrian stared at me, a smile forming on his face as he watched me dance around awkwardly.

He abruptly pulled me towards him, whispering in my ear. I hope he couldn’t hear my heart because it was going faster than the speed of light.

“You’re a terrible dancer.” He whispered. I nodded my head. The cat definitely has my tongue. I heard Jessie’s voice cut in, thankfully.

“Let’s go to the photo booth.” She spoke and I was internally thanking her. Adrian smirked at me, still holding my hand. When I tried to pull away, he shook his head.

__

“It only holds two people.” I informed, opening the small curtains on the side.

“You can sit on our laps.” Adrian smirked and I shook my head.

“I guess it’ll be me and-.” I started to say, ready to dolphin dive into the machine with Jessie.

“Adrian and then Jessie and Trent.” Adrian interrupted, smirking at my horror stricken face.

Pulling me into the photo booth, he smiling daringly at me before setting the machine up. I sat there with a dull expression on my face and Adrian laughed.

When they gave the 10 second countdown for the first picture, Adrian poked me in my side so that I laughed when the picture was taken. There goes my hope of having all of the pictures boring and dull on my end.

I glared at him and he smiled at me, winking. He smiled even wider and his contagious smile got me to smile, the second picture was us smiling at each other. Aw, wasn’t that sweet? Not.

Adrian did the duck face for the third picture so I mirrored his action, even going as far as to put up the peace sign. I smiled when the fourth picture came up. Well, I intended on smiling.

I felt Adrian’s eyes on me when the fourth picture was taken. We got out of the booth to see Jessie and Trent holding the pictures.

“Just to make sure it was PG in there.” Trent teased and I rolled my eyes, shaking my head at his fatherly behavior. I took a picture strip from Jessie and I smiled at them. The fourth one caught me off guard. Instead of looking at the screen, Adrian was smiling at me, almost, lovingly?

As we waited for Jessie and Trent’s pictures to finish, I took them from the dispenser and saw that they added a theme to their picture backgrounds. It was puppies and kittens.

Did we have a theme on ours? I looked at Adrian and mine to see that the background on ours was romantic and I glared at Adrian, he smirked and shrugged. He realized why I was glaring at him.

__

“So, I’m having a small gathering at my pool tomorrow.” Trent informed Jessie and me.

“A small gathering? Or a party?” Jessie asked raising an eyebrow. It was cold outside, why would he have a pool party in October?

“A small get together, like 8 people. It’s an indoor pool, Fiona.” Trent said, answering my unasked question. I nodded my head. I can’t swim. Yet you have all those goals on your bucket list that involve water. I sighed.

“So do you guys want to come?” He asked and I shrugged but then thought for a moment.

“When does it start?” I asked and he thought for a moment.

“We’re planning on doing a night pool party, kind of thing, from maybe 9 to 12.” He said and I turned to Adrian.

“What time do I have to watch Mattie?” I asked and he replied quickly.

“From 3 to 6.” He replied and I thought for a minute. Could I make that? I nodded my head. Jessie also nodded her head.

It’d be a good time to just sit around and talk to people. I guess, you could say. I’d have to spend the night at Jessie’s tomorrow night so my parents won’t harass me about getting home late. Jessie seemed to already know what I was thinking and she nodded her head. I sighed in relief.

“Okay. Then tomorrow, be there at 9. I’ll text the address.” Trent informed before walking towards his car.

__

“Let’s go, Fiona.” Jessie smiled and I began walking before Adrian stopped me.

“Why, Jessie? Why would you go out of you way to drop her off when I could drop her off, she’s only right next door?” Adrian persuaded and Jessie shrugged, walking off towards her car, staring at her picture.

Adrian and I walked towards his Camaro, people looking us oddly. I sighed, already knowing what they were thinking.

“Adrian, they’re going to think things.” I spoke and Adrian nodded his head, turning towards their direction before looking at me.

“I got this,” He spoke, clearing his throat. “NO, FIONA, I WILL NOT SLEEP WITH YOU!” He shouted and I felt my face turn red while he grinned. I buried my face in my hands. He opened the car door for me and I got in.

“You’re welcome,” He said as he got in the driver’s side. I glared at him, not able to form words. “Why are you going to Trent’s party if you can’t swim?” He asked and I just stared at him, annoyed.

“Okay, I’m sorry for doing that,” He apologized. I just shook my head. “Can you answer me now?” He asked and I rolled my eyes.

“Silent treatment,” He nodded his head. “I get this from Mattie all the time.” He replied and I just stayed quiet. He was comparing me to a 6 year old. He went to talk again and I turned on the music.

“Stop being stubborn and just answer my question or I’ll start making assumptions,” He told me and I just stayed quiet. The music was turned off thanks to him. “Okay, you just want to go so you can see real life abs.” It wasn’t exactly untrue.

“Sick of staring at Taylor Lautner’s abs? I saw the posters of him in your room,” He snorted and I felt my face turn get warmer. “So it’s true?” He asked.

“No.” I said, glaring at him. He smiled in satisfaction.

“Then why are you going?” He asked and I shrugged.

“Bucket list.” I replied and he nodded his head, not furthering his questions.

All I know is that I have a full day tomorrow. I need a good night’s sleep.

“Thanks, Adrian.” I informed him and he nodded, with a smile.

“Anytime,” He spoke and I found myself smiling back at him. “Can I ask you of one thing?” He asked me and I shrugged, raising an eyebrow.

“And before you start swinging on me, I have a good reason of asking this,” He said and I felt my stomach tense up. What was his question? He seemed to enjoy having me questioning myself. “Can I see your bucket list?” I might be able to help you with some of the things.” He said, trying to smile persuasively. I shook my head.

“No, you’re already helping me with some of the things and you don’t even know what they are,” I shrugged and he groaned. “You could guess them if you really wanted to.” I told him before walking over to my porch, getting my key out of my purse.

“Goodnight.” I told him. He smiled, letting out a sigh.

“Goodnight.” He replied, approaching his porch.

Bucket List

1. Go on a real first date (with someone I actually like) for a picnic, I like picnics.

2. Get kicked out of a store, one I don’t go to because they might ban me and I can’t have that. (Adrian)

3. Skip school for a day and go out, not stay home.

4. Go on a rollercoaster at an amusement park, one that my instinct says ‘No’ to.

5. Dye my hair a crazy color, for example; dying the tips red or blue. Or maybe even a streak. (Or two.)

6. Dance in the rain with someone, hopefully a guy… who has abs, and happens to be shirtless but I’ll settle for Jessie if I have to.

7. Go to a drive in movie. I think this is pretty self-explanatory.

8. Throw a drink in someone’s face because they’re a jerk. (Ethan)

9. Pull an all-nighter and watch the sun rise on the roof, it seems fun. (Adrian)

10. Carve my name into a tree and hopefully it’ll stay there.

11. Go laser tagging, it seems amazing; lasers and tag.

12. Have a paint fight… an accidental one.

13. Go through a drive through on foot, it’ll tick off the worker and it’ll be fun! (Adrian)

14. Have a nerf gun fight, if I can get my hands on some.

15. Jump into a pool with all of my clothes on, or maybe get pushed. Ha, kidding.

16. Play Hide n Seek at midnight, its dark and fun. You have to play it with people you know though; you can’t play with an ex-convict because they can shank you.

17. Have a shopping cart race at Wal-Mart or any other large department store. (Adrian, Jessie, Trent)

18. Go swimming at Midnight, it sounds adventurous and dangerous.

19. Buy white Converse and have people sign them, hopefully there isn’t anything bad on it, though. I may want to wear them to school.

20. Go to the Zoo, I’ve never been there and I really want to go.

21. Take pictures in a photo booth with either a guy that I like or a friend, it seems fun. (Adrian.)

22. Play Hide N Seek in a store. If you get caught by a store clerk, pull a Velma. ‘My glasses, I can’t see without my glasses.’

23. Have a scary movie marathon. (Adrian, Jessie, Trent)

24. Have boys vs. girl’s water balloon fight… probably won’t happen. But one can dream, right?

25. Have someone win me a giant stuffed animal. And again, one can dream, right?

26. Get a boyfriend… and I repeat, one can dream!