I woke up early despite sleeping late the day before. It was childish, but I was quite excited to go to Homecoming. I went on my usual morning jog and did an extra workout for good measure since I was just feeling like it. 

Since I talked Freya into going to the dance, we were going to get dressed at her place. I packed my bag already. Feeling bubbly, I ate my breakfast and spent the better part of my morning till lunch studying in my room. At lunch, I made myself some fried rice. Logan was more than happy to eat the same because he felt too lazy to cook anything else.

Around five, I was on my way to Freya's as planned. I swiftly parked in her driveway and was surprised to see her sitting by the pool.

"Hi," I flopped down next to her, grinning.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Ready?" I asked.

"Umm I don't really have a choice," she pointed out.

"Fair enough," I shrugged, pulling her up regardless of her attempt to guilt trip me. I was determined.

"I hate you," she mmbled.

"Say that after I'm done with you," I gently pushed her towards her house. She reluctantly lead me to her room. She already had te snacks ready.

"Show me your dress," I demanded. She scowled as she pointed me to a dress bag. I unzipped it. It was white halter neck. I nodded in approval.

"Let's get you all dolled up!" I squealed, eager to start. I stopped mid track when I heard guitar strings.

"What's that?" I asked perplexed. She looked troubled.

"My brother," she bit her lip.

"Oh? He plays guitar?" I asked, impressed.

"Yeah . . ." she trailed off, evidently reluctant to talk about it. I dropped it. 

"Well, we've got two hours, let's get to it!" I changed the topic.

A little over two hours later, we had two beautiful ladies. No exaggeration.

I had a short black dress on. It reached mid thigh and had a plunging neckline. It hugged my waist before flaring out slightly. I curled my hair in meticulous beachy waves. My makeup was light and dewy. I wore three inch high black heels to finish off my look.

Freya looked stunning in her dress. We straightened her hair and pulled it back in a high bushy ponytail. She insisted on keeping makeup to a minimum so we did a natural look. Her slender figure and curves were accentuated by the dress and the silver heels I forced her into made her look angelic.

I made her walk a few steps and deduced she will survive when she protested she didn't want to wear heels. I'll admit, the entire time she was constantly complaining. But, her protests were half hearted. Either a smile or a weak tone would give her away. It was annoying and adorable at the same time.

She was speechless when I finally thrust her in front of her mirror. 

"Still hate me?" I asked her smugly. She numbly shook her head a no and I laughed.

"That's what I thought," I snickered. I checked the time. Seven forty. We were late. As if reading my thoughts, my phone dinged with a notification.

Idiots
Alex
ben, iz, where are you guyss??
7:41pm.

Me
omw
7:41pm

Ben
b there soon
7:41pm

Alex
vre ordering w/o u
7:42pm

"Let's go, Frey," I locked my phone with a shake of my head.

"Hmm okay," she agreed hesitantly.

"We're meeting up at the café," I told her.

"Hun?" she asked, flummoxed, "I thought we were going straight to the dance?"

"Yeah, change of plans," I shrugged nonchalantly. She was gonna kill me for this.

"What? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm telling you now?" I offered her a sheepish smile.

"Good God, Isabelle," she groaned, "Who are we meeting up with?"

"Umm just the guys . . ." I replied vaguely.

"The guys?" she asked pointedly, opening the door and ushering me out. I turned to face her as she switched off the lights and shut the door.

"Luke, Alex, Logan, Nick and-"

"Benji?" she asked, a hint of surprise in her tone.

"Yeah!" I said with a smile, happy she was indulging.

Then I noticed that she was looking behind me. And that she wasn't even paying attention at me right then. I turned around and my jaw dropped.

There stood Ben in a tux. And boy did he look mouthwatering. If I thought he looked hot before, he could definitely melt the sun right then. Holy Fuck.

I watched as he eyed me down before his eyes met mine and his lips curled into a dangerous smirk. God. 

Realizing a little belatedly what his smirk was all about, I felt a blush creep up my face. Thank god for the makeup I put on.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned in a steady voice.

"Are you seriously asking me that?" he raised an eyebrow.

"I thought you left ages ago," Freya butt in. I turned to her. 

'Leave'? Meaning he was here before?

"I did, I forgot my wallet so I came back," he explained apologetically, "You look nice by the way. Never thought I'd see you doll up like that again." 

"Me neither," Freya smiled, "And thanks, you don't look to shabby yourself." Ben grinned.

Hun?

I felt my heart drop. Ben almost never smiles. Grinning? Pfft. Yet there we were. I felt a little unnecessarily mad at the situation and it may or may not have something to do with their obvious familiarity.

I cleared my throat. Their heads snapped to me. I ignored Ben and looked Freya.

"Care to enlighten me?" I mustered a mild glare. Her eyes widened.

"You know, King, I thought you were smart," Benjamin mocked.

"What do you mean?" I snapped.

"Umm, he's my brother," Freya interrupted, biting her lip nervously. My jaw dropped.

"Say what?"

"She's the sister I told you about. Freya Millers-Rodriguez," Benjamin drawled out as if talking to a toddler, walking over and putting his arms around Freya's shoulders.

Whoa. Was I not paying attention or did this happen overnight?

"Okay," I managed to sputter out. Freya had the decency to look uncomfortable and apologetic. Then I narrowed my eyes, "You guys have so much to explain."

"Of course," Freya squeaked.

"Let's go," I sighed, "The boys are waiting."

Ben looked down at Freya.

"You agreed to this?" he frowned down at her. She swallowed.

"I found out like ten minutes ago," she pouted. Adorable.

"You don't have to," he said in a concerned tone. Damn, are Jake and I this annoying with our antiques? I honestly hope not. Because it was annoying.

"I have to," she sighed.

"Are you sure?" he asked again.

A flicker of doubt passed through her eyes before it was gone. "I am," she said firmly.

What was all that about?

"Awesome," he grinned.

Wow, twice in ten minutes. That had to be a record.

"Okay, we're good to go," Ben approved.

"Gee thanks," I rolled my eyes and practically flew downstairs. I was reversing my car out of the driveway when my phone rang. I connected to the car's Bluetooth before accepting it.

"Yes, Logan?" I spoke.

"Where are you?" he questioned. I could hear the boys talking in the background.

"I am ten minutes away," I lied.

"Okay," he said, "Be here soon, I wanna order!" he whined.

"Getting cranky, are we?" I teased.

"Shut up and get here." He grumbled.

"I thought you guys already ordered?"

"Luke and I didn't let them."

"Sweet," I laughed, "See you there." I hung up.

Thanks to the traffic, I was rather late. Definitely took more than ten minutes. Logan glared at me, "Ten minutes?" he seethed.

"Oops?"

He huffed. Everyone was engaging in their own conversations.

"I can't control the traffic, now, can I?"

His eyes wandered past me and he frowned.

"Who's that chick with Benji?" He asked. Oh, so they must have finally made it. I froze. What do I introduce her as?

When I didn't reply, he focused back on me.

"Umm that's Freya, she's my friend."

"And she hitched a ride with Benji?" He asked skeptically.

"Yeah, it was more convenient for him to drive her."

"Aren't you coming from her house?"

"What's with the questions today, Logan?"

"Why are you being do evasive?" He retorted.

The bell dinged and they came in. Oh, thank fuck.

"Why don't you ask them?" I said.

"Finally!" Luke exclaimed, staring at Ben and Freya.

"Traffic," Ben dismissed any further questions. I scooted over for Freya to sit. She sat down hesitantly, evidently nervous. I patted her hand reassuringly and gave Ben a pointed look.

"That's Freya, my sister," He introduced, catching the hint.

"What?" Alex almost spit out his drink. I held in a laugh.

"Whoa," Luke muttered.

"Nice to officially meet you," Nick smiled politely.

"Hi, you too," She giggled at Nick's comment. I shook my head. She'll he fine. She just needs to watch out for Lauren.

"How do you know her?" Ben asked Nick.

"PE," He answered shortly. Ben nodded. Two peas of a pod.

"So, Freya, you've already met Logan, Alex and Nick. Meet Luke and Lauren." I introduced her.

They exchanged more greetings.

"Okay the waiter ain't coming here, I'm going there to order!" I declared, annoyed at the poor service. In their defense, they were packed today.

"Take ours too, please?" Alex gave me the puppy dog eyes.

"Fuck you," I groaned. "Make it quick."

I quickly typed their orders in my notes, confirmed them and got up.

"I'll help you," Freya offered.

"I knew I liked you for a reason," I grinned.

"And here I thought you loved me," She teased. She was getting the hang of it. I grinned wider.

"You wish," I teased.

We ordered at the counter and collected our drinks before we went back. I urged Freya to sit next to Lauren because I didn't want to and she gave me a discreet scowl. I shrugged my shoulders.

I was standing there while she got in when Logan interrupted.

"You clean up nice!" He exclaimed.

"I'm offended you sound so surprised," I said with a straight face. His eyes widened as he took my words seriously.

"No, of course not! I meant that in the best wa-"

"Breathe, Log," I chuckled. The rest of the table chuckled with me.

"You're evil," He stated.

"Like you didn't know that already," I scoffed.

"But seriously, all you ladies look absolutely ravishing tonight," Luke smiled.

"I second that," Alex raised his hand.

"Me too," Nick smiled.

I was going to reply when Lauren bet me to it.

"Aww you guys are so sweet! Thanks a bunch," She squealed. I held in an irritated sigh.

"Yeah, thanks." Freya smiled.

"Hmm, thanks." I replied. Freya finally settled down and I could rest my legs. The heels, I wanted to spend as less time on them as possible. At the dance, I actually wanted to have fun so sitting about won't be an option. Best to avoid standing as much as I can until then, right?

We finished quickly. The time for the dance was eight to ten thirty. We were half an hour late already.

"Fashionably late," I tried to soothe. Not that I could do anything else.

The school knew how to host. The party wasn't dead. Music was pumping and students were enjoying. It was better than I imagined.

We walked in together as a group. The dance floor was being dominated by the jocks and the cheerleaders. The Freshmen were cowering in the corners, clearly intimidated. Sophomores stuffed their faces and a few made out like crazy. Where were the chaperones?

"Punch?" Luke asked.

We nodded in agreement and made our way there. I saw Logan typing away on his phone busily. Before I could ask, he pocketed the phone and not a minute later, Tarter was hanging at his arm like it was her lifeline.

I think I threw up a little in my mouth. Lauren and Tarter greeted each other like besties. That's when it clicked that of course, they both annoy me, they're both desperate and clingy, and they're both air heads. Not to mention on the cheer team too. Of course they were best friends. I felt stupid not figuring it out before.

"Oh, you look stunning!"

"Not as much as you!" They gushed at each other.

"Lucian!" Tarter exclaimed.

"Taylor," He acknowledged, looking away. Right, that's her name. I keep forgetting. If she was bummed about it, she didn't let it show. Instead, she looked around the group and when her eyes landed on me, she sneered.

"Black? Whose funeral is it?" She scoffed. I knew the boys were waiting to see what'd happen next. Logan opened his mouth but I shut him up with a glare. That was my battle.

I made eye contact with Tarter and then glanced around the room deliberately. I looked her up and down and met her eyes again.

"I haven't decided yet," I said coldly. She huffed, embarrassed.

"Holy fuck," Alex laughed. Nick chuckled and even Ben cracked a smile. I could hear Freya unsuccessfully try to stifle a laugh. That turned Tarter's attention on her.

"I didn't get the memo that even nerds were attending," She scowled at her.

"And we didn't know that tramps were going to be here. Yet here we are," Freya retorted, gesturing at Tarter. Frey and I fist bumped without looking.

Poor Tarter looked ready to stomp her foot and throw a temper tantrum. Logan sensed this and hurriedly interrupted.

"You want to dance?" He asked her. She turned to him and smiled sweetly. Oh honey, bipolar much?

"Sure." They went away.

"Finally. We can enjoy now." I muttered. Alex ruffled my hair.

"You're cute," He stated. I. Glared at him.

"I swear to God, Alexander, if even a strand of my hair is out of place, you're gonna get it." I snapped at him, trying to pat down my hair, coaxing them back in place. His eyes widened in realization and he backed away with his hands raised in surrender.

That's what I thought.

I grabbed Freya's hand.

"Washroom? I might need you to fix my hair." I asked her. She agreed easily and we excused ourselves, not before I gave Alex another one of my glares. When we were a few feet away, I heard him ask, "I'm dead, aren't I?"

There was no other response other than his groan.

***********************

I had high expectations and they were mostly met. The chaperones were tactfully 'busy'. They didn't give any mind to us teenagers. I liked that, the freedom they gave us. Well, sort of anyways. I won't say it was fun to watch couples grind on each other like there was no tomorrow, but there was booze so I didn't mind. 

We danced in a group a lot. A lot of times Logan and Ben disappeared with their dates. I shuddered thinking my brother was getting all down and dirty in the school. But it was easy to overcome that feeling of disgust when we were having fun. And then we were interrupted. Apparently, they had to announce the winners of the Homecoming court. We stopped dancing, out of breath and made our way towards the spiked punch.

"Where are all our Princes and Princesses?" the teacher said enthusiastically, making me roll my eyes. I eyed the glass of punch in her hand and laughed. That would explain it. "C'mon up!"

The chatter all but ceased as people realized what would happen next. Everyone wanted to know the winners. I heard Ben groan from next to me and chuckled. Typical. Luke and Alex grinned evilly and dragged a scowling Benjamin with them on stage. God, how did he even get enough votes to be a Prince? He was so grumpy!

Tarter and Lauren held hands and squealed before scurrying over to the stage in illegally high heels. Tarter had five inches and Lauren, God bless her, was wearing seven. 

They all lined up, all ten of them. I ignored Asher glaring at me. I focused on Ben who stood at the back, standing partially behind Luke and Alex with a stoic expression. Freya nudged me and we giggled as we communicated with our eyes.

After a short speech on how it was tradition and everything, they finally got to the point.

"I give you your Homecoming King - Benjamin Rodriguez!" she revealed. The crowd went mad as they hollered and cheered. Damn, he was popular. Which is weird because he had so many antisocial tendencies.

He expressionlessly accepted his crown, smiling slightly just to be polite. It was fake though. Our eyes met and I stuck my tongue out at him. He smiled wider and shook his head, making me and Freya laugh.

"Homecoming Queen - Taylor Reed!" she announced and the crowd went wild again. I saw as Lauren's smile became fake and forced while they hugged before Tarter accepted her crown. She was all smiles. She waved and giggled prettily, soaking up the attention. So predictable.

"Now for the first dance, clear the dance floor, people!"

Since we were on the edge so we didn't move. I saw Ben suppress a groan and cracked up again. Freya wore her amusement openly.

Nick smiled when he saw all this. And I poked his ribs. He snorted and Freya snickered. I gave a satisfied smirk. I felt accomplished.

It was funny how touchy feely Tarter was with Ben and how he looked so uncomfortable he looked. The song was Perfect by Ed Sheeran and the situation for Ben was anything but. As soon as the song was over, he ditched her and looked around. His eyes met mine and I watched as he smirked deviously. My smiled disappeared. I narrowed my eyes at him.

He wouldn't.

But he did. He crossed the few feet between us in three lengthy strides, grabbed my hand and pulled me on the floor. I glared at him as his hand settled at my lower back and the other intertwined its fingers with mine. I begrudgingly placed my hand on his shoulder. I could feel his muscles flex underneath and shivered lightly. 

He rolled his eyes.

"Ah, sweet revenge," he mocked me.

"I hate you," I snapped at him, ignoring the blush spreading on my face and the warmth of his hand. My heels elevated me enough that I didn't have to crane my neck too much. I reached just over his jaw.

"Oh darling I know," he grinned. I shook my head.

"Get Lauren to dance, I don't wanna," I pouted. His eyes drifted to my lips before they met mine. I realized my mistake and quickly stopped. I glanced around me, trying to stop a particular memory from evading my mind. I was slightly tipsy. I knew I shouldn't have drunk too much. Why? Just why? Freya and Alex were dancing together and they looked adorable. Alex's ears were tinged red and made me giggle at how adorable he was. 

"What?" Ben asked.

"Alex," I grinned. He turned to where I was looking and scowled. Oops, I forgot Freya was his sister. No no no no. I tried to distract him. Shit. Freya will kill me.

"So, how does it feel to be a king?" I asked, hoping to distract him. He looked down at me gently and held on even though the song changed. He looked in my eyes for a few minutes before he gently extracted his hand from mine, immediately leaving me craving the warmth. I frowned but then saw his hand reach up on his head for the crown and lift it up. He ultimately placed it back on my head. 

I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the ground.

"You tell me," he finally said, staring at me intensely. I gaped like a fucking fish, looking for a reply. He grabbed my hand again and maybe I imagined it but he pulled me closer. 

Sweet baby Jesus.

His brown eyes shined with a golden tint under the lights and his lips were pulled up in a sexy smirk.

"Umm yeah, awesome," I stuttered out. 

"Have I told you that you look breathtakingly beautiful today?" he asked. I swallowed. Damn, the butterflies.

"No," I whispered.

"You do," he bent down a little.

"Thank you," I breathed. And then his lips were on mine. Warmth bloomed in my body as it reacted to his touch. His hand left mine and grabbed my neck, his other hand pulling me closer to him. I slung my hands around his neck as our lips moved in sync.

I pulled back with a start when I felt nails digging into my forearm. My eyes widened as I took in Lauren standing there glaring at me viciously.

"Laur," Ben greeted with a grin. 

Is he high?

She spared me another warning glare then smiled a faux smile at Ben.

"Can I cut in?" she asked. Although it was technically a question, there was no choice. I noticed then that the song had changed. Numbly, I pulled myself out of Benjamin's grasp, muttering an 'excuse me' and retreating.

Tears stung my eyes and I made a beeline for the washroom. The scene kept repeating itself in my mind. I kept feeling the sensation of his lips on mine, the feeling of his hand on my waist, the gentle roughness of his slight beard on my chin.

I can't believe I did it again.

Did the past teach me nothing?

I am so stupid!

I can't have the past repeat itself. I refuse to be made a fool twice. I knew what I had to do, yet I felt hollow as I even thought about it. But do what you have to do, right? 

I wanted to go back and tell Lauren to piss off. I wanted to go and kiss Ben again. I wanted to give it a chance. I wanted it to work out. I wanted to be happy.

But I didn't do any of that.

This was for the best.

Is it, really?

. . . . I didn't fucking know.

*******************
24th May 2021
*******************

A/N

I had fun writing this. I am so tired! I updated seven chapters in seven days in my latest project 'Alpha Female.' I am surprising myself, I swear. Not to mention it was a spontaneous project and except for the main plot, I don't know anything, but I'm so motivated for it!!

How did you like the read? Tap the star on the way out.

Do check out 'Alpha Female' on my profile. I'd love if you'd vote, guys. It lets me know you actually like it, okay? Try to. Thanks.

Until next time, all my love,
xoxo.