43

- Must Be Love; Niall Horan -


Aurora Holland

"Okay, what the hell?" Layla asked as she sat across from me, Bailey sitting to her left. I looked at her in confusion, my cheeks flushing hot at the angry look she gave me. "You're not going to homecoming?"

"No?" I said, making it sound as if it were a question. "Is that bad?"

"Uh, yeah!" She exclaimed, shoving her lunch tray forward. "You're going to sit here and tell me that you want nothing to do with your first homecoming dance?"

"I don't see a point in going," I simply said, taking a bite of my apple slices.

"There are so many reasons to go!" Layla exclaimed, "Hot people, food, underage drinking. What else could you want?" She named off on her fingers.

Carter.

"Plus dancing," Bailey added. "Can't forget about that."

"I have nobody to go with," I said, shaking my head. "Why go alone? I do that enough."

Ever since the fight with Paige got out, I realize I'm much more blunt and honest to people than I used to be. Not just with family, but with everyone. I'm more honest about how I feel, saying what I want without thinking.

Of course, I was like that before with my family. But I let people bully me and say whatever they wanted and ever since that night with Paige, I just can't.

"We're going together, come with us!" Layla exclaimed. "Problem solved."

"This is your senior year, Ror," Bailey added in, to which I just shrugged.

"I don't have a date," I elaborated only slightly. "If I go with you guys, you'll technically be each other's date and I wouldn't have anyone."

"Fuck a date!" Layla exclaimed, "Or ask Logan, he'll go with you."

"I don't want him to think it's anything more than friends." Not to mention, I'd rather go with his brother.

Bailey glanced between Layla and me nervously, before clearing her throat. "Cam!" She suddenly exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. "Ask Cam, he'll go. And he won't get the wrong idea."

"I don't want you volunteering him, thank you though." I stood from my seat. I gathered my things up and began to walk away from the table, Layla and Bailey following me despite having recently sat down themselves.

"Please go, Rory." Layla begged, "I'll do anything!"

I looked at her before disposing of my items, clearing my throat. "I feel like I wouldn't have as much fun as you guys." I admitted, "I don't know how to dance, and me drinking isn't a very good idea, and I don't talk to people very well."

"You won't drink, I'll teach you to dance, and I'll get you all dolled up!" Layla said.

"You really are a problem solver, aren't you?" I asked as we began to walk away from the cafeteria.

"I just really want you to go. Our friend group hasn't been the same since... well, you know." She stopped, sending me a sheepish look. "I just want the gang back together. Minus Paige, she's been a bitch."

The mention of Paige was enough to make my heart hurt. I'm still furious at everything she's ever done to me, but she's still my cousin and someone I once considered my best friend.

Things are different now, as I've realized Katherine is the best friend I've searched for my entire life. That being said, Paige was still there my entire life, whether it was forced or not.

I looked between the two girls. Layla just stared at me with the prettiest smile, her eyes bright and hopeful that I'll give in. Bailey looked nervous, and I wasn't sure if it was because she was scared I'd say no or that I'd end up going with someone else, but I couldn't be too sure.

"Fine," I said, giving in. "But I don't have a dress or anything and homecoming's in two days."

Truth is, I didn't want to go buy one. I didn't have one that would be homecoming worthy, and I spent a lot of money on making sure Katherine has the best homecoming she could get. I didn't want to spend any more, and I didn't want to go through constantly trying on and choosing between dresses.

Plus, Carter isn't even going. He's the one person I'd want to impress, and what's the point of trying if he's not going to be there?

"Great!" Layla exclaimed, "We can get ready at Bail's house, and I have plenty of dresses to choose from."

"I have some as well if you'd like a variety," Bailey offered.

"I'm so excited for this!" Layla continued, "I can't wait to have a girl's night of fun! What about- ask that Kat girl if she can come as well! I'd love to have her."

"Katherine?" I asked, "She can't. She's got a date."

"Seriously?" Layla asked, walking alongside me as we began to head toward classes. "Who?"

I almost answered right away, wondering if it would be okay for me to say she was going to homecoming with Elijah. But then I remembered how obvious it was that they were 'sneaking' around, and I just smiled. "Elijah."

"Wait, I dig it," Layla supported, waving her hands. "Oh to be young and in love!"

I didn't say anything, as I had no comment to say. I wasn't sure if I'd call what was going on between Elijah and Katherine 'love', but they sure really did like each other. From what I've gathered, Katherine feels for Elijah what I feel for Carter. I don't know much about Elijah's side, as that's just not something he and I really talk about.

I'm sure he talks to Carter, but I feel like I'd totally be pushing it if I tried to talk to Carter about Katherine and Elijah's blossoming relationship.

"I have to actually head the other way because my last block is World Music. I'll text you the details of our plan Friday, okay?" Layla asked as she stopped in the hallway, causing other students to walk around us.

"Sure thing," Bailey said, smiling at her best friend.

After Layla walked away, I continued the walk to Government. Bailey walked with me, and if I remember right her next class was also in the same hall as mine. We walked together silently, the sounds of students talking around us buzzing through my ears.

"Sorry about Layla," Bailey said as we approached my class, stopping to the side.

"Why?" I asked, "She's great."

"She just can be a little pushy at times, nothing bad for me at least. I just know for other people who don't know her as well can take it as an offense." She nodded, her cheeks rosy. "I also wanted to thank you for deciding to come to homecoming. I'm sure it'd be great, even if it's not Carter you're attending with."

"What-"

"I know you like Carter," She cut me off, holding her books closer to her chest. "And I also know that he likes you. Layla really did one in on him."

"W-what do you mean?" I asked.

"She grilled him or whatever, and let's just say he's not fond of the idea of you and Logan." She giggled, tapping her manicured fingertips on one of the folders she was holding. "Has Carter even asked you?"

"No," I said. "I think we both made it obvious to each other we didn't plan on going." I mumbled, "Besides, he doesn't dance and I don't expect that type of thing from him."

"Do you think if he found out you wanted to go then he'd ask you?" Bailey then asked, causing me to ponder the question.

"Considering how close homecoming is, I doubt it. He wouldn't have any time to get an outfit," I said.

"It's Carter Jackson. When it comes to the Jackson family, they get what they want." She shrugged, "If he found out and really wanted to go, he'd skip all plans to go get a tux."

I stayed silent, thinking about it. I feel bad now that I've decided to go to homecoming when I had told Carter that I didn't have any plans to. But then again, I was kind of pressured into going. Even then, he's made it obvious he doesn't dance or do anything like that.

The only time he ever danced was to get me away from my mother, which I fully understand.

Bailey looked at my face, studying my features. I didn't know what she was thinking, but I hoped it wasn't any type of judgment because I didn't know how to respond.

"I think-" She stopped, thinking of her words carefully. "Go for it."

Little does she know, I've 'gone for it' more than I ever have in my life. More than with Asher, or anyone else I've had issues with being confident. I've kissed Carter, a couple of times now. Not often, but mostly when we're alone and he's about to leave or when he drops me off at home. Nothing huge, but it means a lot to me.

"Hey guys! What's up?" I looked over to see Cameron and Griffin approaching, bright smiles on their faces as there usually were when the two were around.

"We were just talking about homecoming," Bailey admitted without a second thought, and I felt my cheeks heat up as Cameron looked over at me.

"Oh yeah?" Griffin asked, "You going with anyone, Bails?" It was a joke, and she knew it as she giggled at the question.

"Layla," Bailey said.

"Like usual. You?" Cameron then turned to me, and I just shook my head as my face grew hot.

"Cammy's single!" Griffin exclaimed, slapping the blond on his chest.

"Griff, no," Cameron muttered. "I mean, not that I don't want to, I just don't want you to be forced is all!"

"You're a loser," Bailey laughed at her brother, turning back to me. "I can pick you up early before we get ready the day of homecoming if you'd like. I should get to class."

"Okay, see you." I softly told her, waving once more as she turned and walked toward her next class of the day.

I glanced over at Cameron and Griffin. Griffin was whispering something in Cameron's ear, which Cameron just elbowed his best friend roughly. I took that as my cue to walk away and enter the classroom, happy that it was almost empty.

Most people wouldn't arrive till after the final bell rang, considering lunch just ended. They always strolled in late, I gathered, not caring whether or not it made the teacher upset.

Mrs. Justins also didn't seem to care much. There were times when we were getting into the big assignments she seemed to get a little upset, but I'm assuming she's dealt with this long enough that she's just grown immune to it and chooses to not let it bother her. She's also been teaching long enough that she knows people who care about their grades are going to do their work whether they're on time or not.

I sat in the seat I usually did, Cameron and Griffin sitting in theirs shortly after. Cameron was at the seat to my right, Griffin sitting right behind him. Griffin loved to sit behind Cameron instead of beside him, as it gave him easier access to mess with Cameron. It annoyed Cameron, but he'd laugh as he knew it was just what Griffin did to pass the time.

It's really hard to focus with both Cameron and Griffin in this class.

And him.

Carter strolled in, his eyes on nobody in particular as he walked through the doors. He looked bored as he usually did - unless we were alone. He looked amazing in his black jeans and T-Shirt, and I couldn't help but stare at him from my seat.

As if he could sense me staring, he looked over. And he smiled. And it was shocking that he wasn't usually the type to open up in front of everyone, but he did. He smiled the biggest smile, making his way over to where I was sitting.

"Rora?" Cameron asked, catching me out of my trance.

I looked over, watching as Griffin and Cameron stared at me in confusion. "Sorry, what?" I asked, clearing my throat.

I tried to ignore the presence of Carter sitting to the left of me and instead focused on the two who had been trying to catch my attention.

"I was just going to say we'll enjoy seeing you at my house," He pointed a thumb at Griffin. "We're going to be getting ready for homecoming at mine as well."

I nodded, not wanting to talk about homecoming any further. Especially considering Carter was sitting right next to me, and this was definitely not how I wanted him to figure out that I changed my mind and decided to go.

Glancing over, I looked to see him looking between the three of us with a look I couldn't decipher. His eyes met mine, and whatever look that was previously on his face vanished. His lips curled up and he smiled, his eyes moving from mine down to my lips.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach, but before I could even think to say hi, the bell rang.

Man, I'm so head over heels for this boy, it's dangerous.


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I'm currently sick </3 so I might be inactive within the next few days. I'm taking it one day at a time and hopefully I'll be better tomorrow than I was today <3

* This chapter is not edited *

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