- No Judgement; Niall Horan -

Aurora Holland

My eyes landed on Miles. He was sitting across from me, his light-colored eyes focused on the homework he's been working on for the past fifteen minutes.

The library's been deserted for the last two days, something the boy and I took advantage of. Last night was the homecoming football game, and although I wanted to go and watch the Jackson brothers throw a ball back and forth, I couldn't.

I've felt behind on my work lately, as more of my attention has gone to Carter. My grades were fine, but I know if I just blow off my homework every day then I'll eventually see them start to slip which is the last thing I'm needing right now.

They won, and the announcement was already all over social media and in the newspaper. Plus, I got a celebratory text from both the brothers, to which I sent back a text just as quickly congratulating them. They deserved it after all, as this win was something they needed against Arrowway.

Today it was empty because tonight was the homecoming dance. People were out getting manicures and pedicures, getting their hair and makeup professionally done. It wasn't anything I was interested in, and so I found myself coming to the same table I usually sat at when I attended the library.

To my luck, Miles was already here. We'd run into each other yesterday when we were the only two here, and decided we'd start studying together. It was nice to befriend someone who wasn't of the same social status as the Jackson brothers, someone who was more of a misfit a lot like Katherine and I.

We get along well, and he's accommodating when it comes to studies that are done a lot differently here than they were at Point Prep. He does his best to explain things I don't understand, and he doesn't make me feel stupid or slow when it comes to things I don't catch on to right away.

"I can feel your eyes on me," Miles spoke, causing my cheeks to grow red. I hadn't even realized I was staring, too caught up in my own thoughts.

"Sorry," I mumbled, looking back down at the textbook in front of me. I then looked back up, seeing he was still looking my way. It was as if he knew something was bothering me, and he just sent me a nod to encourage me to speak my mind. "I just-" Drumming my fingers along the book in front of me, I thought about what words to say next. "How do you know when your relationship status is official?"

Kind of random, but considering these thoughts are the main thoughts clouding my mind today, I can't help but bring it up. It's something I really want to know about, and since Miles has yet to make me feel stupid about anything, I don't think he'll be any different when it comes to... whatever's going on between Carter and me.

"What?" He asked, narrowing his eyes. "Rory... a-are you asking me for relationship advice?"

"Is that wrong?" I questioned in return, my brows bunching together in thought. "I just- sorry."

"Don't be sorry. I just don't think you realize I'm not the one you should be asking. This is about-"

"Carter, yeah." I muttered, "How do you know when it's official?"

"When one of you asks the other to be your boyfriend or girlfriend," He answered quickly. He dropped his homework sheet on the table in front of him, his attention solely on me. It's not as if he was getting much done on it anyway, seeming to be lost in his own thoughts before I interrupted.

"Hmm, okay." I frowned, "That answered that."

"He hasn't asked you, has he?" He asked, leaning back in his chair.

"No, not yet. Or no, there might not be any yet." I shrugged, copying his actions as my brows bunched together. "I've just been thinking a lot. We sometimes act like a couple, but I didn't know whether or not to consider him my boyfriend."

Miles stayed silent, seeming to be thinking about each and every word I said. That was another thing I liked about the boy - he was very good at giving me his full attention. He was soft, tender, and gentle with the way he spoke. Of course, almost every word was annunciated in a way that reminded me of Ross from Friends, but I still liked his company nonetheless.

"Have you asked him?" He then asked, breaking the silence.

"No, I don't know how to. Miles, I-" I stopped, my face heating up at what I was about to confess. It's not like it's a secret, and almost anyone who knows me knows these things about me. But there's something about telling someone how inexperienced I am, that no matter how much I know they know about it, it changes nothing. I'm still embarrassed, as most people my age are out living their best life with romantic partners. "I've never done anything like this before. I've never had someone-" I stopped again, looking down at the book in front of me.

"You don't want to screw anything up, right?" He asked softly. I looked up to see his eyes were already on me, and I just nodded in response.

"I've never had anyone in my life care for me the way Carter does," I admitted. "It makes me feel all giddy and excited, but I don't want to overdo it, you know?"

"I wish I could say I do, but I don't," Miles admitted, his cheeks turning pink. "I'm just as in the dark as you when it comes to stuff like this."

"Really?" I asked, my brows raised in surprise. Although I feel bad for Miles considering I know what it feels like to feel like this, it makes me a little grateful I'm not the last high schooler attending Riverway High that has no experience when it comes to things like that.

As bad as it is, I always assumed everyone was much more experienced than me. I assumed everyone had had their first kiss, or even did like Paige and had gone all the way with multiple partners. I know that's unrealistic for me to think, considering not everyone's like Paige, but that just goes to show how much of an outcast I am.

I just assumed I was the only misfit who didn't seem to fit in with everyone. Well, until I met Katherine and now Miles.

"Are you going to the dance?" I changed the subject, tapping my blue fingertips on the table between us.

"No," He answered quickly, shaking his head.

"You should go," I told him, "I've never been to a high school dance, but I'm sure it can be fun."

"I don't think so," He shook his head with a laugh. "I think I'm going to just stay home and watch some reruns."

"You don't need a date to go to homecoming," I told him. "I know that's why you're telling me no."

He let out a laugh, grabbing his water bottle from the side of his backpack. I watched him closely as he took a long sip, his mind turning of thoughts about what I was saying.

I was patient as I waited for him to put his water bottle away, and I watched as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "I keep forgetting we're a lot alike," He said, smiling at me. It showed he didn't mean it in any offense, and so I just smiled at him.

"I was convinced to go," I said. "I hate forcing people to do things, so if you really don't want to go then don't." I waved a hand in the air, my eyes bouncing around the empty room. "But, please go if you find yourself bored. I know it's a little late to buy a new tux and all that, but I'm personally just using my friend Layla's clothing. Please stop by if you get a chance, and talk to me so I won't be alone by myself."

Miles laughed, his neck turning a dark shade of pink as a vein popped from his neck. "You want me to come so we can be alone together?" He asked.

"I mean, why not?" I asked, sitting further up in my seat. "I'm going with two friends who are party animals. Partying isn't really my scene, and most of my friends are the life of the party. My best friend is dating one of the most popular boys in school so I'm sure she'll be too busy with him, and-" I stopped, clearing my throat. "The boy I have feelings for isn't going. Plus, I don't think you always need a date to enjoy something like that. It's just something social media makes it seem like you need when you don't."

"I'll think about it, okay?" He asked. He was definitely wanting to change the subject, and I respected that. So instead of pushing it any further, I just nodded as I pointed at his untouched homework.

"How's that going?"

"It's going," He said with a shrug, looking down at it. "I'm sure I'll have it finished within the next thirty minutes."

"That's good-"

"Jesus Christ Rory!" The sound of a voice echoing through the giant library cut me off, and I quickly turned in my seat to see Layla and Bailey making their way toward me. "We've been trying to get ahold of you for over an hour!"

I glanced over at my phone, which was sitting in the side pocket of my backpack. I had plenty of missed calls and texts from Layla, Bailey, and Carter, all of which I hadn't seen since I was distracted by homework and Miles.

"Oops, I'm sorry." I apologized quickly, swiping away at the notifications. "I was working on homework."

"It's a Saturday," Layla said, her brows pushing together. She stopped right at the edge of the table between Miles and me, her focus on me completely.

"People study on Saturday," Miles commented. Layla looked over at him with narrowed eyes, causing the boy to fluster up as he looked back down at his homework. "Right. Statistics."

"We gotta get going if we want to be ready on time, are you ready to go?" Layla asked, ignoring his comment.

I began to scramble to get my things together, throwing them in my backpack. It's not something I'd usually do, but I didn't want Layla to grow even more impatient. I already feel bad I've missed both of their calls and texts, I didn't realize how long Miles and I had been here.

It was really nice being in here with him. Besides the bit of time I spent opening up and talking to him about Carter, it felt as if I completely forgot about the soap opera that is my life. There was no Logan, Carter, Paige, homecoming. It was all just light talk, jokes, and studying.

It was a nice time with a friend, something I've needed for a while.

As soon as I gathered my things, I watched as Layla slipped my backpack from its spot in one motion, throwing it on her back. She turned to Miles, who just looked at her with a look that showed how intimidated he was by her. "See you never, Mason."

"It's Miles," I corrected for the boy, causing Layla's eyes to snap to mine. She took in a deep breath, rolling her eyes before looking back to Miles.

"Sorry, Miles. Rory will have to catch up with you later," She said.

I waved goodbye, but it was cut off by the curly-headed girl grabbing my hand. She tugged me with her down the stairs and out of the building, Bailey following behind us with a sheepish look.

I just let Layla drag me along, used to this feeling simply because Paige used to do it all the time. Of course, it's been a while since I've dealt with it, but something about this felt different.

I'm sure that Layla and Bailey have my best interests at heart, not wanting anything the way Paige did. Layla even went as far as to go off on Paige for what she said to me at the party, and it took both Cameron and Bailey pulling her away before she pummelled my poor cousin's face in.

It was quite a sight to see, for sure. And maybe I should feel bad for Paige having to deal with it, but Paige did the bare minimum the entire time I've dealt with shitty people. She said something every once in a while, but I'm not stupid.

I saw the looks Paige gave others when my back was turned. I saw the way she giggled at the shitty jokes commenting on my appearance, personality, or even the way I stood. There was always something nitpicked about me at Point Prep, and although Paige talked her shit to me afterward about how horrible those people were, I didn't miss the signs. I didn't miss the way she secretly agreed.

Even if I had been too blind to see something like that, I wasn't blind enough to where I didn't understand the backhanded compliments or the 'advice' she gave me when it came to being more popular.

Even when it came down to my crush on Asher, it was the same thing. She said one thing in my face, did another behind my back. It's fake, and I hate myself for taking this long to realize something like that.

Bailey and Layla don't seem like that. Even as I sit in the backseat of Bailey's car, watching as they jammed out to the playlist Layla made for the two, I didn't get those vibes.

Despite being too dumb to ever say anything to Paige, I wasn't dumb enough to where I didn't notice it. So I'd definitely notice if Layla or Bailey had bad intentions, unless they're just really good at hiding it and I'm not as aware as I think I am.

I really hope it's not that.

We arrived at the Letterman residence shortly after they picked me up from the library, and almost instantly I was dragged upstairs to Bailey's room.

Bailey's room was a lot to take in. It was pretty, but it matched her personality perfectly. The decor was colorful, with no one specific color taking up the big space. It was themed for things that are from the '70s, which made me realize that this was also how the girl constantly liked to dress.

It never really hit me until I saw her bedroom, but that was a lot like Carter's. Granted, I met Carter in his bedroom, so I guess that doesn't really count.

But you can tell a lot about a person by their bedroom, and Bailey's bedroom matches her personality perfectly.

There were loads of clothes sitting around the bedroom, along with different sets of shoes. I watched as the two girls began to sort through everything, talking about what to possibly dress me in.

"I think this color matches her better," Bailey argued, pointing at a blue dress.

"Well, this style matches her more." Layla picked up an article of clothing. It was a pink dress, but I couldn't get a good look at the style since she was waving it around dramatically.

They bickered back and forth, and I watched. I didn't know how to interrupt, as I'm at a point where I'm indifferent. The blue one's pretty and I do love the color, but the pink one is just as beautiful. My opinion probably shouldn't count anyway, as I'm not that good at fashion choices.

I glanced over at the doorway, noticing that Cameron and Griffin were watching the ordeal. Cameron had a smile on his face as he watched the two, whereas Griffin looked bored.

"You guys having problems?" Cameron finally spoke up after letting the two girls argue a bit more, catching their attention.

Layla rolled her eyes, waving the dress around. "Rory needs a dress!" She exclaimed, "And Bails thinks that the blue one works better for her, but I'm thinking this one does!"

"Well, whose wardrobe is she wearing?" Griffin spoke up, pointing between the two. "No offense, but Rory's style is nothing like yours."

"What's wrong with my style?" Layla asked, resting her hands on her hips.

"Nothing," Cameron quickly said. His face grew a dark shade of red, Layla's cheeks tinting a light pink.

"Layla, you dress a little dark for Rory," Griffin bluntly said, walking further into the room. "B, you dress-" He looked the girl up and down, rolling his eyes. "Like you're in the wrong generation."

"So what's wrong with that?" Bailey copied Layla's words, earning a soft look from the girl standing next to her.

"Nothing, Bails."

"I just think that Rory wearing things you guys own will look weird," Griffin spoke. He turned to me, his eyes trailing from my feet to my head. "Let me see what all you have."

The girls obliged, and I sighed as I sat at the vanity desk. This was surely going to take a while, and I now understand why Layla was in such a rush. We hadn't even chosen what I'm wearing yet, let alone how I'm going to do my hair and makeup.

Griffin began to sort through the clothes, throwing back anything he didn't think would look good on me. This earned mutters from Layla, who even went as far as hitting him over the head with a sparkly sequined dress Bailey owned.

 This caused both Bailey and Cameron to laugh, the other girl blushing in response.

"Ah ha!" Griffin exclaimed after a few minutes of this, a dark blue colored fabric in his hand. He turned to me, walking over with a smile on his face. "Stand." He ordered.

I obliged, following his orders. He held the dress up to my body, his brows furrowed as he thought about what it would look like on me.

This reminded me of when Paige used to do this, and instead of feeling bitter about those old memories, I just reminded myself that these people are nothing like her.

This is the opportunity to make new memories - good memories, with good people.

"Try this on, let me know what you think." He shoved it in my hands. I took it with a nod, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

"Leave, dickwads." Layla ordered, "She's not going to change with you in here."

"It's not like we're perverts!" Griffin exclaimed, "We're simply helping a friend with a problem."

"We have to go get ready anyway, Griff." Cameron softly spoke. He was still standing by the door, leaning against it with his arms crossed.

"I want to make sure Ror gets a dress," Griffin pouted.

"I'll come to show you, okay?" I asked softly, picking at the fabric in my hands. I definitely didn't feel confident enough to change in front of Griffin and Cameron, let alone Layla and Bailey.

He nodded, respecting my decision. It immediately made me feel better, and I walked into Bailey's personal bathroom.

This left me alone, and I was glad to get a minute to be alone. I wasn't sure I'd even fit the dress, as although I was close to both Layla's and Bailey's size, I know that my stomach and thighs were a little bit bigger than theirs.

Deciding to not prolong the wait much longer, I stripped down to my underwear. I wasn't going to be able to wear a bra with this dress, so after I slipped it up to my stomach I discarded the bra I was wearing.

After pulling it up over my shoulders, I zipped it to the best of my abilities. I wasn't going to be able to fully zip it on my own, meaning I'd need to have one of the girls come do it. This would give me no time to look at how I looked before showing anyone. The thought made me sad, but before making my thoughts worse I just took in a shaky breath before cracking open the door.

Bailey immediately looked up from her phone at the sound of the door opening, making eye contact with me. "Got it?" She asked.

"I need to zip it the rest of the way," I told her.

She jumped up from her spot, rushing over to the bathroom. I let her in quickly, the girl shutting the door behind her to give us some privacy. "The boys are still out there," She told me as if answering an unasked question.

I turned around and felt goosebumps form on my skin as she zipped the zipper with her cold fingers. She gently touched my back afterward, smoothing the fabric of any wrinkles.

Looking in the mirror, I saw my reflection. The dress was absolutely beautiful, although I looked weird being in it. I can't decide if I like the way it looks on me, but by the look on Bailey's face - I can tell she likes it.

"I think Griffin has good taste," She said.

"Yeah?" I asked, smoothing my fingers down over the dress. They just so happened to match the recently fresh paint on my fingernails. It was pretty, although it was definitely more Layla's style than my own.

"I think people will love it," Bailey answered. "Specifically one boy in particular."

My eyes snapped to hers, and it was then I realized we hadn't caught up since our last talk about Carter and homecoming. "Oh, well-"

"Are you done yet?" Griffin suddenly shouted out, cutting me off. "Or did you guys decide to profess your undying love for each other?"

"Griffin, gross," Cameron mumbled from the other side of the door. "That's my sister."

"Yeah, shut the fuck up, Lakes." Layla snapped to the other boy. I could only imagine the scene playing out in my head, despite not being able to see their faces.

Cameron would have a look of disgust, Layla would look annoyed, and Griffin would have a smug look on his face knowing he was messing with his friends.

I love how goofy Griffin is.

Bailey swung open the door, despite the fact we hadn't finished our conversation. Not that I minded. Tonight was going to be a good night, despite the fact I was disappointed Carter wouldn't be there. It was going to be one of those nights that made me forget about who I am, and let me be someone I wish I were.

The group in Bailey's room grew quiet, and I felt my cheeks burn as I walked out after the dark-haired girl. My eyes stayed on the ground and I spun the ring around my finger, hating the attention on me.

"My dress looks better on you than it does me," Layla was the first to speak.

I smiled, continuing to feel the nervous butterflies erupt in my stomach. Everyone agreed, and it was then I felt ease course through my body. I felt better knowing they liked it, despite it not really being my type of thing to wear.

It reminds me of something Paige would make me wear, except this time it didn't feel like I was forced to wear it. I know that if I truly didn't like it, they'd let me choose something else. But not only do we not have the time for that, I really do like the dress.

There was just one person I wish would be there to see it.

++

Dress at the top is Rory's!

Updates may get slower because I've been writing longer chapters instead of constantly short chapters (with an exception every once in a while) so it takes me longer to get chapters finished. Please be patient with me, as I still only write whenever I have the time! This is my hobby and as much as I love it, I love not having to worry about constantly having a schedule!

* This chapter is not edited *