17 | Z A C K

"Do you need help?" I ask Jenna as she tries to get out of the car. The huge ball gown is larger for her frame but she still coped with it. I have to admit that she looks like a real Disney princess. She could easily be given the role of Belle in any upcoming Beauty and the Beast movie.

My parents have no limo, neither her parents. The only other option is to take my car. I wanted Jenna to be comfortable and treated like the title she transformed to for Halloween but without the luxury, nothing like that can be achieved.

Jenna placed her warm hand into mine as she climbs out of the car. The street is filled with decorations, both adults and children roaming about. Mrs Miller rented the Diamond Palace, a magnificent hall. Students I recognised were coming in groups and dressed to kill. I'm not that interested in showing up to a party as a prince charming but for Jenna, I'm ready to try out everything to make her happy.

We slowly saunter into the hall. It was absolutely lively in there, I almost had a second thought whether Mrs Miller is actually behind this or not. The sloppy sound of the music was flowing in the most classical way. There's a huge sign board with 'Halloween' encrypted on it. The walls were painted and decorated with various spiderweb designs and the light comes from the diversified candles that were lit up.

There were candies and crafted pumpkins everywhere. Even though the hall was a huge one, there are so many people. The kids were running up and down, some secretly stealing the candies without anyone noticing. It's obvious there isn't a theme for the party. They were all dressed based on their choices.

The different costumes livened up the party. Mrs Miller can use this party to woo the hearts of so many students. With the beautifully decorated hall, different varieties of food, drinks and snacks and the delightful entertainment, it's hard not to be fascinated by it. I don't enjoy partying myself but this one got me.

"Zack?" Jenna's voice came out in a small, quiet, crooked way. I looked down at her to see her nervously looking around the hall.

It was then I realised what she was trying to say. We're standing on top of the stairs - which was the only way to get into the party - and all eyes were on us. Un-be-lie-va-ble. They were freaking staring at us. My heart sank when I comprehend what was happening. It's like we're on the spotlight and they are the audience. I hate having attention on me, so I did the only thing I can do to avoid it.

I took Jenna's hand and we rushed down the flight of stairs. Before we could go any further, a group of little kids flooded towards us. They flung themselves on Jenna and clung to her dress like a bee to beehive. Jenna's frantic eyes searched around the crowd for help but none came forward.

"It's princess Belle from Beauty and the beast!" One of the girls yelled.

"You look beautiful, princess! I want to be a princess too!" Said another in a zombie costume.

Firstly, are these kids old enough to watch Beauty and the beast? This kids are barely older than six or seven. They are just like tiny mice trying to dupe a cat.

"Kids, She isn't a real life princess. Your princess is yet to come." Mrs Miller said the moment she stepped out of the crowd in her 1980s costume. The kids started to moan and groan but she is having none of it.

"Miss Coleman, I apologise for this inconvenience."

Jenna shook her head vigorously. "It's not a problem, Mrs Miller."

"Of course it is. You look glamorous, like a real life princess, even the kids believe you are. We are actually waiting for the arrival for a hired princess and they thought it was you."

"It doesn't matters, Mrs Miller. In fact, I can be the princess before the arrival of the original one." Jenna offered. The beauty in the words she uttered made me respect her even more. These are the moments that confirmed her worthiness. She deserves someone much more, not someone who had gotten her sister pregnant.

"No. You don't have to. It's not your job but I appreciate the offer. Remember you have something much more important." Her eyes drifted to me. "Mr Hudson, you look handsome today. You two make a perfect duo. We're just getting started."

"Thanks, Mrs Miller." I kindly replied. She smiled back and ushered the kids away from Jenna. Jenna was reluctant to let the kids go at first but she eventually gave up.

"Hey Zack, you are a total knockout. You are so handsome, like exceptional in this sexy costume!" Elaine's eyes almost rolled back inside her head in exaggeration.

Her friend's curls bounced up and down in agreement as her anxious eyes seized me up. They appeared out of nowhere and started attacking me, not giving a shit about my companion's presence.

Jenna shifted uncomfortably next to me. It's obvious these girls are giving her the bad girl vibes.

"Thanks." I shortly responded.

"Would you like to join our mini group? We all know that Jenna Coleman isn't your girlfriend so you don't have an excuse." Elaine arrogantly said whilst glaring at a silent, flabbergasted Jenna.

"But I prefer being with her. I enjoy spending my time with her." I smiled at Jenna who did the same in return.

A few jealous glances were thrown our way. It's clear that some of the girls were jealous of Jenna. She stunned all of them and held the title of the most beautiful in this Halloween party out of the blue. Some of them are just jealous because Jenna has me as her partner.

"Okay." The two girls chorused. They glowered at Jenna one last time before walking away.

Eric Lockwood walked out of the crowd with his arm possessively wrapped around Jupiter's waist. I almost blinked again to see clearly but there was no doubt what I'm seeing is not true. Jupiter is dressed in her a tiny blue cheerleader's unform set and a wavy, shoulder length black wig. Underneath the uniform is a white long sleeved, polo shirt.

On the other hand, Eric wore a normal tee and jeans but added a letterman jacket identical to Jupiter's uniform. He also had a red wig with a specified hairstyle. I had no idea what that costume was all about.

"Hey dude!" He greeted, smiling from ear to ear. "Hey Jenna. You guys look fantastic."

"Hey." I stared at him weirdly. Jenna only waved back in reply. I don't remember Jupiter being his partner. "I thought Jupiter wasn't your partner?"

"Common man, this Halloween gala is free. It means that I can come with whomever I want to. The Anthony dude and I swapped partners. I present to you my gorgeous girlfriend."

Interesting. Just a few days ago, this cute couple were fighting like cats and dogs. Surprisingly, they are all cuddly and full PDA today. "Since when?"

"Since two days ago."

"Are you guys playing Veronica and Archie from Riverdale for Halloween? The costume looks akin to theirs." Jenna's eyes were wide open. She looks so inquisitive to find out what they are.

"Yeah, we are. You playing Beauty and the beast, right?" Eric quickly shot back.

The question was directed at Jupiter but Eric replied anyway. Jupiter is trying her best not to glance over at Jenna. It's Obvious there's still a heavy beef between the two and I'm not about to interfere. The only thing that wouldn't leave my mind was Daisy's absence at the party.

"Hi there."

Kaila said as she approached us. She smiles warmly at Jenna and I. She's a mate of ours but that's all I know about her. We've never talked even though we often share the same class.

"Hey Kaila." Jenna said when Kaila's eyes wouldn't leave her.

"I just want to say you look wonderful in this dress. I'm completely obsessed with it."

Jenna's face expression was everything. Her eyes widened and her mouth gaped open. "Thank... Thank... You! I..." She started to stutter out of shock.

Kaila grinned innocently. "It's okay. People don't like approaching. They're just jealous of what you have, Belle. You have Zack Alan Hudson as your partner and this lovely dress. None of them were expecting someone to dress as a princess."

Jenna flushed and looked away with a smile. I'm happy someone came forward to appreciate her for the first time. I was worried Kaila was playing a prank on Jenna but when her eyes glistened with honesty and her smile widened, I saw the genuineness in her soul.

"I want us to get to know each other. I don't have friends and I love books, just like you. These few similarities is enough to strike something between us, right?"

Jenna's huge eyes darted to mine in a questioning way. I realised she's asking me whether to go or not. "Go and have fun. I'll be fine with my friends."

She reluctantly let go of me but cheerfully left with her new friend. I'm glad she found a girlfriend for the first time in her life.

"I have a message for you." Jupiter waited until they were out of earshot before she announced.

The only message Jupiter delivers to me is from Daisy. It's being almost a week since we talked. We were both busy for our Halloween presentation and we rarely saw each other during the week. There was a time Daisy saw Jenna and I having lunch but did nothing to stop us. As the days pass by, I became desperate to know what's going on.

"Daisy, I know right."

"She wants to meet you now. She's outside, waiting for you in your car."

I stare between Eric and Jupiter. Eric seems relaxed about the situation while Jupiter looks relentless. "But I just got here."

"That's between you and her. Why don't you go and find out? Eric, let's go." Before I could ask anything, they turned on their heels and walked away.

I stood there, all by myself. Should I go? My brain and my heart have different answers for this question. My heart advised me to go while my brain warned me not to go. Just a few feet away, Jenna and a group of girls are happily chattering away as they play with the young girls that mistaken her as a princess. She looks happy and satisfied, like it's the place she wants to be. Maybe a minute away wouldn't hurt her feelings.

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