- Something Different; Why Don't We - 
- No Judgement; Niall Horan -
- Little Things; One Direction -

Aurora Holland

It took a long time for me to get ready. I was constantly pacing, forgetting that Katherine was in the room, and freaking out over my date with Carter.

I'm surprised Katherine stayed as long as she did, as I'm sure I was quite annoying with how back and forth I was. But she stayed, and she helped me choose between two outfits I chose out (helping me make the final decision, as I ultimately chose) and even helped when it came to my hair and makeup.

It was much different than it would be when Paige helped me get ready for different things. Usually, I just did every little thing Paige wanted me to, even if I was against the choice of clothing or makeup style.

With Katherine, she let me choose everything. She only put her say in it if I asked for it or if she knew I needed help with a decision. It helped me a lot, despite how it seemed as my nerves were all over the place.

My fingers repeatedly ran up and down my dress, looking at myself in the mirror. I looked pretty good, although nothing like I did when Paige would dress me up.

"What if he doesn't like it?" I asked no one in particular, my eyes running up and down my body over and over again as if anything was different.

"He will," Katherine spoke from my bed.

I turned and looked at her, seeing she wasn't even looking at me. Katherine was lounging in her pajamas, scrolling mindlessly on her phone. She wasn't originally going to be here for this long, but after my constant panicking and freaking out, she said she wanted to be here when I got back from my date to make sure I was okay.

Therefore, she's staying the night.

I could tell she was nervous. At some point, before I started getting ready, my dad let me use his car to run to her house and gather some things. I stayed outside in the car, respecting her wishes while she ran inside to let her mother know and grab what she needed for the night.

When we got back, she was very hesitant at putting her belongings anywhere. It was just a small bag, a pillow, and a blanket. I told her I had plenty of pillows and blankets, but she said if she was having her first sleepover she wanted to have the full experience.

I feel bad for leaving her at my house alone, but she assured me it was okay considering this was her idea. It took a lot of convincing, but I finally let it go and my nerves immediately shifted back to the date with Carter.

"What time is it?" I asked, my breathing shaky from how nervous I was. My stomach was erupting in butterflies, so much to the point I felt it throughout my entire torso.

How is it possible I'm that nervous?

"6:57," Katherine responded.

"Oh god, it's so close," I whined out, turning to her. I twirled my ring around my finger, finding myself fidgety all over again. Just as I was beginning to get rid of the nerves, I was now feeling them all over again.

The date hasn't even started yet and I'm a wreck. Carter's literally never going to talk to me again when he sees how much of a doofus I am!

"It's okay, Rory," Katherine assured. "I'll walk down with you if you want?"

"No, you're okay to stay here." I walked over to my window, glancing through the blinds. "Fuck!" I exclaimed, seeing Carter's car pull up. "He's here!"

"That's great! Go downstairs!" She scooted to the end of the bed, long forgetting about her phone. Her big brown eyes were wide, a giant smile covering her face as she looked at me. "He's going to fall in love, I guarantee it!"

My eyes widened at her statement, causing her to playfully roll her eyes at me. "Go," She giggled, waving her hands. "I'll hold down the fort here, make sure your room doesn't set on fire."

"The only reason it'd set on fire is if you're the one doing it," I responded quickly, grabbing a purse from my closet. It was a pink one, one that matched my outfit perfectly. I threw my keys, phone, wallet, and clear vanilla-scented lipgloss in it as well.

I glanced at the pocket-sized sketchpad Carter got me, hesitating. I usually take a sketchpad with me everywhere I go, but I usually forget all about my art when I'm with Carter. Deciding against it, I just shut my purse and rested it on my shoulder.

"Exactly," Katherine responded, winking at me as she sunk further back onto my bed. "I'm kidding, for the most part."

"Feel free to do whatever. I don't mind if you use anything in here." I motioned to the room, "I just ask you don't read my journal."

"Your wishes will be respected," She bowed her head at me, "Realistically speaking, I probably won't touch anything but your TV."

"And you're fine to do that. I have just about every streaming service to exist." I shrugged, motioning a hand in the direction of my TV. "If there's something not logged in though, we don't have it. If you do watch something, just watch it on my profile. If you get hungry get whatever in the kitchen, I also have a drawer of candy in my schoolwork desk over there."

"You're like a mom, I love it." She smiled at me, waving her bent knee from side to side. "I'll be good. Text me when you can just so I know how it's going."

"Of course," I said as I smiled at her. The sound of the doorbell ringing then echoed throughout the house, causing me to forget about the happy conversation I was having with her.

She waved her hand at me one last time, putting her attention back on her phone. I then took that as my cue to leave, and I shakily grabbed the doorknob as I exited my bedroom.

I took my time in going downstairs, just the sound of my father's voice was enough to make me want to change my mind and go back to my room with Katherine. It's not that I'm afraid of Carter, I just felt like tonight was the night I fuck up royally, ruining whatever friendship we have going on.

Friendship, right? Is this friendship? I mean, I wouldn't let just anyone touch me and hold me the way Carter does, but he does a lot of the same stuff Elijah does. And Elijah's definitely just a friend, but he's the first guy friend I genuinely had, excluding the Jackson brothers, Griffin, and Cameron.

Cameron and Griffin are more school friends than anything else. I love them to death but we rarely ever hang out outside of school. Elijah, on the other hand, I see him a lot when I'm with Carter due to them being best friends. Not to mention we're school friends as well.

Now that I think of it, Carter's really the only guy I see outside of school. I used to see Logan, but ever since I stopped talking to him due to him telling Paige things, I don't.

I need to stop jumping to conclusions. Despite both my dad and Katherine telling me this was an official date -- not just a friendly date -- I can't help but feel like labeling it as something is too much. Katherine told me to not worry about labeling it, but I can't help it.

I've never done anything like this before, so what am I supposed to do?

As I got to the bottom of the stairs, the foyer came into view. I saw my father talking to Carter, whose side was to me. He hadn't noticed me yet, putting his full attention on whatever it was my father was saying.

I just hope it's not anything embarrassing, I'm already dying on the inside.

"Took you long enough," My dad said as soon as he noticed me, causing Carter to move his attention over to me.

He looked amazing. He was dressed up, making me feel grateful that I went along with the more dressy type of outfit for tonight. I would have freaked out about being underdressed had I worn anything different. He wore black slacks and a dark blue button-up shirt. His long sleeves were fitted a lot like they were the night of the work event, rolled up to his elbows.

The very top button of his button-up was unbuttoned, showing a bit of his collarbone. He looked so amazing, and I know I've already thought that, but he really did.

Somehow, he managed to look even better than he did the night of the event, which I didn't think would be possible. He's even wearing just about the same thing minus the color -- but I'm thinking the reason I think he looks so good right now is because of the fact that he's wearing blue.

My face burned up as he looked at me, his eyes slowly moving down my figure and then back up again. I began to second-guess my outfit, feeling like I was out of place. This was the first time I'd ever gone out with anyone like this, and I'm already afraid I messed up before even leaving the house.

"Hi Rory," Carter greeted softly, almost too quiet to hear. His eyes were still on me, completely forgetting about my dad and whatever they were talking about before I showed up.

"Hi," I managed to muster out, my voice shaky from the nerves.

"Take good care of my Rora, Carter." My father cut in. This reminded me that he was still standing here, and I ripped my eyes away from Carter and over to him.

He had a smile on his face, one that looked to be genuine and content. It made me feel slightly better, considering I was really worried he'd say something to scare Carter away.

I've never heard one of those talks before, considering my dad's never had to say it. So now that he's said it and I wasn't even here to witness what was said, it made me nervous.

"Always," Carter murmured the simple word causing my heart to flutter.

It's stupid to get so giddy over something so small, but I genuinely feel this way for him. I feel things I've never felt before, not even what I thought I felt for Asher. Then again, Asher only entertained me when he was bored.

He was never genuine in reaching out to me. He craved the attention I gave him, letting it boost his sad little ego. Carter isn't like that. At least I think he isn't, and if he isn't he's really good at faking whatever this is.

"You guys better get going before it gets late," My dad said, causing Carter to break our little staring contest. I felt my face heat up as I looked at my feet, my pink strappy heels interesting all of a sudden. I noticed the nail polish on my toes beginning to chip, looking odd next to my beautiful shoes. The color also didn't match, considering they were painted the same blue color that was on my fingernails.

"Ready?" Carter asked, causing my head to snap up again. I just nodded, walking away from the end of the stairs and toward where my dad and Carter stood.

"How do these things work? Do I take pictures or something?" My dad asked, besides just telling us moments before that we should leave. "Oh wait, that's for dances. I don't know what I'm doing, I'm sorry."

"You don't need to do anything, you've done enough dad," I told him softly, standing next to him.

He just nodded, clearing his throat. "Have a good time. Your mother will be home any minute but with Katherine here she won't blow a fuse." He mumbled in my ear so Carter couldn't hear, hugging me as he did so. I was grateful, as even though Carter already knows about how my mom felt about him, I didn't want something like that to ruin the feelings of tonight.

"Okay," I told him as we pulled away. This isn't about my mom, anyway, this is about Carter and me, and I won't let my stupid thoughts of my mom ruin that.

Carter nodded once more at my dad, resting his hand on the small of my back. The simple touch sent shivers down my spine, even though we weren't touching skin on skin. It made the butterflies in my stomach flutter even more, my skin burning hot as if the sun was shining down on me.

He waited patiently as I stepped outside, the door shutting soon behind us. It was silent between the two of us as we walked down the driveway to where his car was parked at the front of the house.

The night was beautiful, the air not too chilly but not hot either. It was perfect weather, and I couldn't help but look at the stars as Carter opened the passenger car door. They were shining brightly, almost as if they were putting a beautiful dim light on us tonight.

Does that even make sense? Or am I letting my delusional thoughts get to me? Is this what Paige feels like when she has those thoughts?

Just as I turned over to Carter to thank him for opening the door, he cut me off. "You're so pretty." He said, the compliment more than enough to make me shut my mouth in surprise. "I mean you-you look so pretty." He quickly recovered, realizing how abruptly he spoke.

It's beyond unusual to hear things like this from him, because I was used to the blunt and quiet Carter. The side of him I'm seeing now and that I see often, I never see when we're around other people.

"Thank you," I said softly. "You don't think I overdressed or anything? I wasn't sure what to wear because you didn't tell me whether or not it was a fancy--"

"You look so beautiful, don't think otherwise." He cut me off again. He hesitantly brought his hand up to my cheek, rubbing it slightly. "You look perfect."

"You don't have to lie," I told him quietly, almost too quiet to hear. Maybe it was wrong to say that, as it could ruin whatever moment was happening between us. But with how I've been treated the majority of my life so far by almost everyone around me, it's hard to believe those simple little words he tells me and not think he's lying.

"I'd never," He denied. His voice was just as quiet as mine was, if not quieter. He looked down at my lips as he spoke, and I suddenly felt nervous. I've seen him look at my lips before, but the look he had on his face made me get the sudden feeling that he was wanting to kiss me.

Am I crazy for thinking that?

"Should we get going?" I asked, shifting my position slightly as I broke the silence between us.

"Yeah, sorry." He cleared his throat, stepping back so I could get in the car. Once I was in, he made sure nothing of mine hung out before shutting the door. I was in silence for only a few seconds while Carter ran around the front of the car.

I watched as he did so, my butterflies getting worse as he got in. They weren't bad, but at this point getting annoying. I hate that he makes me so nervous, but I love it at the same time.

The car ride was silent, and so when Carter stopped at the first stoplight, he put on some music on his phone.

I didn't pay any attention to the music, my thoughts were too jumbled to focus on it. It was just enough to fill the silence, as neither of us had spoken yet. I, simply, was just too nervous. I don't know if he's nervous as well, thinking of what to say, or even just doesn't want to talk. Part of me wishes he would, though, because when he brings something up it distracts me for a while.

I'm not good at coming up with conversations. Sometimes I can be very talkative, especially if I'm comfortable with the person. And I'm honestly probably more comfortable with Carter than I am with anyone else, except for maybe Katherine. But even then, I've only grown as comfortable as I am with Katherine more recently, whereas I've somehow seemed very comfortable with Carter since the night I met him.

However, that being said, when it comes to situations like this when I'm so nervous the butterflies are eating away at my stomach, I can't. I can't talk for the life of me, as I'm too afraid that if I do I'll say the stupidest things. When I do speak, it comes out all flustered and mumbly and I look like a total idiot.

This was something I was always so jealous of Paige about. She seemed no matter how nervous she was, no matter how sad, happy, or even depressed she seemed she could keep a conversation going. I like to think that's why boys always preferred her presence over mine and basically fell in love when they met her. Simply because she wasn't a boring person and had that type of personality that just pops when she's around.

She truly can be considered the life of the party, whereas I'm a nobody that is either unknown or if I am known I'm known as Paige Holland's cousin.

"I have a couple of things planned," Carter finally spoke up, causing my heart rate to calm down a bit. "I hope you like them."

"I'm sure I will," I told him nervously, watching my ring twirl slowly around my index finger.

I avoided eye contact, too afraid to look at him. I wanted to -- desperately -- but I couldn't find it in myself to look in his direction. He's just so pretty, and now that he's talking to me and calming me down I know the moment I look over at him I'm going to go right back to that nervous place.

Carter's hand came into view, and I watched as he slowly put his hand over my left one. Just as usual, it prevented me from twirling the ring around my finger. He held it tightly, his giant palm resting over my shaky hand.

"You're nervous," He stated, something I heard often from him.

"Yes, I am," I admitted, knowing there was no point in denying it.

"Why?" He asked.

"I've never been on a date before." The words came out quickly, almost too quickly. It was embarrassing how quickly I was able to admit it, but once the words were out, they were out. There was no turning back.

"I haven't been on one in a very long time," Carter responded. I know it was supposed to make me feel better, but it didn't. And that's nothing against him, I know that deep down he knows it doesn't help. At least he has some experience, whereas I have none at all. "It's okay." He then added, "Just be you, like you usually are and it's fine."

I smiled softly, knowing he was trying his best to make me feel better. I looked up, my nerves calming as Carter drew small circles over the top of my hand. It felt nice, holding his hand like this.

Even if we aren't dating, and even if he's just doing it to make me feel better and not hurt myself. It still feels nice and I'm going to take advantage of this small bit of happiness and contentment he's giving me.

The drive ended as he pulled into a parking lot. I'd never been to this building before, but it was obvious by the front of it that it was a restaurant. It had a fancy name, one I couldn't even pronounce if I tried.

"You ever been here before?" Carter asked as he took his hand from mine, the skin immediately feeling cold at the loss of contact.

"No," I answered. "Never even heard of it."

"It's pretty good. I only chose here because we won't get weird looks for dressing up." He responded, parking the car. He unbuckled and so I did as well, watching as he turned the car off. "Stay," He then said, pulling himself out of the car.

I did as he said, watching as he jogged around the front of the car to my side. He opened the door, my cheeks burning up as I realized he just wanted to get the door for me.

Such a gentleman.

I pulled myself out of the car, hanging my purse on my shoulder. The air got a little chillier, but it still wasn't as chilly as I expected it to be. It was nice, and so I took my time as we walked from the car to the front doors of the building.

Carter pulled the door open, letting me walk through. He looked cute as he did it, propping his right foot in front of the door. He held one hand on the small of my back as I passed by him, the other motioning me inside.

It's crazy I find the stupidest, smallest things like this adorable. I wasn't around Asher this much to really bask in how cute he was, so when my mind automatically thinks things like this about Carter it just feels odd.

I know that's probably annoying to think about all the time, but I really can't help it.

He entered behind me, grabbing the second door just like he had the first. Once we were inside, I was greeted with warmth and a smell of what could only be described as delicious-smelling food.

Carter's hand stayed on my back, shocking my body at the simple touch. He smiled kindly at the person standing at the podium, a tablet resting on the top. "Reservation name?" The man asked, glancing between Carter and me.

"Jackson," Carter said softly.

"Right this way," The man said after tapping the screen a couple of times. We followed behind him as he weaved his way through the tables. I felt out of place, considering everything and everybody here looked like they were worth a million dollars.

Most of the people occupying the tables were older, and there were no children anywhere to be seen. This definitely looks like a place my father would bring my mother for a date night, but I'm going to try not to think about that.

We got sat at a two-person table further back in the building, making me grateful as I didn't want to deal with the older people's stares. They stared at us as if we were out of place -- and I didn't really blame them.

We're seniors in high school coming to what looks to be one of the fanciest restaurants in Riverway Minnesota. We weren't dressed quite as fancy as them, although it was obvious we did both put some work into how we looked tonight.

I know for sure just by looking at me you could tell I'm not made of money and used to things like this, however, Carter played the part as if he belonged.

But then again, he was probably much more used to his parents' money than I was, as it was only when we moved here to Riverway that my parents started using their money the way that they did.

Carter pulled my chair out for me as I sat down, and I could only blush in response. I've already said thank you so many times just tonight, that I feel like if I continue to say it then it will irritate him. Or maybe he'll get frustrated that I'm not saying it enough?

"They have a lot of fancy-looking foods here, but don't let the names fool you," Carter said, bringing me out of my thoughts once he sat across from me. "It's really the most basic foods just positioned fancy and given a different name so they can overcharge."

"I see," I responded, glancing down at the menu. He wasn't lying, everything was literally the most basic foods just pictured perfectly to look fancier.

"I know this isn't the place you imagined on a first date," Carter said, his tone soft. I looked up at him, seeing his eyes on the menu sitting in front of him. I didn't say anything, and instead just waited for him to continue. "You're not the type of person to like these high-key events where everyone judges and acts snobby." He fidgeted with the neatly folded silverware that was sitting on the table, his eyes avoiding mine.

"I don't mind where we go," I told him quietly, the words being nothing but the truth. He was right, this definitely wasn't my type of scene, but I felt safe with Carter.

"I know you don't," He breathed out. "I just-- I wanted to give you an experience you haven't had before that can change your mind on some things." He tried his best to explain, "This type of thing isn't really my scene, either, but when you're with the right person you learn that it's not the scene that matters, it's who you're with."

The words meant a lot, and I wanted to tell him that. It made me think a little differently than I had only moments before, but before I could tell him a fancy-dressed woman walked over to our table.

She was dressed in black and white -- what most of the waiters and waitresses working at the place wore. She looked very young, almost too young to be in a place like this.

"Hey guys," She said, breathing out a nervous breath. Maybe she's new here because she keeps nervously glancing between Carter and me, her eyes staying on Carter's much longer than me. "Carter." She then breathed out again, her baby blue eyes locked on him.

"Do you know what you want to drink?" Carter ignored the waitress, looking straight at me. The girl's eyes slowly trailed from Carter to me, narrowing ever so slightly. It was almost as if I wasn't meant to notice, but I did anyway.

"Um, just--" I stopped, glancing down at the menu. I hadn't even glanced at the drinks yet, and I felt a little slow because of it. I should've realized that they were going to be here sometime soon to get our drink orders, but I was too focused on Carter to bother. "Water." I finally decided, feeling even more stupid that it took me this long to make such a simple decision.

A scoff left the girl's mouth, one that was almost too quiet to hear. I don't know why she scoffed at the answer, but assuming it was just because I took too much time to decide I thought nothing of it. I just looked at the menu, looking at the different types of foods.

"I'll have water too," Carter said to the waitress, whom I didn't bother looking at.

"Of course," She quickly said, her attitude long gone as she spoke to Carter.

I felt her presence walk away, and I just stayed silent as I tried to decide what food to get. I wasn't sure what I was interested in eating, but I know I'll probably end up choosing something that has to do with noodles.

"Sorry about Sarah," Carter apologized quietly.

"Sarah?" I asked, looking up at him. "The- the waitress? I'm not worried."

"That's Kaya's little sister, so..." Carter trailed, tapping his fingers along the table.

Kaya... the one who was rude to me on my very first day of high school. This explained the look she gave me, and why she scoffed at me despite me telling her I just wanted water to drink. I nodded, showing I heard what he said.

"Whether she's her sister or not, it doesn't matter right?" I asked, knowing that if I were to show any type of emotion about it, it would ruin the night.

That's the last thing I want to do, anyway, is ruin this night with Carter and I. I've already done enough with how awkward I am, unable to bring up any type of conversation without Carter talking to me first.

"She's just as bad, if not worse," Carter responded anyway, despite me shrugging it off. "I didn't know she worked here."

"It's okay, really," I told him with a soft smile. He didn't seem convinced, his fingers continuing to bounce on the table due to his nerves. 

I hesitated for a second, before bringing my hand up and resting it over his. It was the first time I've ever done anything like this, as usually when we're touching Carter's the one to initiate it.

As if he could read my thoughts, Carter's eyes snapped up from our hands to mine. I didn't break eye contact like I usually would, wanting to assure him that I was fine. Besides, if I'm always so skittish and nervous around him he'll probably get bored so much easier and not want anything to do with me.

Despite feeling my fingertips shake, I rubbed my thumb along the top of his hand much like he does with me. My stomach erupted with butterflies, but I ignored the feeling and continued to touch him.

It's an innocent touch, but for me this means everything.

Finally, Carter smiled. This relieved any worries I had only seconds prior, and I felt my body relax as I began to feel more comfortable touching him.

However, our moment was soon ruined as a glass of ice water was sat in front of Carter, splashing onto our hands.

I pulled away quickly, wiping it on the napkin that had been wrapped around the perfectly shined silverware. I glanced over to see Sarah looking at Carter with an apologetic look, one that I could now tell was fake as I knew who she really was.

I gave her the benefit of the doubt before as I didn't even know her name, but now knowing she's Kaya's little sister and supposedly much worse than her, I whole-heartedly believe she did it on purpose to ruin whatever moment was happening between Carter and me.

"Have you guys decided on what you'd like to eat yet?" She spoke kindly, although I couldn't help but feel like it was all fake. Not only was this her job, but she was probably trying to impress Carter.

"I think so," Carter slowly said, shifting in his seat. I kept my eyes on the menu, reading what I was going to order over and over again to avoid looking at Sarah. "Baby?" He then asked, causing my eyes to snap up at him.

He was already looking at me, waiting for me to respond. I just glanced over from him to Sarah, clearing my throat. She looked shocked at the simple pet name, probably not expecting Carter Jackson to call someone that.

Especially someone like me.

"B-baby?" Sarah murmured. It wasn't meant for either of us to hear, but I heard it perfectly.

"Um, I'll just have the fettuccine alfredo," I answered. There was a big tension between us, and I didn't like it at all.

Sarah was really ruining whatever moments were happening between Carter, and as much as I told myself that it was fine and I'm overthinking it, I just felt that way all over again.

"Would you like everything that comes on it?" Sarah asked, seeming bored with my response.

"Um--" I stopped, looking at the menu some more. "Not the shrimp, please. Could I replace that with chicken?"

"Of course, is that all?"

"Yes," I mumbled, shutting the crisp laminated menu. I pushed it away from me, folding my hands in my lap as I waited for Carter to order.

"I'll have the same, actually," Carter told Sarah. 

"Of course!" She said, much happier than only seconds before. I watched as Carter took our menus and stacked them together handing them to her. "I'll have them out as soon as possible."

She walked away, leaving it silent between us again. I didn't say anything, knowing I was just going to stumble over my words as I usually did.

"I really hope you continue to have a good time despite that," Carter said.

"I am," I told him. "I'm sure the food here is amazing."

"It is, that's the main reason I brought you," Carter told me, "My-- my mom suggested it actually." He added, itching his temple. "That's really the only reason, honestly."

"So the whole 'I just want you to like these experiences with the right people' thing was bullshit?" I couldn't help but ask, putting a smile on my face to make sure he knew I wasn't offended.

"I mean no! Of course not," He murmured, "My mom actually just suggested it to me and I kept telling her no because I knew you wouldn't like it but then she said--"

"Hey hey, it's okay." I cut him off softly. This was unusual, considering it was usually the other way around. This made me realize just how nervous Carter was, and I bet my nerves weren't helping him whatsoever. "I'm not offended, I'm flattered, actually."

Carter smiled softly, his cheeks turning red. "Right, yeah." He nodded.

I folded my hands on the table in front of me, glancing around as silence grew between us. I didn't want the silence, so I thought of something to say. "The atmosphere here is nice. The music is pretty."

"Do you like classical music?" Carter asked.

"I like all kinds of music. I have some specific songs I'm not a fan of, but overall I can handle just about anything." I told him, twirling my ring around my finger. It was taking a lot to be more open at first, but this was a new experience altogether and I needed to take advantage of it. "What about you?"

Thankfully, this was enough to start a whole new conversation. We talked about numerous things up until it was time for the food to come, making time go by much quicker than it originally was.

Sarah walked up with one of those giant black platter plates, one big enough to carry our food on. The food was steaming hot, causing her to carry it on one side so the steam didn't blow in her face.

She stopped directly in front of the table, using one hand to grab one of the plates. She sat it down in front of Carter, going right back to grab the other one. I held my hands in my lap as I patiently waited, feeling awkward whenever Sarah was around.

Grabbing my plate from the platter, she then moved to set it on the table in front of me. Her hand moved against my glass of water as she did so, pushing the glass to where it slipped off of the edge.

Cold water immediately layered itself over my dress, a gasp coming from both my and Sarah's mouth. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed. I couldn't tell if she meant it or not, but I didn't care at this point.

I just really wanted her to walk away, because whenever she's around I feel myself sinking back into that feeling of a nobody. It's really stupid to feel that way, but when I've dealt with this stuff my whole life it's what I'm used to.

"It's okay," I finally told her, grabbing the napkin from the table.

"Could you bring us more napkins please?" Carter asked, a bit of an attitude to his tone as he asked. He looked irritated, more irritated than I felt so I could only imagine how frustrated he was.

He planned this date out, and some sophomore or junior in high school was trying to ruin it. He was probably thinking that this was ruining it, that I was never going to go on another date again. He said himself he wanted this to be an amazing experience for me, but Sarah's making that extremely hard.

"Of course! I didn't mean to upset you, Carter," Sarah apologized again, quickly running away from the table to gather more napkins.

"What a jerk," He mumbled, unwrapping the napkin from his silverware. "She's totally ruining everything, I'm sorry."

"She's not, it's okay," I said, wiping at my dress. There was no point in sitting here and letting it soak all the way through, so I began to slide off of the chair. "I need to go find the restroom to clean up, do you know where it is?"

"It'll be that way," He pointed across the room, and I looked over to see a beautifully made restroom sign near the top of the ceiling. "Are you sure it's okay? I can ask for a different server--"

"It's okay, Carter, really." I cut him off, my cheeks flustered at how embarrassing this was.

"Just let me know if it isn't, okay?" He then asked, watching as I wiped at my wet dress.

To make matters worse, this was a mostly white dress. This means that it could end up being see-through, which is the last thing I want at some fancy restaurant. That means not only Carter can see through it, but anyone else around us.

"I'll be back," I told him quietly. Before he could think to respond I turned and bee-lined my way through the tables, wanting to get to the restroom as quickly as I could.

It wasn't long before I made my way through the swinging door, a feeling of relief washing through me as I was finally alone.

++

Thank you for 1.1k on this story <3 I know it's not the best, considering this is my first book written in the character's POV, so I'm glad you guys are still reading it if you are.

Please check out copycat! I know it's annoying seeing this announcement at the end of each chapter, I'm just really proud of that story series and am so excited to begin it!

The dress at the top of the chapter is Aurora's dress <3

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