Chapter 18

I could go on forever about how great of a kisser Cyrus is, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Sparks spread throughout my veins, sending me into a field of paralysis before I even kissed back. His lips were soft and tasted like vanilla. I pulled away after a moment and let a goofy grin take over my features before I spoke.

"I have... to uhm... talk to Christy." I stuttered when he grinned at me. He nodded slowly, seeming to understand.

"D-don't forget to t-thank her," He mocked me. I ignored his mocking with an eye roll and I furrowed my eyebrows. "She helped me. And don't forget save me a dance, Maverly." He said, grinning. I nodded, walking away.

"You don't know how to listen, you little brat. I told you to move." Miranda's voice hissed before I even reached Christy. I turned towards her direction. Damien, the boy I'd seen at the party, was clinging to her side desperately and she pushed him away, stepping up. I noticed the hurt in his expression. I sighed.

"Miranda, I'm not here to fight with you. Tonight is the night I'm going to have fun. You should, too." I replied.

"How does Sebastian feel?" Miranda fumed, crossing her arms over her chest. I forgot about Sebastian.

"Sebastian and I were here as friends." I assured. She stuck her nose up.

"You'll be sorry that you ever even thought about dating Cyrus. He's rightfully mine and will always be mine, you remember that." She snapped, lowering her voice so I could only hear her. She thought this conversation was over.

"Listen, Miranda, you may think you're in love with Cyrus. But you aren't- if you really loved him, you wouldn't sleep around with so much guys. Maybe, just maybe, you'd have a chance at 'love' if you stopped telling guys you loved them when you don't mean it and setting the wrong image for yourself. I'm sorry if I ruined your 'happily ever after', Miranda, but I'm not going to let you ruin mine." I curtly remarked, walking away to find Christy.

__

"Hey." Christy said, grinning at me widely. I pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you." I whispered.

"For?" She encored, being the stubborn best friend she is; but I wouldn't have her any other way.

"For helping Cyrus." I explained, pulling away from the hug.

"With?" She added, placing a hand around her ear.

"What he did." I continued.

"Which was?" She encouraged.

"Talking to me and becoming my boyfriend." I ended.

"Boyfriend?!" She exclaimed. I nodded, confused at her words.

"He didn't tell me that one." She muttered, placing a hand on her forehead. I blinked at her, and then grinned widely.

"He kissed me, too!" I squealed girlishly. This seemed to amaze Christy by the way her eyes widened happily.

"I always knew you'd show your romantic side! Was he a good kisser? Did it involve tongue? Were his lips soft?" She questioned. I giggled girlishly.

"He's an amazing kisser, I swear- better than Dean, by a million points! And no, it didn't, so many people were watching us. I was still in shock from his big announcement to even realize that he was kissing me. And yes, like llamas!" I explained. That last analogy made Christy's eyebrows furrow before she laughed and smiled.

"I wish Warner would just kiss me already." She sighed, frowning.

"You're jealous." I teased.

"What?" She asked.

"Cyrus already asked me to be his girlfriend and you've been seeing Warner for more than Cyrus and I have been talking." I said, raising my eyebrows.

"Oh, don't I know? He wants to take things slow. I mean snail slow!" She sighed, giving me an exasperated look. I rolled my eyes.

"Tell him to speed it up a little! Or you can take charge yourself!" I told her, giggling slightly as we watched Warner. He was standing near the punch table, struggling to get the juice in the narrow cup and he ended up spilling it, twice before he just grabbed a bowl for fruit salad and poured the punch into it. We watched as he elegantly sipped it.

"I have to go; I'll see you in... 10 minutes?" I asked with a large smile covering my face. She nodded.

"Don't forget to dance with me." She joked, winking suggestively. I continued walking until I reached Sebastian.

"How goes it?" He nodded towards me.

"Hey." I said, smiling. I couldn't wipe the grin off of my face.

"I heard the announcement." He nodded, grinning.

"Yeah, ha-ha." I laughed awkwardly. What am I supposed to say? I come here with him as my date and I'm going to end up leaving with him as a nobody.

"I'm happy for you." He said, smiling.

"Why is that?" I asked, confused.

"It was obvious that you liked him." He said, rolling his eyes.

"Am I that readable?" I asked. He nodded while laughing.

"You're like a book. Whenever I said his name, your eyes would glaze over like donuts. And whenever I said a comment about him, you'd blush like a maniac in a mailbox." He said making me shrug.

"Well... it's all okay, I guess." I said, ignoring his common SpongeBob references.

"So who should my girl be tonight?" He asked, grinning.

"No, don't do that, please. Especially to an innocent girl, don't take advantage of her." I scolded. In the short time, 3 days, of knowing Sebastian, a bit too well for my liking, I've learned that he was a player- a big player. I've also learned that he enjoyed hot pockets a bit too much and he made SpongeBob comments often.

"C'mon, why not?" He whined. I rolled my eyes.

"Because, it's the dance. Do you know how many girls came here after working over a makeup table for hours on end just to be recognized by a guy who'll actually like them for them? And half of the time the guy only likes them because the makeup makes them pretty. But they keep hoping that he'll fall in love with their personalities. Not their bodies." I ranted, sighing loudly toward the end, hoping to get my point across.

"Do you know how many girls came here to actually leave with someone?" He said, raising an eyebrow, and then wriggling them suggestively.

"Yeah, and I bet you can distinguish who is in what group." I retorted, crossing my arms.

"Why don't you just try and talk to them? You'll find a girl." I said, grinning.

"And what if I don't want to?" He defied. "How about this? You chose any girl for me to dance with, any girl and if I don't even find a slight interest in her, you'll stay off of my case, let me frolic around playing girls like checkers. I'll be completely honest and truthful if I have any feelings for her." He suggested, smirking. I thought for a moment before nodding and grazing my eyes over the crowd.

My eyes passed blonds giggling with their friends and girls with short hair dancing with the crowd. My eyes caught onto a girl texting alone near the back corner of the room, with red defined hair and a pretty smile. She was wearing a dark blue dress that frilled at the end and black converse sneakers. She had a black leather vest covering it, giving it the bad-girl look. I smirked and turned to Sebastian, who was lazily glancing around in search of his possible 'target.'

"Her." I said pointing to the girl. His eyes scanned over her before he shrugged.

"She's hot." He stated, running a hand through his hair. Nervousness, do I see apprehension? I smirked at my accomplishment, finally a girl who wasn't all over this guy.

"Talk to her, don't make any... suggestions." I shuddered as he chuckled.

"Okay, okay, Mom. Don't get pregnant tonight." He warned, winking suggestively as he walked towards the girl who didn't give him the time of day. This was the girl for him, I just know it.

__

I walked back over to Christy, swaying my hips to the song playing loudly throughout the party hall.

"Want to dance?" Christy asked, pretending to be a guy. I laughed loudly before nodding my head and speaking in a high pitched voice.

"Sure, Brad." I replied, hoping no one heard me. What would I say to get myself out of that one? The familiar song pounded through the DJ stand, making me and Christy smile widely at the memories this song brought flowing.

The DJ was playing 'Old Track' from times when we were about 13, 4 years back. Jesse McCartney's 'Body Language' played loudly as we danced. This song brought out Christy's 'inner stripper,' her words, not mine. I laughed loudly as she began doing old time dance moves.

This was pure fun, something I needed a lot of. You could see Christy's face burn in embarrassment as she retracted her hand from the air, stopping the sprinkler mid sprinkle as Warner watched her, laughing joyously.

"Want to dance with him?" I asked as the song ended. She nodded shyly.

"Work on that." I winked as she walked back to the food table, probably going to eat a whole handful of cheese doodles, not that I blame her- they were amazing!

"Warner!" I called as I approached him.

"Hey, Mave," He said, grinning. "Nice dance moves, by the way." He said, laughing. I smiled before cutting to the chase.

"Do you like Christy?" I asked which took him by surprise. He nodded slowly.

"Seriously? Do you like her or is it an 'I'm bored and just need something to do on Friday nights?'" I asked.

"I like her." He assured.

"Why don't you ask her to be your girlfriend? You've been on plenty of dates." I suggested.

"I don't want to rush anything so she'll feel uncomfortable." He said, looking at the ground.

"Take charge, man. She likes you, a lot and she would say 'Yes' in a heartbeat if you asked her to be your girlfriend. So stop being a wimp and be a man and ask her to dance, and then ask her to be your girlfriend." I demanded, ready to slap him if he didn't comply. His eyes lit up.

"Really? She likes me?" He asked. Was this guy stupid? I wanted to ask him what his GPA is. Latest test score? Prison records? I calmed down before answering.

"Yes." I replied calmly.

"I'll do it!" He said, dropping his cup from the shaking of his hand. This guy needs to calm himself before he jumps out of a window from excitement. I nodded before walking away, now that that was over.

__

I walked across the dance floor once more to try and find Cyrus to return that dance I promised when I discovered that girl and Sebastian talking, well more of Sebastian than her. Her phone was sticking out of her vest pocket as she looked bored, annoyed almost.

"So... how are you?" Sebastian asked awkwardly. You can tell he wasn't used to a conversation without being a pervert.

"It'd be better if you weren't here." She spat. His eyes widened at the rejection before he continued talking, ignoring her not so subtle request. I snorted.

"Do you... like sports?" He asked, wringing his hands together.

"Actually I don't. I'd rather play video games." She replied, glancing at her phone.

"Really? What's your favorite game?" He asked excitedly.

"I like Halo." She stated simply as he nodded enthusiastically.

"Really!? Me too!" He said, smiling widely at the slight thing they'd had in common.

"PlayStation or Xbox?" She continued.

"Both!" He replied, nodding. He reminded me of a lost puppy.

"Same," She spoke, finally sounding happy. "Are you usually this boring?" She asked suddenly.

"Not really. I've made a promise to not be a pervert." He muttered, itching the back of his neck.

"That's a shame," She frowned. He looked confused. "I love corny pickup lines and perverted jokes." She said, smirking. Wow, this really was his girl. Don't I know how to choose them?

"Would you like to tickle my pickle for a nickel?" He asked flirtatiously. She laughed loudly, smiling when she recovered.

"Apart from being sexy, what do you do for a living?" He asked, winking.

"Did you fart? Because you really blow me away." She said, smirking. He laughed loudly and they laughed together. I must be a miracle worker. It's not hard being fabulous; I just am. I'm kidding. I began walking to where I last saw Cyrus, in hopes to dance with him.

In my search for my dream guy, I saw a shadow in the corner, crouched over and sobs wracking their figure violently. I warily walked over, seeing the familiar copy and paste haired girl. Miranda rubbed at her eyes as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"Miranda?" I asked, confused. Why was she crying?

"Don't come over here." She threatened.

"Why not?" I inquired, placing my hand on my hip.

"Because you don't belong here, Maverly." She sobbed.

"Why is that?" I quizzed.

"You're going to take a picture and post it on Facebook. It'll embarrass me forever." She stated.

"You take me for something I'm not. I just want to make sure you're okay. I don't hate you at all, Miranda. I just don't take anything from anyone." I announced. She looked up at me, anger in her eyes.

"You don't take anything from anyone? You took Cyrus from me! You know I liked him!" She said, her fists clenching around her dress.

"I can't take what's never yours. And besides, I was pushed into him." I replied, sitting down on the stairs beside her. She looked at me as if I had a gun to her head.

"Oh really? Then why did he keep talking to you after that happened?" She tested. I sighed.

"Miranda, it doesn't matter. I never aimed to hurt you. I don't know what I did to get you to not like me. And honestly? I think you and Damien can have something great. You've got to admit, he is pretty handsome." I added in as she sniffled slightly.

"He is, isn't he?" She asked, seeming proud of her guy. I nodded.

"Miranda!?" A worried voice shouted.

"Bethy." Miranda said, sighing loudly. I saw Bethany escape around the corner with worry on her face, as soon as I came into view, it escalated to anger.

"What did you do to her?" She hissed.

"Nothing." I stated simply, not wanting to engage in conversation with her.

"Liar; what did she do to you?" She continued, turning to Miranda.

"Nothing, she's telling the truth. She actually helped me, somewhat." Miranda confirmed. Bethany turned towards me, her glare softening to a hardcore stare.

"Thanks, I guess." She muttered as she walked towards Miranda. I stood up, brushing off the back of my dress.

"I'll leave you two to talk." I said, nodding my head at them.

"Hey, Perkins!" Miranda called out. I turned to look at her.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Just because we talked doesn't mean we're friends." She joked, smiling slightly.

"Yes, but it doesn't exactly mean we're still enemies either." I replied with a small smile, before walking into the crowded room once more. It seems like fate doesn't want me to find my boyfriend.

"Dance with me?" A voice made its way into my ear. I turned slightly, feeling Cyrus closer to me than expected. My eyes met his blazer clad chest. My eyes widened at our proximity as I took a necessary step back, encouraging him to take a step forward.

"Do you want to dance with me?" He repeated, continuing our little stepping game.

"Sure." I replied, making sure I kept up with my stepping. His closeness made me freeze up, hence why I felt paralyzed during our kiss.

"Okay," He said, wrapping his arms around my waist, keeping our distance as close as we were at first. "Don't like the proximity?" He asked with a teasing tone in his voice whilst swaying with the music. It was comfortable but made my muscles tense up. I shrugged.

"Get used to it." He chuckled into my ear. The sound of his laughing made my muscles calm down and I stood awkwardly as he swayed. I can't dance! The song rang out loudly, making me smile as I looked up at him. 'Best song ever' played by The Ready Set.

"Seriously, Cyrus?" I asked, grinning widely.

"I need to give you a new memory with this song," He shrugged, his expression mirroring mine. "Why aren't you dancing, girlfriend?" He asked, emphasizing the word 'girlfriend.' I loved the sound of it coming out of his mouth. But I like it better because I know that it's about me.

"Because I can't dance, boyfriend." I copied his tone of voice.

"I can teach you." He replied, lifting me slightly off of the ground, moving me along with him.

Our eyes interlocked and something clicked that hadn't with Dean. All of the sparks I'd had with Dean were imaginary, one sided sparks. They were like sparklers compared to what I had with Cyrus- they were like illegal fireworks! And then it hit me like a ton of bricks, I was over Dean. And I was falling for Cyrus, but this time- he'll be there to catch me and that is a fact that I'm positive on.