Serenity Ryan Carter is played by Lauren Tallichet (who is absolutely gorgeous oh my god)

"Okay, I'm not going to the Grammy's." I laughed at Emily when she pulled out the most beautiful, deep red dress I've ever seen in my life. It was long, a strip cut off to leave one leg out. It would work with people who have long legs, which mine aren't very showy and dashing, but it's whatever. I'd still wear it, though just not for this occasion. 

Emily put it back on the rack. We're in Macy's at the moment, looking for a dress that would work with my body. Harry didn't specify where he was taking me, but he hinted to throw something pretty on. I was questioning what to wear. I don't know how people just assume what to wear with "dress pretty". Pretty as in dressy or casual pretty? 

Sighing, I decided to text him. 

Serenity: Casual or dressy? 

Belle was next to me, swinging her legs back and forth and humming to herself. I waited for his text as I looked around the store, watching the endless racks of beautiful, elegant prom dresses to casual flowing dresses worn in the sun. I smiled to myself as I felt my phone vibrate, my fingers eagerly sliding and unlocking it. 

Harry: Dressy ;) & how's Belle 

I rolled my eyes, knowing he must be worrying about Belle again. I replied to him an okay and that she's fine. I even took the time to snap a picture of her sitting next to me and sent it to him after my text. Shoving my phone in my pocket, I joined Emily at the racks with Belle's hand in mine. 

My fingers fell against a certain soft material in white. I smiled to myself, biting my lip as I pulled it out of the racks in its hanger. The dress was simple but I can only imagine how nice it would look on me. I locked eyes with Emily, who dropped what she was doing and smirked at me with that psychotic look on her face. 

"That's the dress." 

+

We sat in the food court together, talking and munching on fries from Wendy's. With Harry's warnings it was almost impossible to forget what exactly Belle was allergic to, so you can only imagine how many questions I asked the co-workers. I didn't want Belle to have an allergic reactions, and neither did I want Harry hating me forever. 

I gave Belle my phone so she could distract herself playing some space ship game she found in the app store. Emily stared down at her fries, almost contemplating whether she should eat them or not.

"I hope Harry hit him hard." Emily murmured, rolling her eyes at the thought. 

Wayne deserves anything horrible that comes to him. I didn't think he was so insufferable, but he definitely is and he's proven it to the max. He's a horrible person and I wish the worse for him. As for Zayn, I don't know what to say about him rather than why isn't he chasing after Emily if he likes her so much? Tuh. 

"Eat the fries, Emily. I can't express this any clearer. You are not fat." I told her carefully, my eyes narrowing at her as I focused on my words carefully. "Harry is the biggest asshole when it comes to honesty, trust me, I know. He's honest...beyond loyal. He does not care about anything, you heard? Including my friend's feelings." 

Emily rolled her eyes, shaking her head and picking up a greasy fry in her hand between her baby pink finger nails. Honestly, it isn't the healthiest thing to eat, but whatever. It's food and it's good. So I'm eating it. "I'm just really hurt, Serenity. I haven't been called fat in the longest time. Ever since...you know, fifth grade. After that I just lost so much weight and then again someone comments on my weight. I can't help I have big thighs."

"Exactly. I have big thighs and Harry knows it, but he likes them and he's honest with me." I told her. 

"It's because your ass makes up for it," she said quickly and I glanced at Belle to make sure she wasn't really paying attention to anything we were saying. Fortunately, she was engrossed in her game. "And so do your gigantic water jugs you call boobs. I'm a B cup and my butt is flat." 

Friendships aren't formed on lies, and I know that. So I never dare myself to lie to Emily or any of my other friends when it comes to things that really matter to them. And Emily's weight has always been her number one problem. I hate to see her struggling. It just bothers me a lot. 

I sighed, placing my hand on the table and leaning on my elbow. "How about this? Starting next week, you and I are going to work out. I can lose the weight, too. And my water jugs? Those jugs are the calories I eat, Ems. And my butt sucks up the fat, too. It's awful." 

A huge grin plastered on her face as she tried to control laughing, but failed anyway. I laughed with her as we decided to change the topic. 

"So where do you think Harry's taking you?" Emily asked eagerly, now throwing a fry in her mouth without hesitation. 

Groaning with annoyance, I sipped on my soda before answering her. "Ugh, I don't have one clue. Harry scares me a little. He's crazy when it comes to plans." 

"C'mon," she laughed, "It's not like he'll take you on a roller coaster, you in a dress and him in a tux, to ask you to be his girlfriend." Her tone was sarcastic, rolling her eyes with a lazy grin plastered on her face. 

My face immediately paled. "Oh my god, don't jinx it. I wouldn't doubt that's not what's going to happen tonight."  

To be completely honest I feel comfortable with letting Harry plan this all on his own without knowing a single thing besides the formal attire. But at the same time I feel reluctant and I'll call him to spill out the beans because Harry can really be scary and crazy as shit. 

"Be quiet, okay? Trust that this will be the cutest, most romantic date of your life, okay? You haven't had this in the longest time! Let him be your secretly romantic and gushy bad boy." She gushed, smirking at me with that look in her bright blue eyes like she was all knowing and wise. 

It's true. I haven't been on a date for the longest time, for years in fact. It's good for me to go out on this one, and this will probably be the one he'll finally ask me to be his girlfriend. The thought made me mushy and sweet inside. He was so cute and I could already imagine him asking me to be his girlfriend in the most ridiculous way. That he'll have me laughing so hard I snort like a pig even though he says it's really cute. And then I'll say yes because really why not? It's perfect. The idea is perfect. He's perfect. 

"I know," I muttered, feeling a smile coming along. But it shattered when I realized that my mother hasn't called me at all. Neither has my dad. "Emily, my mom hasn't called once." 

"So? Finally she's leaving you alone." 

"Don't you think that's a little suspicious?" I asked, eyes widening by the second. Oh god, I could be in so much trouble. The thought of going home tonight after my date scares me. I know I could postpone going home, because I'm sure Harry wouldn't mind keeping me at his house, but I'll have to go home at some point.

Emily paused. "Well...it definitely doesn't sound like your mom...," she began, one corner of her mouth turning downwards in a sour, side frown. "Yeah...Serenity...try not to worry about the ass whooping that awaits you at home." 

I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair. "Whatever. It's two thirty. I can just call Harry to come pick us up right now. We should start picking shoes at your house."

+ 

"I'll pick you up at five, alright?" Harry called from his car with the window rolled down. Belle fell asleep in the back with her little head tipped to the side, a dab of drool falling from her open mouth. I nodded, waving my hand at him. I thought about blowing him a kiss, but at the same time chose against it. He'll have plenty of actual kisses tonight. 

Emily waited inside for me, dropping her bags of clothes she bought on the couch before tying her hair up. "So? White dress with what shoes? Nude, black?" 

"Black. I love black heels." I said I hated the word girly and being one I'm definitely guilty of. When it comes to these types of things, I'm obsessed. This had to be perfect. I'm not letting anything ruin this date. Not my stupid impulses or my ugly past, or any insecurities I had about letting myself be in a relationship with Harry. I had to trust that whatever was happening was meant to happen no matter what direction it takes. Either way, I'm excited. 

We both rushed like little kids on Christmas morning towards her bedroom, already making combinations of jewelry, makeup, and black shoes in our heads. I'm a senior, and I'm going on a date with a college guy -- or at least the age of one -- and I have to show him I'm worth a lot more than any other college "babe" he can score. I'm like a expensive house. I'll let you in as long as you take off your shoes and treat me nice. I need to show Harry what he's got. 

"I got it." I said as I lied the dress down on the bed. My fingers ran down the material of the white dress. It was simple. Super plain white and simple. Anything could combine with it, that's why I like it. You could make it look casual with a jean jacket over it or even a little sexier with a leather jacket. It was simple and I admired my choice. It was two of my fingers width on the sleeves, and it was four inches cut from my knees. It was tightly fitted to my body, forcing every part of my body where it needs to be and where it looks good. 

The inside was my favorite part because it already came with the bra pads inside, so I didn't have to wear a bra, which is a plus for me. The neckline was squared, but I'm pretty sure my boobs will fit it in enough where they'll be cleavage showing, but not much, fortunately. I didn't want to look cheap, either. I wanted to look like his girlfriend. And be respected as it, as well. 

"Straight hair, your black pumps, and my makeup winged eyeliner and simple mascara. Plus, red lipstick. Simple enough, right?" 

"Yeah, but hella hot," Emily agreed. "I can already picture his face. Instant boner face!" She laughed, cackling a little. 

I screwed up my face, frowning in confusion. "What's a instant boner face?" 

"Are you kidding? You out of all people don't know?" She asked, voice high pitched like she didn't really believe I had no clue what she was talking about. I only shrugged, and she chuckled. "It's when a guy's face just drops and he gets all shuddery for two seconds. It's the oh shit my d*ck's hard look." 

Laughing at her, I exclaimed, "Emily!" 

"What?" She cackled, throwing her head back. Breathing in heavily, she shook her head. "Woo! Forget I said that, and c'mon. We need to get you ready."

- 

The straightener let out steam that blew against my skin near my ear as Emily slid it down the last strand we had to straighten before I'd finally get in my dress. I'm more excited than ever to put on a dress and be beautiful for just one night for a guy that my first instinct was to run from. Still I want this to go so well. Because being his girlfriend could possibly be the only good thing that's happened to me for a while now.

I felt nervous as I slid into the dress with the help of Emily, the sound of the zipper closing in the two sides across my back making its way to my ears. My makeup was the first thing Emily had done. I must say I look beautiful with the enhancement of makeup. When I slid into the heels, I was automatically four inches taller than Emily on my usual height. Still, I'll be shorter than Harry by maybe three inches.

Still, as I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt that surge of happiness travel through my body like electricity. It feels like this all the time. My body is frozen on the spot, his eyes always looking at me with this effect that only makes me more frozen and shocked. Shocked that I could feel this way about him. I like him to the point where it's like an overflowing cup of water. The cup is my sanity, and the water droplets are my emotions.   

"You look amazing," Emily whispered behind me. 

I stared at myself in the mirror, curling my toes a little and shuddering. "I'm nervous." I murmured as I watched myself in the mirror. I felt good in the dress. It was fitted to my body, outlining my curves and it pushed my bre*sts up high with only some cleavage showing. It was sexy, simple, yet appropriate. I looked sophisticated and elegant. Not cheap or like I'm seventeen. I felt like I was grown for three seconds until I was brought back on Earth. 

My hair was perfectly straight past my shoulders and down my back in dark brown strands, and the tips were lighter than usual because naturally in the summer my hair grows lighter at the tips for an odd reason. I bit my lip, before reminding myself I had red lip stick on. 

"Don't be. He's going to think you're the most gorgeous girl he's ever seen." 

Before I could reply, my phone began to vibrate from the dresser. I picked it up in my freshly manicured nails that were in a black thanks to Emily. 

Harry: Be there in 5, baby (; x

Again the butterflies erupted in my stomach, causing me to groan in nervousness. "Emily...do you really think I should say yes to Harry? To being his girlfriend and all?"

I turned to look at her, a frown on my lips. "Why are you so nervous? In my opinion you're happy when you're around him. And I think he'll be good for you. But it's up to you." 

"You're right, you're right," I sighed, setting my phone down on the dresser again, "He probably won't even ask me to be his girlfriend. Or maybe he will. I was going to say yes, but now I'm --" 

"First instincts. Go with your first instincts. Say yes, and if it doesn't work out you can come and beat me up with a sack of potatoes," Emily said quickly, rolling her eyes at me. 

The doorbell rang loudly, startling me as I whimpered, eyes wide as I stared over at Emily who just scowled. "I'll get the door and then call you down. I'm your mother for the night." She rushed downstairs to get the door, and I was left in her room to think. 

A huge, I mean huge pang of pain slammed against my chest. I'm your mother for the night. The funny thing is my real mom is never here not even to experience my first date as she watches me go off with the guy I think I'm going to marry. She's never here to mend my broken hearts with hot chocolate and ice cream. My mother is not my mother, and I'm not going to sit here and cry about it. How much she cares is scary to me because it is something I won't be able to bear if I think about it too much.  At the end of the day I do have people who care about me. 

"Serenity! Prince Charming is here in his shining armor!" 

I blew air out of my mouth out of blunt nervousness. I grabbed my phone and the hand purse with diamond studs Emily let me borrow. Pushing aside all my worries, I stepped out the bedroom and closed the door behind me. The second I was taking a step downstairs, I felt my stomach swirl in psychotic circles when I looked up to see Harry. 

He stood there with his messy curls actually gelled back this time, his usual hairstyle looking more sharp and elegant. My mouth was dry with astonishment when I looked down at his attire. He wore black dress pants, ones that made his legs look better than mine in anything. His upper body was adorned in a white button up that he didn't bother buttoning to the top, so the first three buttons were undone. He had rolled it up on his elbows. And the black bow tie he had wasn't completely on either, each side hanging on opposite sides of his neck. He looked handsome is an understatement but there is no other way to explain how perfect he looks in this moment. I only hoped he thought half as much about me. 

The pale green in his eyes made my heart flutter as I made it to the bottom of the stairs. How bad would it be if I tripped down the stairs because of him? Thank God I avoided slamming my face into the floor.

That's when I took the time to register his facial expression. His eyes were wide, plump, pink lips parted with utter shock. His hands were in his pockets, his eyes never leaving anywhere on my body or my face or the way my lips curved into a shy smile when I found him staring at me in the eyes. I'm sure I managed to turn eight different shades of red. 

Emily watched us with a grin, silently backing away into the kitchen only to poke out her head. 

"You...," Harry began slowly, shaking his head like he was trying hard to focus on what to say. "You look so beautiful."

I stared down at the black heels on my feet, not being able to hold the gaze any longer without feeling like I would pass out. Harry took three strides to reach me, his index finger pushing my chin up gently, his thumb over my skin as he held me there. I was forced to look up at him with my shyness at a dangerously high level. Its never been this high. 

My heart skipped a beat when our eyes locked. There was no greater word to explain how different this felt to me. An actual date, with actual feelings and affection. It's just never fit in my book. I was never a person to like trying new things, but this is something new I want to become a habit. 

"Thank you," I smiled, not finding the right words until I watched the little smirk appear on his lips. "You look really handsome." 

He scoffed a little, playfully. "Thank you, Sweetheart. But I couldn't get this damn thing on," he pointed to the bow tie. 

I let out a laugh at that, immediately going to do it for him. He straightened himself out, staring ahead as I did the easy job for him. Coughing a little, he swallowed and whispered, "Just so you know, I did not get a boner." 

Immediately having the impulse, I went to look down but he grabbed my face in his hands. "Nope, don't look." He said quickly. Giggling now, I fixed the bow tie for him before patting his chest. 

"All done." 

"Great. Let's go, baby." He winked at me, gently grabbing my hand, slowly entwining our fingers together. He then lead me out the door. 

Shouting behind me as Harry tugged me away to his car, I said, "Thanks, Emily!" 

"Be safe! In more ways than one, teenagers!" She laughed before slamming her door shut. 

A/N: stay =tuned for whatever ridiculous plan Harry's got. REMEMBER. COMMENT AND VOTE! thanks for reading!