(15) Confessions

"The reservations are booked, after the dance on Saturday we can go right there and stay for a few nights." Elle grins, checking the final boxes in her notebook.

"Do you think you'll get asked this week?" I smile.

"Hmm." Elle twirls her hair, "Pretty sure."

I smile to myself and pull out my phone, quickly moving my thumbs over the keyboard and sending a quick text to Jared.

"Hey E, let's go to the park."

She raises an eyebrow, "Why do you want to go to the park?"

I shrug, "I don't know."

"Well, I have to stop somewhere quick and then we can go. You're coming right?"

I nod, reaching down with one hand into my pocket to check my phone again. Funny, he usually answers right away.

Turning, I grab my bag and walk with Elle from the apartments to the car.

My phone buzzes.

I swear it's in my hand and I'm opening the message within two seconds of the vibration. What can I say? I'm a teenager.

Parker: Can we meet somewhere and talk?

I smile to myself and type out a reply, "Elle, where are we going?"

"Stopping at the mall quick. Not for work, I just need to talk to someone quickly."

I raise an eyebrow.

"I'll tell you after." She says and I nod, curiously.

Alexa: meet at the mall in ten?

Parker: see you then

Ten minutes later we're pulling into the parking lot. The whole time Elle is smiling away. Did someone put something in her drink this morning or what?

I shake my head, it's probably just my usual pessimistic outlook on life acting up again.

We walk up to the large doors, "Hey!" I smile seeing Parker sitting over in the corner of the food court. He looks adorable as usual, today in light brown khaki shorts and a Nike sweatshirt.

"What's up?" I smile and pull out the seat across from him.

"So." He grins at me, "Homecoming is coming up."

Oh god.

And for once I thought I could get through the day without fear of my heart jumping out of my freaking chest.

"It is." I agree, "Have you asked anyone yet?"

"No. I'm planning on it though."

I hide a smile, "Who were you thinking of asking?"

"I wonder." His eyes twinkle, "I just wanted to make sure she wasn't planning on saying yes to anyone else so I don't look like a dumbass when I ask."

I chuckle, "I don't think that'll be a problem."

"Good." His knee bumps into mine and I blush, looking down.

What the hell does this kid do to me?

We spend the next thirty minutes literally just chilling. I learn that Parker's favorite color is green, that he's great at pretty much any physical activity, and he secretly collects vinyls.

Time flies so much faster with him. In what seems like three, but is really thirty, minutes, a grinning Elle is in front of us.

"Hey guys." She smiles, glancing at me and then her twin.

"Ready to go Lex?" She questions.

"Selfish jerk." Parker mutters at her.

She rolls her eyes, "Me and Alexa have plans, you two can hook up at a later notice."

I slap Elle's arm, laughing at the same time.

Times like this I can't help but wonder why I love/hate her so much.

Parker winks at me.

I laugh and stand up grabbing Elle's arm at the same time, "Time to go."

Elle chuckles.

"What, no goodbye kiss?" Parker raises an eyebrow.

I turn around and lean towards him, turning at the last second and pressing my lips to his cheek, "Bye."

We leave to mutters of 'ripoff' and 'rude.' I smile.

-

"Park time." I grin, checking my phone again. Where was he? Usually Jared answers pretty quickly, this is pretty unlike him. Maybe he's just busy setting up.

"What's with all the happy go lucky today?" I ask Elle.

"Well. I got asked."  She grins excitedly.

My eyes widen. Shit.

"Did you say yes?" I question, trying to smile, at the same time freaking out.

She nods.

"Who asked you?" I question, whipping out my phone to see if Jared saw my previous texts.

"My friend. I guess we've been seeing each other for a while, but it's hard. He's my old best friend's cousin. And they're pretty close."

"What happened with you two?"

"She had a pregnancy scare. Transferred schools. And she's had it out for our group ever since."

"Wow." I chuckle, "She really doesn't give up then does she?"

"As they say, Karma's a bitch. And she is."

"Wait, you mean her name is-" I laugh.

Elle lights out a light laugh herself, "Her name is Karma Evans. She left last year. Our group does not speak of her."

"So tell me about this guy of yours." I peer down at my phone as I try to buy all the time I can get.

"His name is Adrien Clement. He's a junior." She chuckles, "But he's really sweet and I just wish he wasn't related to that-" She cringes, "Anyways, you'll have to meet him sometime. But for now let's get to the park."

I bite my lip and reach down to check my phone again. No response.

Lexa: J????

Well shit. This is not good. Definitely not good.

The ride to the park seems to go by quicker than a fifteen minute ride should. My hands are sweating and I keep checking my phone nervously.

Why isn't he answering?

Just great. This is going to be humiliating.

"Maybe we shouldn't go to the park today. It's kind of cold."

"Lex, it's hot out. We're going."

I groan and lean forward, head in my lap.

"Stop being such a complainer." Elle chuckles.

Great. What the hell do I do now?

-

"Come on Lex, quit texting." Elle slams her door shut and is already in process of meeting me at mine.

I slide my phone into my pocket, after one last attempt to warn Jared.

"What's this?" Elle squeals, "Look, it's a note!"

I walk over to where she's now freaking out over the pre planned surprise. In her hands she holds the first bottle.

I glance at it, pausing briefly to admire the rustic purple color, which has long faded to indigo around the edges.

Isn't it funny how much that relates to people?

Some bottles are broken. Some are pure. Some are faded, some shiny.

But somehow they work. We work.

Within seconds, the note is slipped out of the mouth of the bottle. I watch as Elle's slender fingers let the bottle fall, too preoccupied with the mysterious note.

My eyes stick to it, watching the acceleration, to destruction. Shards fly up, as the bottle is smashed. Destroyed. Ruined.

From that moment, I figured out what I'm going to do. I don't think I could sit by and watch someone fall into that fate. No matter how much it hurts me.

Elle reads the note aloud, "If you're finding this, here's a clue, the bottle is probably not meant for you. But if you're pretty and if you're fair, follow the notes created with care. The next clue lies in a place, where fucking Mason broke the vase."

I chuckle, "Mason broke a vase?"

Elle laughs at the apparent memory, "We were like fifteen. Elodie got flowers from her recital and of course Louise got her a pretty vase." She breaks out laughing, "I don't even remember how it broke, just that it did and Louise was pissed."

I chuckle.

Elle walks back to the car and unlocks it.

"Wait, where are we going?" I ask.

"You didn't want to go to the park anyways, plus we just have to follow these clues!" Elle grins.

Dear lord help me.

-

"Hello girls." Louise beams at us, a practically mirrored expression fixtated onto the adorable little face belonging to none other than Elodie Derivan. I smile, remembering the, er, exciting, time I had babysitting.

I mean, I wasn't excited, but something definitely was and it wasn't Mason's upper half.

Why did I just think that? I've been talking to Jared way too much. Internal crying.

"Hi Louise." Elle grins and envelopes her in a tight hug. I return the action.

"We're following a scavenger hunt actually." I try not to cringe.

"Could we talk to Mase for a second?" Elle questions.

Louise steps aside, "Of course darlin. I'll be in the kitchen if you'd like to stay for some lunch?"

"We're good." I smile at her before following Elle to Mase's room.

"Distract him." Elle whispers.

"What? Why?!" I whisper yell back.

Elle rolls her eyes, "I'm going to find the vase."

"So? Just go get it."

"It's in his room. He doesn't let people in."

He doesn't let people in his room or into his friendzone? Hm.

"Fine." I groan.

"I saw him in his workout room down to the left."

I flash a thumbs up before turning on my heels and dragging my feet down the mile long hallway.

"Mason?" I peer my head into the door of what looks like a fitness room.

Looking further, I see a sole figure, in the corner returning weights to the racks.

Well, I should describe this a little better. I didn't just see a 'sole figure.'

What I first saw was skin. And lots of it. He stands in basketball shorts and nothing, his back glistening with sweat, and his toned muscles flexing with every weight he picks up. His hair sticks to his neck, giving his hands another excuse to run through it. Conceited asshole.

"Did you want something?" A voice above me asks smoothly.

I gulp, looking up.

He's right in front of me now.

Focus on the face.

"Don't you think this is a little close?" I question.

"Have we not been in closer proximity?" He smirks.

I shrug, placing a knuckle on his stomach, separating us.

Damn. Are his abs made of steel? What the actual heck?

"I just wanted to say, Lex."

I gulp.

"Your dress you picked out was stunning."

My heart flutters and a slow smile comes to my face, "Thank you." I respond, still burning from his compliment.

"I mean it. I'm sure you'll have tons of guys all over you."

"Is that a good thing?" I raise an eyebrow.

"You could get laid pretty easily."

My eyes must widen or something because next I know, he's back over closer to me and smirking, "You've never been laid."

I hold in a blush and bite my cheek.

"You're a virgin?" He lowers his hand to mine and grips my fingers, pulling my arms to my chin and forcing my head up to look at him gently.

I nod, or the best I can do, while still sitting here shaking and freaking out. He's touching me. He's flirting. Well, maybe not flirting, but something about his voice, just does crazy things to me.

"Damn. I'd ask you to the dance, but you'll probably be off experiencing new things."

I blush, and let a wave of laughter slip out whilst bringing my arm up to hit him, "Stop that."

"Stop being so physical." He chuckles.

"You want to see physical?" I raise an eyebrow and take a step forward. I lean in and turn at the last second, "See you soon, Boxer Boy."

-

"Congrats, congrats you found clue two. I guess survival of the fittest won't be a bitch to you. The next clue is in hiding, but in a place very law abiding. You'll find it somewhere with fish, somewhere everyone has gone, even Mr. Rich." Elle reads the clue aloud again.

Although this clue is a hell of a lot more confusing than the prior.

"This is so confusing."  Elle groans.

"What if fish doesn't mean literal fish?"

"What do you mean?"

"That candy shoppe Jared likes has Swedish fish. Everyone goes there."

"Even Mr. Rich.." She bites her lip, "Well it can't hurt to try it. Mr. Rich could mean Mason. He's pretty rich and I know he's been there before."

"Okay." I smile softly.

-

Two hours and eight more clues later were still searching. Of course, I already know where this is all going to wind up, but Elle is excited.

Elle bends down and picks up another note, "I'm sick of writing these awful rhymes, look up and uh what rhymes with rhymes, I don't know. Just look up."

I glance up and Elle follows. Jared stands holding a huge sign and bouquet of flowers, "I really like you and I have for sometime. Will you go to homecoming with me?"

Here's my moment. I let out the girlie at squeal I can muster and practically run up to Jared throwing my arms around his neck.

"What the hell?" He whispers.

"I'll explain later, trust me." I whisper, "Just go with it."

Elle grins excitedly for me, "Lexa!" She hisses into my ear, "You didn't tell me you guys had a thing!"

I force a smile, "I guess so."

Little does she know.

"Here, give me your phone and I'll take your picture."

I pass it to her while turning around to whisper to Jared again, "Why didn't you check your messages?"

"I-I don't know, I was scared. It took a lot of guts just to do this."

"She got asked today. By her boyfriend."

"Oh my god." Jared breathes out.

I nod, "I tried warning you, I figured you'd rather me act impulsively and pretend it was for me than be rejected by her. I'm sorry, I know you like her."

"Thanks Lex." He hugs me, "I don't know what I'd do without you. I'd love to take you."

"As friends."

He laughs, "Of course, wouldn't want to join the war Parker and Mason are currently in."

What?

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh, maybe I wasn't supposed to say anything. Oops." He raises his voice, "Smile for the picture Lex!"

-

I should have been focusing on the camera. Instead my gaze fell to the caramel haired boy walking behind, in the background.

He looked angry, disappointed, impulsive, broken.

Parker.

A/N: thanks for 60k guys :)

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