i gotta get it through your head
that you belong with me instead

Aurora Holland, two months later

"Are you sure you don't want to just meet up and get ready together? I bought lots of new makeup, including makeup brushes, so you wouldn't be using anything dirty." Bailey rambled as we walked through the halls together.

It had been a few months since we began planning for PROM, and the time had finally come. It was a Saturday, and the school halls were deserted, but the entire PROM planning committee was here to do last-minute touches that needed to be done before the big night.

This included getting snacks and drinks made and putting out last-minute decorations, and other small things that we couldn't do before.

"I think this time I'm going to sit out and get ready on my own." I politely declined, "I appreciate the offer, though."

"I just feel it'll be so... I don't know!" Bailey frustratingly exclaimed, "I can't explain what it'll be like, but I know it'll suck. We've basically been through this whole planning committee together, so it only seems right to get ready together as well."

"I get that, but Garrett's already picking me up at my house," I softly said, holding my bag closer. "I don't want to bring a bunch of stuff just to go back home so he can get me, and my dad's insistent on getting photos, considering this is my first and last PROM."

Bailey thought for only a moment before responding. "I guess I get that. I just think it'd be super exciting if we all got together! It's something Layla and I do each dance, it'd be nice to invite you since you mean so much to us."

The compliment made me feel good, and partially bad since I still didn't really want to get ready at her house. It wasn't anything against her - I really enjoy both her and Layla. Not to mention, both Cameron and Griffin would most likely be there too; it honestly sounds like a lot of fun.

But I've become so dependent on these other people - and although they've proved themselves to be dependable, I hate how much I rely on others. Ever since I moved here to Riverway, I've barely had much time for myself. Not that I don't appreciate my friends and the time I get with them, as it's basically made up for all the time I didn't get back at Point Place, I just really miss being alone.

"Thank you, Bails," I commented, realizing I hadn't said anything yet. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm going to pass this time."

"Oh, that's okay." She finally gave up, holding her notebook to her chest. "I was hoping to get you there for Cameron."

"What?" I asked, looking over at her.

"Cameron likes you, I think." She shrugged as if it were nothing. "He doesn't talk to others the way he does you. I've seen you guys sneak to the side and whatever."

I immediately went to protest, but then remembered the entire reason we were 'sneaking to the side' was because I had been helping him get through whatever had been going on between him and Layla.

Not wanting to rat Cameron out, I just nodded. It wasn't my spot to tell her about Layla and Cameron, nor was it my business. She'd find out eventually, and if that means she has to think Cameron has a little crush on me - so be it.

"I know you're with Garrett and all," Bailey continued. "Or whatever's going on between you two, but I love my brother dearly, and it's hard for him to find people he genuinely likes. He's very closed off - been that way since before our families mixed. So to see him happy makes me happy."

It was getting deep, and I didn't wish for the conversation to continue any further. I didn't know what to say, but I smiled as we exited the school, and Miles was sitting in the parking lot waiting for me.

"Well, that's my ride." I changed the subject quickly, pointing towards Miles' car. "He's taking me to mine, then I'm going to begin getting ready."

"Right," Bailey said. "Cameron should be here any second to pick me up."

"Do you need me to stay?" I asked, noticing how deserted the school was. "Or maybe Miles can take you home if it'll be a while."

Bailey shook her head, a smile forming on her face. "No thanks, he was down the street just a bit ago when I last checked my phone. Had Griffin text me from his phone."

As if on cue, another vehicle entered the parking lot. I looked to see that it was Cameron, Griffin occupying the passenger seat while he messed with something I couldn't see.

After one last goodbye, I made my way to Miles' car. It wasn't long before I was in and we were out of the school parking lot, the silence lasting only a minute before Miles began asking me how last-minute plans were going.

We talked for the entirety of the car ride to my house, entertaining ourselves with whatever came to mind. I tried to lightly convince him he should attend PROM tonight, but he kept politely declining as it wasn't his type of thing.

After one or two more times of getting a no, I finally let up. I didn't want to force him, but it would be nice seeing him there, especially since it was such a good surprise seeing him attend the last dance. Not to mention, this would be his last school dance as well, he deserved to enjoy it and have fun with the rest of his friends.

I said a quick goodbye when he dropped me off, letting him know I'd send the photos my dad insisted on taking of me tonight.

Getting ready gave me a bittersweet feeling. I felt partially sad because it made me sort of... miss Paige, but I knew she wanted nothing but the worst for me. Or if she didn't, she surely didn't act like it.

I guess that's what makes it bittersweet. It's bitter because she should be here, the two of us getting ready together like close cousins would. But it's sweet because I'm on my own getting ready the way I like it. I'm doing it my way and on my terms, without someone giving orders in my ear every two seconds.

Getting ready didn't take too long; it was mostly my hair that took the longest. I curled it using a curling iron I'd bought a while ago and had yet to use, clipping the sides back with some pretty bejeweled barrettes I'd found when I went dress shopping.

Then I did my makeup, which was my usual makeup look, except it was a little more dramatic than usual. It was similar to my party makeup, except I tried a different colored eyeshadow to change things up a bit. It was a light blue eyeshadow to match my dress, but I was very careful with applying it so I didn't mess up or overdo it.

As I got ready, I played music, and it wasn't long before I slipped on the dress I'd gotten a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful light blue color, low cut, with the bottom of the dress flowing outward. It made me feel like a Princess, and I absolutely loved it.

It wasn't long before I was finished getting ready, just doing last-minute things before Garrett arrived. As I waited, I continuously looked at myself in the mirror, making sure I looked okay.

There was no reason to care what I looked like, considering the one person I would've attempted to impress months ago wouldn't care. He'd rather stay in a fake, unhappy relationship, and that's fine with me because I know deep down I deserve so much better than that.

Part of me cares what Garrett thinks, but at the same time, it's not hard not to care when the first day I met him, I was a drunk mess. There's no getting worse than that, at least I hope.

Not to mention, things don't feel the same with Garrett as they did with Carter. I know whatever Carter and I had is done and over with - not to mention Garrett's a really nice guy, it just doesn't feel the same. Or at least I have to keep pushing that thought away.

The sound of the doorbell broke me out of my thoughts, and I pushed any and every thought of Carter Jackson from my mind. I told myself one last time to enjoy the night with Garrett before grabbing my purse and heading out of my bedroom.

It was after a long photo session with my overjoyed dad and annoyed mother that we were allowed to leave the house. I didn't miss when my dad went to speak to Garrett, the 'C' sound beginning to leave his mouth before correcting himself.

Even my mother seemed a little shocked at the mess-up, but neither of us said anything as Garrett hadn't seemed to notice himself.

The car ride was silent, but I didn't mind. It usually was whenever I was in the car with Garrett, my stomach pooling with butterflies as I didn't know what to say to him. He seemed the quiet type, and I didn't want to ruin it, so I just looked out of the window in thought as he drove in the direction of Riverway High.

Crowds were already there as we arrived. There was a line forming outside the front doors where everyone was to enter, where we would give our tickets and sign in for the night. I hadn't been nervous until Garrett parked somewhere toward the back, the reality of my first and last PROM setting in.

We quickly got out, Garrett waiting at the front of the car as I pulled myself and my dress out of the seat. I straightened it out and shut the door, holding the top of it up to prevent it from dragging across the pavement as we walked to the door.

The closer we got, the more I recognized some of the people waiting to get in. The line was moving up slowly, and in the back, standing in a grou,p were the group I knew as my friends.

Katherine was the first to notice me, a giant smile covering her features as I caught her attention. "Rory! You look amazing!"

With that, everyone else in the group turned to look. My face began to heat up, but I ignored it as I stood behind her, letting go of my dress only for a moment to hug her.

After I greeted everyone else, one by one, we all said hi. As we did thi,s the line moved up, and it wasn't long before we were checked in and inside.

The music was loud, and the decorations were much prettier than they looked even earlier in the day. I looked at them in awe, the disco lights hitting my face every once in a while as I admired how beautiful it looked.

"These look amazing," Cameron complimented as he looked around.

"Thank you! Rory's art helped out a lot," Bailey responded, smiling at me from the other side of her brother.

"Looks great," Cameron complimented again, looking down at me. I smiled, ignoring the look from Bailey by looking away and back in front of me.

We immediately made our way to where the dance floor was, Elijah immediately making a fool of himself as he began to dance in the middle of everyone. Although he was acting like a fool, everyone still loved him, and it was very entertaining to watch.

We danced to a couple of songs, some fast-paced and some slow, enjoying each other's company as if it were our last night on Earth. It was nice, and it helped me get a lot of things off my mind.

Another slow song began, but before Garrett could pull me in for another dance, I was pulled away by someone else. I looked to see Bailey standing there, a bright smile on her face.

"Hope you don't mind that I stole you from your date," She said as she nodded her head toward Garrett. I glanced back to see him standing to the side with Layla, who was probably waiting for the next opportunity to steal Bailey back. "Just wanted to check in and at least dance together since we put it all together with each other."

"Makes sense," I mumbled, gladly accepting her dance. We twirled each other around, our minds free as we enjoyed each other's presence.

It was nice dancing with a friend and not just someone I need to be romantically involved with, showing me life's not all about romance, the way the movies had taught me.

"You look amazing tonight," Bailey complimented, starting a conversation. "You almost look like a brunette Cinderella."

"Thank you," I said. "Although I don't know about the whole Cinderella thing."

"Seriously!" Bailey exclaimed, our dance stopping as we were more focused on chatting. "The only difference is the hair color." She told me as we exited the dance floor.

We met up with Layla, although Garrett was nowhere to be seen. I glanced around to look for him, unsure of where he'd have gone.

"I think he said something about grabbing some drinks while he waited," Layla told me, answering the question I'd yet to ask.

"Ah, okay. Well, if he comes back, can you tell him I'm running to the restroom?" I asked, rubbing my hands together.

"Of course we can!" Bailey exclaimed, "Do you want one of us to come with you?"

"No, I'll be okay. Thanks for the offer, though," I politely declined, beginning to walk away.

Bailey began to protest, but Layla quickly stopped her, pressing a hand over her mouth. She smiled at me and urged me to go on, so I did without another word.

Getting to the bathroom was easy, and it was pretty empty, minus a few girls who just finished reapplying their makeup. They smiled at me as I entered and left me alone.

I glanced at myself in the mirror, fixing any makeup that might have begun to smear. I didn't need to reapply anything, so I made sure my hair pieces were in place. I then smoothed my dress out to make sure it looked okay before washing my hands and drying them off.

After leaving the restroom, I began the walk back to where PROM was held. It was silent, minus a few classmates passing by here and there, and the air was cool.

Without getting very far, I was pulled out of sight from the main room. I looked to see Carter step in front of me, a frown resting on his face as he looked down at me.

"What are you doing?" I asked, beginning to walk away.

He hadn't attempted to even talk to me in two months, yet here he was pulling me away from one of the biggest nights of the year.

"I needed to talk to you," Carter spoke softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

I couldn't help the noise that left my mouth, my arms crossing over my chest as I stepped back. "This is unbelievable."

"I just-" He stopped, "I'm stupid, okay? I'm stupid and I was wrong and I didn't know what to do when Ashley blackmailed me. I stayed with her out of fear of what she'd do to you because the last thing I wanted was for you to get hurt."

"Didn't we already have this conversation?" I asked, dropping my arms. "I-I mean, I don't know what you want from me, Carter. I've already told you so much about how I feel, and I feel like we've had this conversation numerous times. Not to mention it's been two months since you last even attempted to talk to me, and of all nights, it's this night."

He didn't say anything at first, and so I attempted to walk away. He was quick to stop me by grabbing my hand, and pulling me back to him.

"I know, okay?" He asked. "I get it. I'm stupid, I'm so incredibly stupid. I'm stupid and I make mistakes, but I did it because I love you, okay? I love you so much, and seeing- seeing you with Garrett just makes this harder."

At the mention of the boy, I pulled my hand from his. Shaking my head, I looked at him as I fought back tears. "Let me get this straight," I began. "You suddenly can't stand to see me moving on and happy because I'm with Garrett? You suddenly realize how stupid you were to not say anything to me about Ashley taking my journal, all because I'm not crying over you every ten seconds? That's ridiculous and possibly the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

"Rory, it's not like that-"

"No, it sounds like it is," I cut him off, stepping back. "It sounds like you were fine faking whatever... that is with Ashley, because I was still madly in love with you. But now that I'm not begging you to love me or-or staying all by myself, and I've actually found someone who likes me- you care? You want to admit you love me - as if you haven't already - and tell me everything you should have said before? Not to mention, I told you it was too late the first time you said anything, why would you think now, of all times, is better than the last?"

"You think Garrett likes you?" He asked with a scoff.

My face scrunched up at the question, unsure of how to feel at his sudden attitude. I shouldn't care, I shouldn't feel anything, but here I was - hurt by his words.

"What would be so wrong about that?" I softly asked, ignoring the tears in my eyes.

"It's not you, Rory. I wouldn't be surprised if every guy that attended Riverway fell in love with you when they got to know you." His demeanor changed. "But I know Garrett. We've been rivals since we were young. He's always tried to do anything to get under my skin."

"He didn't even know I knew you when I met him. Your hate for him has nothing to do with our relationship." I shook my head, "This whole conversation is pointless. I'm missing PROM to hear the same things you told me months ago."

"Rory, wait-"

"No, Carter." I cut him off again, "I'm tired of this. The coming and going. You giving me what feels like the entire world - helping me experience things I've never felt, treating me better than almost anyone I've ever had in my entire life, being kind. Just to turn around and say you were leading me on and there's nothing between us. Then you turn around and say it was all a lie, and you do love me, but then you're back to being cold and distant. I can't handle someone who comes and goes. You chose Ashley, so you get Ashley."

"But I don't choose Ashley, Rory. I choose you." He pleaded, and although I wanted to give in, I didn't.

"No. You didn't. You've stayed with Ashley for the last two months. Even after I found out about my diary and said I didn't care, you stayed. You did nothing to prove anything different, so you can't sit here and expect me to believe anything you say. You only care now that it's becoming more serious with Garrett, whether you want to admit it or not. Even if I'm not official with him, the fact that I'm seen with him and he goes everywhere we do shows it's because of that. You made your bed, now lie in it. I'm done with this. I'm done feeling back and forth because one second you want me and the next you don't."

Realizing how long we'd been back in the hall, I took another step back. "Goodbye, Carter."

I didn't let him get another word out, as I turned around and made my way back into the main room where PROM was taking place. On my way back in, I noticed Maya standing near a corridor, her eyes on her phone in front of her. She didn't notice me - or at least it seemed so - and so I continued my way into the room.

It didn't take me long to find Garrett, who was in the middle of a conversation with Elijah and Katherine.

"Hey!" Katherine exclaimed as she saw me. "Where have you been?"

"Bathroom, I told Layla and Bailey before I left," I answered.

Katherine glanced over to see the boys hadn't acknowledged my presence yet, before looking back at me. She narrowed her eyes, leaning in close to get a better look at my face.

"What's going on? You have tears," She stated.

"Just stuffy in here," I lied. Not that I wanted to keep it from Katherine, this just wasn't the right place or the right time. Not to mention, I didn't want to cry, and if I were to attempt to talk about this right now, I wouldn't be able to hold back tears.

I am proud of myself for holding out, though, because usually I cry like a baby during conversations like that.

"Hey," Garrett spoke, catching my attention. This also prevented Katherine from questioning me further, for which I was thankful.

"Attention Riverway High!" The sound of someone blared through the speakers. Everyone immediately grew quiet and looked to where the stage was, the DJ putting the music to a halt as one of the teachers stood in front of the DJ station. "We will be putting in our votes for PROM King and Queen, you have exactly five minutes to get those votes in... starting NOW!"

People rushed to their tables to put their votes in, although I stayed put next to Garrett. I didn't care for the whole King and Queen thing - if anything, it would feel awkward for me.

Instead, I put my attention back on Garrett.

"You going to vote?" He asked, pointing to a nearby table. "Some free ballots right there."

"Nah, I'm okay. I'm sure that whoever wins will win by a long shot." I shrugged, twirling my ring around my finger. It was true, I looked at the candidates, and besides the tiny little 'other' at the bottom for people to put who they think should win - there's no competition.

There were six slots, but five candidates. The top one was Ashley - which was no surprise. She'd been crowned homecoming queen, and it wouldn't be surprising since she was the most popular girl at Riverway. The next two were Gwen and Maya - which also isn't shocking, as they're her top best friends. Then the last two were Kaya and Paige, which also isn't shocking.

Kaya probably got added on due to being up there with Ashley and the others, and I wasn't surprised to see my cousin's name on the ballots. She was popular without Ashley and her posse, yet still got along with them and almost everyone else in the school.

She was thriving, so it's not surprising she'd be the one exception on the list that wasn't in Ashley's friend group.

"Sucks I didn't get to do the whole matching your dress thing," Garrett spoke, sparking a conversation between us.

"Black and white matches enough," I told him, glancing around at the giant room. "I guess I should've sent a photo of the dress. Would've been easier for you to manage."

"Eh, it was a good surprise." He shrugged, his eyes dancing around the room like mine did.

It wasn't long before the same teacher who'd been up on the stage before was back, a bright smile on her dark red lips. "Attention, everybody!" She announced.

Ashley stood behind her, a beautiful but fake smile on her face. She wore the small homecoming tiara she was given when she won homecoming queen, and in her hands, she held a bouquet of roses and a pillow with an even bigger tiara on it.

Part of me wondered how this was going to work. She - as homecoming queen - was supposed to hand off the big PROM queen tiara and bouquet if she were the one to win it. Would someone come up and take them and hand them to her? Possibly one of the candidates? It's doubtful she'd be the one to lose this competition, so I don't understand why she even offered to hand off the tiara.

I guess if it's a thing here at Riverway where the previous homecoming winner hands it off, but shouldn't they have made it to where she couldn't win PROM queen then? Just to make things easier?

"So we've taken our time to collect and count the ballots, and let's just say we've had a strange turn of events!" The woman exclaimed, joy on her face as if this was the highlight of her life. "Never in my many years of teaching at this school have we had a winner who wasn't even on the list!"

Murmurs immediately began echoing through the room, everyone looking in shock and confusion.

"Why have the 'other' option if there's never a winner in that section?" Garrett asked me, and I just shrugged in response.

I didn't know what to say. He was right, it didn't make sense if it never happened. If someone on the list always won, why put the option? Did they take a vote to keep it or something?

"So, without further ado, let's announce PROM King!" She then exclaimed, catching our attention again. "Our nominees were... Logan Jackson, Cameron Letterman, Carter Jackson, James Hanneman, and Elijah Layton!"

I hadn't even thought about who could possibly win PROM King. I'd been so focused on the Queen, maybe whoever won that wasn't on the ballots was from the King's side?

But then again, both of the Jackson brothers are on the ballots. Not to mention, James is pretty popular since he used to be close with Carter, and Elijah is Carter's best friend. It wouldn't make sense for anyone else to win, just like it wouldn't make sense for anyone other than Ashley to win.

"And your new PROM King is..." The woman dramatically spoke into the mic, pulling a small piece of paper from an envelope. "James Hanneman, who won by a whopping thirty votes!"

Cheers erupted as the man himself cheered his way through the front of the crowd. It was shocking that of everyone on the list, he had won, as in my opinion, it would've been Carter. He's probably the most popular male in school, and considering Ashley's most likely to win, it would've made sense. Even then, I'd think Logan would've won if Carter hadn't.

He got on the stage and they gave him his crown, his cheering continuing as if it's the most important thing to happen to him. Then again, it might be.

"Alright, alright, we still need to crown our Queen!" The woman exclaimed, causing James to immediately hush. He continued to make cringeworthy hand motions to his friends in the crowd, causing Ashley to roll her eyes.

"Our nominees for PROM Queen are-" She stopped, glancing around the room. "Paige Holland, Kaya White, Gwen Larson, Maya Coleman, and our previous homecoming Queen, Ashley Wilde!"

Cheers erupted at Ashley's name, showing she should be winning. There was no way it would be otherwise unless by a mistake, because the cheers she got for simply being on the list and the previous homecoming Queen were more cheers than James got receiving PROM King.

"Alright, and as I said before-" The woman stopped with a smile, opening the second envelope in her hands. She pulled it out and looked at it, her smile growing bigger as she looked back at the crowd. "We've somehow managed to make this a first in Riverway history! Our winner isn't one of the nominees, but a fan favorite who didn't get put on the ballots beforehand!"

"Once again, doesn't make sense," Garrett muttered from next to me. I agreed, putting my attention back to the front of the room.

"Let's give it up for Riverway's new PROM Queen, Aurora Holland!"

My heart fell to my stomach as I glanced around, and everyone immediately looked around. Garrett glanced at me before looking back at the stage, touching my arm. "Is- is that why you didn't want to vote?" He asked.

"I wasn't even on the list," I mumbled. Something didn't feel right, and I could tell by the way Ashley smiled as if she were... happy for me.

I looked over to where Katherine stood with the others, her face just as confused as mine was. I then glanced around at the cheering students, my hands beginning to sweat.

"Aurora?" The woman questioned, glancing around.

Before I knew it, a light was on me, blinding me from seeing anyone and their reactions. I hated it. I hated every second, and I stood in my spot frozen as if my feet were super-glued to the floor.

"I think you're supposed to go up there," Garrett mumbled, gently pushing me along.

"No, this, this isn't right." I shook my head.

More people began to push at me from where I stood, causing me to begin walking forward and away from the grabby hands. It wasn't long before I stood in front of the stage, someone on the side offering a hand to help me up the steps.

I didn't take them at first and instead just stared at them, and so they just grabbed my hand and pulled me up.

The feeling in my stomach didn't settle as I was pulled onto the stage, getting stopped right next to James. I was close - too close - for my liking, and it wasn't long before Ashley walked up next to me.

"Congrats," She said kindly, only causing the anxiety to get worse.

She's never been nice to me, so why now? Why did this remind me of something I can't put my finger on?

"What is this?" I asked softly, looking at her.

"What? You just won PROM Queen, what else?" She asked, handing me the bouquet.

I took it, but mostly because I could feel the eyes of everyone staring. I didn't believe her, but I also didn't say anything because I didn't want to cause a scene.

She grabbed the tiara from the pillow and after handing the pillow off to someone, gently rested the tiara on my head. She then took her homecoming tiara off, putting it on the pillow where the other one previously sat.

Ashley then turned, clapping toward the crowd. This caused everyone else to begin clapping and cheering, while the teacher announced us as their PROM King and Queen once again.

James wrapped an arm around me, causing my body to tense. He pulled me into his side and waved at everyone, basking in the glory of winning something so small.

I stood there, palms sweaty and legs shaking, wanting nothing more than to run off the stage and out of the school. I wasn't having fun anymore, despite the fake smile I put on my face to prevent anyone from noticing how uncomfortable I was.

I tuned everything out as someone took the flowers, and I was pulled off the stage to do the annual King and Queen dance. A popular song that was way overplayed on the radio began to play as everyone cleared a spot in the center of the room, a spotlight on the two of us.

James kept his hold on me, ignoring me when I tried to pull out of his grimy grip. It was like a game to him - a game I was losing.

"Don't be shy, dance with me," James told me, and I ignored the nauseous feeling I had in my gut.

He pulled me close and began to dance with me, although he wasn't doing as well as he hoped, as I barely danced with him. I just let my eyes adjust to the light and looked out into the group, looking for my friends.

I finally made eye contact with Elijah, who looked more than angry as Katherine held onto him tightly. I then saw Cameron, who was whispering with Bailey. He saw me looking and began to step forward, but was pulled back by Griffin, who just shook his head at him.

"Who knew we'd be here?" James asked, catching my attention.

"What?" I couldn't help but ask, my face scrunching up at him.

"Standing here, dancing." He continued. He brought his hand up to my face, but I flinched back, doing my best to move away from his touch. He just held my head firmly anyway, rubbing his calloused thumb across my cheek.

I felt like I was beginning to panic, knowing there was no way out of this. Before I could listen to more of James and his annoying comments, the sound of the microphone cutting in caught everyone's attention.

Ashley stood on the stage, right behind the mic. She waited for the murmurs to stop, but instead of explaining why she was up there and stopping PROM, she just held her hand out.

Maya walked on stage, handing something off to Ashley. I ripped out of James' grip and turned to the stage, getting a closer look at her. She opened the book in her hands, and it didn't take long for me to recognize the book she held onto tightly.

"'Dear Diary, today I caught Paige making out with Asher. Asher, of all people!'" She exclaimed, "'After all those things she told me, the way he made me feel, it was all a lie.'"

Nobody said anything but looked at each other in confusion as they had no idea what she was reading. I did, however, and I looked around to see if anyone else realized it. Paige did and glared at me from her spot next to Logan.

Looking back at the ground, I ignored the feeling of hot tears beginning to fall down my cheeks from embarrassment.

"'Dear Diary, Carter kissed me for the first time. He kissed me! He was my first kiss, and it was everything I ever wanted and more. I don't think I'd choose anyone else.'" She read aloud, flipping through the pages. "I wonder what other juicy details Rory has about Carter Jackson in here."

People immediately turned to look at me, the embarrassment coming back. This all felt familiar, and I hated it.

"Oh, you bitch-" Layla began to yell out, but was held back by Bailey.

I looked back at my friends to see what was happening, and all of them looked angry. Katherine looked like she was going to pounce toward the stage at any moment, but Elijah held onto her so she didn't try to do anything the way Layla had.

Stumbling back, I didn't bother waiting to see any more of my entries read aloud before I ran out. I ignored the pleas from my friends, and even Garrett, who attempted to reach out to me. The last place I wanted to be was here, and I was going to get out as fast as possible.

The sound of footsteps was heard after me, but I ignored whoever it was and beelined straight through the front doors. Tears blurred my vision as I made my way outside, beginning to run down the sidewalk despite the aching pain in my feet from my heels.

"Rory, wait!"

At the sound of Carter's voice, I stopped. I turned and looked at him as I caught my breath, my head moving back and forth. "What a nice plan, huh? What a nice plan, breaking my heart thinking Ashley was actually going to bother leaving me alone, huh? Wanna know what happened? I still got hurt. Everyone knows all about my personal life and any secrets I had got out anyway. How do you feel, Carter? You feel good?"

Before he could respond, I spoke again. "No, actually, you know what? I don't care how you feel. Everything in my life has fallen apart, and the moment I think it might get better, it crumbles all over again. No matter what I do, I can't escape you, I can't escape Ashley, and I can't escape Paige. My life revolves around you three apparently, as I'm just a pawn in your silly little game!"

"You're not a game, Rory." He softly spoke, his voice cracking slightly.

"I'm not? I'm not?" I asked in disbelief. Then, the realization hit me. "Your girlfriend Carrie'd me. She pulled a Carrie on me, and I knew something was wrong, and I went along with it."

"Ashley is sadistic. She's evil." Carter responded.

"And she's loved by everyone at Riverway." I spat.

"Not everyone." He shook his head, "I meant what I said to you, Rory. I love you."

I groaned in frustration, scratching at my hand angrily. "You-you can't just say that! You can't say you love me and expect to fix things."

"I'm not saying it to fix things, I'm being honest." He stepped closer.

I scratched at my hand harder, ignoring the feeling of nausea rushing through my stomach. "I can't deal with this right now."

"Let me drive you-"

"No!" I cut him off, "No. I'm not going anywhere with you."

Carter didn't say anything, but instead stepped forward. He grabbed my hands to prevent me from scratching at it, rubbing over the wounds. "I'm sorry I screwed everything up. You didn't deserve this."

Shaking my head again, I just pulled my hands out of his grip. "I can't. No."

I turned around and left, running off before he could come after me again. I was too angry to talk to him, and I knew if I stood there, then eventually other people would come out and witness it. It wasn't worth it, and I was already getting a headache from crying so much.

My legs ached as I ran in the dark down the street, ignoring the fear of being outside alone. I took myself down the familiar neighborhood that was quite close to the school, turning down the curvy roads to where the house at the end of the cul-de-sac sat.

As I stepped up to the porch, I realized how much pain I was in. Mentally, emotionally, and physically - I was drained.

After knocking, I wiped my cheeks with my hands. I knew it was late, and this was a long shot - but I needed someone. I needed someone who wasn't there to witness anything, one who wouldn't judge. I knew Katherine and Bailey and the others wouldn't, but I needed someone who was there for me at the other lowest parts of the semester.

The door suddenly opened, and Miles stood on the other side with a confused look on his face. He immediately frowned, glancing over his shoulder before looking back at me. "Rory?" He asked softly.

"C-can I stay here tonight?" I asked, my breathing uneven and shaky.

He nodded, moving to the side to let me in. I stepped in, holding my dress up as I walked. He led me down the hall to his bedroom, cutting through to the in-room bathroom.

I waited as he started a hot shower, gathering clothes from his closet. He set them along with a warm towel on the sink, stepping in front of me as he finished.

He didn't say anything, but before he could, I wrapped my arms around him tightly. He quickly hugged me back, rubbing my back in comfort.

"I'm here for you."