Becca

"You almost done in there?" I called out. Cassie was rummaging through my closet, picking out an outfit for me to wear tonight.

It was Friday. The night of Jenny's party.

Right now, the Eastwood High Bears were playing their second game of the season. They were probably winning too, but I had no way of finding out. Brett wouldn't be able to text me the outcome for another hour or so, when the game finally ended.

He was upset when I told him I wasn't going to attend the game, but ultimately he understood. I wanted to stay home and get ready for the party instead. That way, I could actually put in some effort and attempt to look decent for once. I knew Brett was going to look like a freaking god, the least I could do was try to look above average.

After the game Brett was going to go home and change, and then come pick me up. I was nervous, to say the least. Not only was this going to be my first high school party, but it was being thrown by the same girl that tried to ruin my life on several occasions. And who now was trying to steal my boyfriend.

Well, fake boyfriend. Whatever.

I pulled at a loose thread in my pillow, chewing on my bottom lip while my anxiety for the night ahead grew. I didn't know what to expect. I had no experience with this kind of thing. I didn't like parties, crowds, attention or alcohol. If it wasn't for Brett, I wouldn't even be going.

He owes me, I thought to myself.

"Cassie, seriously, did you get lost in there?" I rolled my eyes in annoyance. It had been almost five minutes and she still hadn't emerged from the depths of my closest. "I don't even own that many clothes. What the hell is taking you so long?" I picked up a pillow and threw it through the open door.

"Ouch!" She called. Good, I hit her.

What was it with me and hitting people lately? I laughed thinking about mine and Brett's playful encounter during lunch this past week. I had just seen him at school a couple of hours ago, but I missed him already.

Every time I was around him, he was like a light. He made me feel happy and carefree, I couldn't help but smile and laugh in his presence. Without him, I felt heavier. Like something was missing. I hated how dependant I was becoming on him, but I didn't know what else to do. I enjoyed his company and he seemed to enjoy mine.

Cassie peeked her head out from my closet door, interrupting my thoughts.

"We should have done this at my house. Your clothes seriously suck." She scrunched up her face in disgust before retreating back into my closet.

I stood up and placed the pillow I had been fidgeting with back on my bed. "Cass, this is officially ridiculous." I walked over to my closet, deciding to just pick out my own outfit.

I peeked through the door and stood there in shock. My clothes were thrown everywhere. Skirts laid in piles on the floor, jackets were hanging half off their hooks and all my sweaters were tossed in one corner in a messy lump. I peeled my eyes off the floor and looked at Cassie. She was standing in the corner with a sheepish grin on her face, fidgeting nervously with the clothes she was holding.

I narrowed my eyes at her. I knew she meant well, she just wanted to help me look my best for tonight. I reminded myself of that before I said something I would regret.

"You're cleaning this up," I mumbled, gesturing to the mess around me before walking back over to my bed and sitting down on the blue covers. "Show me what you picked out!" I called, encouraging her to exit my closet and show me the garments she was holding.

She was smiling when she appeared from behind the door, at ease that I wasn't upset with her.

"I did my best with the limitations, so don't get picky." I rolled my eyes at her insult. My clothes weren't that bad. Sure, they were a little plain and modest, but so was I.

Cassie held up a pair of light-washed skinny jeans that I bought a while ago but never wore, a white halter top that flowed nicely and had jewels encrusted on the neckline, a pair of silver stud earrings and gold strappy sandles.

My eyes and mouth opened in awe. It was perfect. The outfit wasn't flashy or risky enough to draw attention to me or make me uncomfortable. It was subtle, yet cute and casual. I loved it.

"Cass, you're a genius!" I exclaimed, pushing myself off the bed and hugging my best friend tightly. "Thank you, I never would have picked that out."

She was smiling proudly as I let go of her, taking the clothes from her hands and heading to the bathroom to get dressed.

"Let me see when you're done!" Cassie called from behind me before I shut the door. Taking off my uniform, I put on the outfit she picked out and stared at myself in the mirror. I actually looked...decent. The silky material of the tank hung loosely off me, the jewels on the neckline sparkled against my creamy skin. The jeans fit perfectly, riding low on my hips, right below where the top fell.

I quickly curled my hair, running my fingers through it so that it fell loosely over my shoulders. After brushing some mascara onto my lashes and dusting my face with powder, I was ready.

I stared at myself in the mirror and was pleasantly surprised at the reflection that stared back. Smiling to myself, I opened the door and walked back into my room, wondering what Brett would think when he saw me tonight.

* * *

Brett

We won the game.

I knew we would, but it still felt amazing.

As soon as the referee blew the ending whistle, I bolted off the field and into the locker room. I wanted to tell Becca. I wanted her to know that we had won.

I don't know why it was so important to me, but it was. I wanted to share these good moments with her, I was already bothered enough by her refusal to come to the game tonight. I didn't know why girls needed so much damn time to get ready, but so be it. Two hours or two minutes, she would look great either way.

I kept glancing up at the bleachers during the game, expecting to see her sitting there off to the side. Watching me intently like she always did, her blue eyes wide as she tried to comprehend what was going on in front of her.

I chuckled to myself. She knew literally nothing about football. It was pretty damn cute.

I tore my mind off Becca and focused on the road ahead of me. I was almost at my house, just a few more blocks to go. I glanced down at the dashboard, the clock signalling it was almost nine. I had to hurry. I promised her I would pick her up at nine thirty.

I pulled into my street and drove to the court at the end. My house sat opposite of the entrance to the court, making it the first one you noticed when you pulled in. It was gigantic, way too big for a mere family of three -- well, two, if I didn't count my father. The doorway was high and arched, surrounded by two massive pillars, one on each side. To the right was a three-car-garage, extending downwards into the perfectly stoned driveway that could fit another six cars easily. The upstairs windows were framed by white shutters and illuminated by a light on each one, each heavily draped with expensive white curtains so you couldn't see inside.

Our house gave off an image of perfection. At first glance, you would think it inhabited a happy family. That children ran around inside, giggling and playing with one another as their parents cooked together in the kitchen, stealing kisses once their kids weren't around.

I hated it. I hated our perfect house and the unrealistic image it gave off. Our family wasn't perfect. We were no where near it. This house was a reminder of the family we once were. But that family no longer existed.

I parked my car in the driveway, breathing a sigh of relief when I noticed my father's car wasn't here. He wasn't home. Perfect.

Twirling the keys around my pinky finger, I trudged up the flower-lined path to my front door, glaring down at the 'Welcome' mat that decorated the porch. Nothing about this house was welcoming.

"Mom! I'm home!" I called out after closing the door and locking it behind me. I heard her call something from the family room, making my way there before heading upstairs to shower.

She was curled up on the white leather couch under a grey blanket watching TV with the remote in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. She looked up and smiled when I entered, her eyes illuminating.

"How was the game?" She asked softly, placing her cup down on the table in front of her.

"We won, Mom." I made my way towards the couch and kissed the top of her head, sitting beside her momentarily and wrapping my arm around her shoulder. She leaned her head on mine and smiled proudly at the good news. She looked tired.

I held her tiny hand in mine before I spoke. "I'm going to that party tonight, remember? I'll be home late, don't wait up for me." I kissed her cheek before I rose off the couch, picking up the blanket and adjusting it so that it covered her.

She looked up at me slowly, tilting her head to stare at me. Her smile didn't reach her eyes, I could see the sadness she was trying to hide. "Be safe, Brett. If you're going to drink, call a taxi." She leaned forward and picked up her cup before settling back into the couch.

"I know, Ma. I love you, okay? I'll be back soon."

I turned my back to her and squeezed my eyes shut, ignoring the pain I felt deep within my heart. Taking a deep breath, I walked out of the room and made my way upstairs.

After throwing my school bag on my bed, I quickly stepped into my bathroom to shower before going to pick up Becca.

Becca.

The thought of her made me smile, erasing the heaviness I felt from the short encounter with my mother. I stripped down and rinsed myself off, cleaning away the dirt and grime that stuck to my skin like glue.

Minutes later, I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked into my bedroom, rummaging through my drawers to find something to wear.

I glanced down at my phone to check the time.

Dammit, it's nearly nine thirty.

I was going to be late to get her if I didn't hurry.

Throwing on a pair of skinny jeans, a grey button-down shirt and a black leather jacket, I stuffed my phone into my pocket and left my room, jogging down the stairs to the front door.

"Love you, Mom!" I called out before locking the door behind me.

* * *

I pulled up at Becca's apartment ten minutes later. I could have texted her to meet me outside, but anticipation was bubbling up inside of me. I ditched the elevator and ran up the stairs to her floor, knocking eagerly on her door and breathing hard to steady my heart beat.

As I ran my hand through my still wet hair, I could hear the door being unlocked before it opened. She stood in the doorway, chewing on her lip nervously as she gazed up at me through wide eyes. She looked beautiful. Her hair fell down her shoulders in golden waves, lightly brushing against her bare arms. Her creamy skin looked so soft, I resisted the urge to reach out and trail my finger down it.

Her body was usually hidden behind a jean jacket and school uniform, so my eyes traveled down her slowly, taking in every inch of her that I had yet to see. Her legs were long and thin, every curve of them accentuated in her tight-as-hell jeans.

I took my eyes off her body and met her gaze. Her cheeks were flushed pink and she was smiling sweetly, staring up at me, her eyebrows slightly raised as she watched me. I probably looked like I was crazy, oh well. She had a tendency to make me feel that way.

"Hey," she said, her voice sounding quiet and scared. I chuckled at her constant unease, she didn't seem to realize the effect she had on me.

"You look amazing," I replied, earning a beautiful smile that reached her blue eyes, making them crinkle in happiness. I smiled back, finally feeling at ease in her presence.

"Almost ready to go?" I didn't want to rush her, but I wanted us to be in my car so I could reach over and hold her hand again. She nodded in reply and turned her back towards me, calling out a goodbye to someone named Cassie.

Oh, Cassie. She had introduced me to her the other week for the first time. Right, her best friend.

We walked side by side, making our way towards the elevator at the far end of the hall.

"How was the game?" She peeked up at me from the corner of her eye, her arms swaying at her side. Her hand lightly brushed against mine and I quickly grabbed it, holding it firmly in mine and smiling at her touch. She smiled back and I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.

"We won," I stated proudly, "I wish you were there." She smiled sweetly and laughed, her eyes sparkling.

"I'll be there next time. Promise." That was good enough for me.

We arrived at my car and I held open the door, closing it behind her once she was seated. I stood there for a moment, watching her buckle herself in. There was something about seeing her in my car that I loved. I couldn't explain it, but it made me feel good. I smiled to myself before jogging around to the driver's side.

Starting the engine, I pulled out of her building and onto the busy street. The night was perfect, the warm air whipped around our heads, blowing her hair around her face as she laughed out in joy.

I reached out and grabbed her hand, breaking my eyes off the road briefly to stare at her. She was already watching me, a smile playing on the corners of her mouth. She intertwined her fingers with mine and placed our hands on her thigh. God, I loved it when she did that.

We drove through the streets in silence. I finally felt content now that she was beside me.

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Please vote if you're enjoying this story! The next chapters are all going to focus on the party, thing are about to get heated...My Episode readers know what I mean ; ) Xo!