Misty and Millie pushed their way through the crowded cafeteria, making their way to their usual spot in the back. Lunchtime wasn't exactly their favorite part of the day, but unfortunately, it was a necessity. Lunchtime was when the student body caught up on their gossip and people watching. It wouldn't have been so bad if Misty and Millie weren't the ones being used as fodder to keep the rumor mill churning, but that's the way it was. The cafeteria seemed especially chatty that day, and the sisters could feel the burn of judging eyes more than usual.

"Can't these people get a life?" Millie grumbled as she sat down in her seat.

Misty looked around at all the staring eyes. She kept a cool and collected front, but she was secretly sweating all the extra attention. She was paranoid that everyone somehow knew about her and Scottie's date. She didn't want anyone to know that she and Scottie kissed, not even Millie. Especially, not Millie.

The truth was, it wasn't just one quick little peck. As soon as her lips touched his, something powerful took over Misty. It started off with one kiss, but that one kiss opened up an insatiable hunger that made her completely lose her head. She didn't know where she was or how much time had passed, all she knew was that she wanted to keep kissing him and never stop. She didn't even snap out of it until Scottie pulled away and asked her in a husky voice if she wanted to "take things upstairs." Only then did she realize that things had gone way too far and she needed to get out of there. He apologized for being too forward, thinking he had messed up. But what he didn't know, and what Misty would never tell him, was that she didn't leave because she was offended, she left because she was afraid if she stayed any longer, she might've said yes.

So, that was definitely not information she wanted Millie to have, let alone anyone else. To make matters worse, not long after they sat down, Scottie and his friends walked into the cafeteria. They started walking towards their table in the middle, but then Scottie directed them elsewhere. To the table directly next to Millie and Misty. His friends seemed confused, but Scottie was the boss, so they followed him like sheep. Misty wanted to believe it was a coincidence, but they never sat in the back. They needed to be front and center where everyone could see them.

Scottie glanced at her as he slid into his seat. Misty made eye contact, then immediately looked away.

"Are you even listening to me?"

"What?" Misty said, trying not to show her distraction.

Misty's eyes flickered over to Scottie involuntarily and they made eye contact once again. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment that he caught her looking.

Millie noticed that she lost her sister's attention and turned to see what caused the distraction. She was surprised to see Scottie Derringer walking directly towards them, his eyes fixated on Misty.

"Hey, Misty, how was your weekend?" He said with a grin as if he didn't know.

"It was okay," she responded blandly.

Two could play at that game.

"Only okay?"

"Yeah, pretty uneventful," Misty maintained.

Scottie looked at her and searched for any hint of a smile. But her poker face was unwavering.

"I'll take your word for it," he said, giving in. Then he turned to Millie. "Do you mind if I steal her for a second?"

"Yeah, I do mind, actually," Millie shot back. "We're trying to eat here."

Scottie chuckled at her response. She certainly had her sister's spirit.

"It'll only be a second."

Millie gave him the eye, trying to figure out his intentions. She didn't know what they were, but she was sure whatever they were, they weren't pure. She never trusted Scottie or any of his crew.

"It's fine," Misty said, giving Millie a reassuring hand squeeze. "I'll be right back."

***

Misty followed Scottie out into the hall and pulled him behind a corner where they couldn't be seen.

"What are you doing talking to me in public like that?" Misty snapped.

"You haven't answered my texts."

Scottie had been blowing up Misty's phone all morning. Good Morning Beautiful. How'd you sleep last night? Meet me for breakfast? How was your first class? Meet me for lunch? It seemed like every fifteen minutes she'd get a new one, and she hadn't answered a single one of them.

"I've been busy," Misty said matter-of-factly.

It wasn't a total lie, between classes and studying, and talking with Millie, she had been busy. But it wasn't like those 5 minutes in between classes didn't exist. She had time.

"You were answering them this weekend. Til one in the morning if I remember correctly."

It was true, she had spent practically the entire weekend texting back and forth with Scottie, and yes, she had stayed up until 1:00 am to do it. She didn't know what had come over her. She thought when she got home from their date, her head would clear. It did a little, but as soon as she got that let me know when you're home safe text, she was thrown right back into another whirlwind. Nothing could stop that dopamine rush she got with every little notification ping. It was like she was addicted.

But then, Monday came around, and thankfully, she came back to her senses. She'd be lying to herself if she said her heart didn't beat faster every time her phone went off, but her more logical side had taken over and she was better able to ignore it.

"Well, we're at school now, so..." Misty trailed off.

She didn't really have a good enough justification for what made it so different, so she was hoping Scottie would fill in the blanks. But he didn't.

"So...?"

"So, it's different."

"It doesn't have to be."

"Yes, it does," Misty said, quickly shutting him down.

Scottie nodded his head slowly. He was disappointed, but understanding. So, he let it go. He hadn't asked to talk to her to debate their relationship status anyway. He had something else in mind.

"Well, I won't argue with you," he said. "I just wanted to give you something."

Scottie reached into his pocket and pulled out a cream-colored envelope addressed to Misty. She wasn't sure what to think, as she certainly was not expecting any sort of gift from him. The letter felt sturdy in her hand and was clearly made from high-quality paper. Her name was written in perfectly immaculate calligraphy on the front, and on the back was a shiny, black wax seal. It looked so beautiful, she almost didn't want to open it.

Carefully, she peeled it open and plucked out a 4 x 6' piece of cardstock. When she saw what was written on it, her jaw hit the floor. It was an invitation to the Annual Feast of the Finest. A special event hosted by The Assembly to honor only the most accomplished students. The Feast was the most exclusive event in the school's history. Invitations were given out so sparingly, they were more elusive than a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. For years, Misty had dreamed about attending The Feast. An invitation for her was a sign of prestige and accomplishment. It was a sign that she had made it.

But now that the invitation was right in front of her, she was suspicious. The timing seemed off. She had been the top of her class for four years straight, yet she had never received an invitation. Then, she spent one weekend with Scottie and it was being placed right in the palm of her hands? It made her wonder if it was really a culmination of her hard work or if Scottie had stepped in on her behalf.

"Why am I getting this?" She questioned sharply. "Did you have something to do with this?"

"You really think I can convince them of anything?" Scottie laughed. "I'm good, but I'm not that good."

Misty looked down at the invitation, almost as if to inspect it and make sure it was real. She was slightly more convinced, but still skeptical. The last thing she wanted was some phony invitation because she just happened to kiss the Head Assemblyman's grandson. Although, based on what Scottie told her over the weekend, she questioned whether Scottie had the pull he previously claimed he had.

"You deserve this, Misty," Scottie said once he noticed her skepticism. "More than anyone. You earned it. This was all you."

Scottie's reassurance meant more to her than she was expecting it to. She trusted his words in a way that she hadn't before.They gave her confidence and hope. She felt another Scottie induced haze coming on, but she didn't care. She liked the way it felt, even if it made her completely lose her mind.

"Really?" Misty asked innocently, putting all her faith in him.

"Really," Scottie said. "The only favor I asked was that I get to be the one to give it to you."

A smile grew across Misty's face as she let those good feelings sink in. She held the invitation to her heart and let the excitement wrap her in a warm hug. Scottie was right. She did deserve this. She fought tooth and nail and it was finally paying off. She had done it. She was on the path to acceptance. 

***

So what do we think? Is Scottie innocent in this or did he pull some strings?