"I'm running so late," I screeched as I went down the stairs, looking nothing but frazzled. Peeking through the curtains, I let out a curse when I saw that the other bridesmaids were waiting outside by the van that would take us all to the hotel.

Running around the house, I tried to get myself ready on time. I left my room in a huge mess and I'm sure dad wouldn't appreciate it if he peeked inside.

Stopping to glance at the dining table, the two boys were nothing but relaxed as they observed me, eating their breakfast and drinking their coffee. The wedding isn't for another few hours so they have all the time in the world, while I have to get ready with Hallie and the other bridesmaids.

"Don't forget to eat," Evan reminded as he chewed on his toast, "Most important meal of the day."

Grabbing a piece of toast, I slapped the invitation on the table next to his plate, "That's the invite, I'll see you later. Dad will be with you the whole time and I'll be with you after the ceremony and at the reception."

Dad nodded as he said his goodbye. I, on the other hand, sprinted out of the house and into the van. One of my cousins, who was also part of the wedding party, breathed a sigh of relief, "Finally, Hallie has been calling us non-stop."

"Sorry," I apologized, "I woke up really late."

Leaning against my seat, I tucked away the stray piece of hair that broke out of the bun I carelessly put my hair into. I worry that I might have caused Hallie some unwanted stress on her special day. Then again, I've never been so panic like this in a very long time.

Like that little quote from Princess Diaries, a queen is never late, everybody else is simply early.

We arrived at the hotel and were sent up to the room. Hallie was already a mess as she held a wine glass on one hand and one of her white shoes on the other. She was hopping around over the things scattered on the floor and when she attempts to sit down, she'll be up on her feet in seconds.

I don't know what it's like to get married, but I'm afraid now.

"Let's get everyone to hair and makeup," one of the assistants of the wedding planner said, pushing all of the bridesmaids down on the individual chairs as a bunch of hairdressers and makeup artists started touching us.

Like seriously, don't touch me.

Did she even wash her hands? Wait, what is she doing to my hair?

"Clara, this was ringing in your purse," one of my cousins said, handing me my phone as one of the hair dressers slightly tugged on my locks while she was brushing it.

I was so intent on glaring at her that when I answered my phone, I forgot to check who it was, "Hello?"

"Finally!" I could heard Gray's voice say in victory.

Nope, nopity nope.

I quickly hung up and threw my phone on one of the cushioned couches in front of me, flailing around. Hallie saw this and she blinked at me, showing off a concerned face, "Anything wrong?"

Turning to her, I opened my mouth before my eyes zoomed in on the alcoholic drink in her hand. Tilting my head to the side, I spoke, "Mind if I get a little glass of wine?" I questioned with a sigh.

***

"We're here," the wedding planner announced as she opened the door of the van for us. One by one, we stepped out with our long peach colored gowns as we were handed our own small bouquets. I stared at the large church in front of me, the doors closed so all the guests are unaware of the happenings outside.

Inside the white car was Hallie, dressed up and ready to be given the go signal at any time. Michael stood there by the doors, fixing his tie as he talked to his parents.

Licking my lips, I cringed at the taste of the sticky lip gloss. Honestly, they should have just let me do my own make up instead of applying this cheap crap all over my face. These products doesn't even deserve to touch my skin.

"Hey grouch, calm yourself," my cousin said, placing a hand on my shoulder, "After last night's rehearsal dinner, I would have thought that you would be alright now. Looks like without your boyfriend, you're still the same old Clara."

I rolled my eyes as I turned away. What does she mean that I'm different with my boyfriend?! I'm always like this, whether or not some boy is with me.

Hold up.

"He's not my boyfriend!" I suddenly exclaimed when her words sunk into my brain.

She tsked her tongue with a knowing grin, "You're not fooling anyone. Why else would you bring him to meet the family? And I see the way he looks at you."

Raising my brows, I took deep breaths. I do not need one of those cliché 'he looks at you in a special way' bullshit. When people say that when a person looks at another one in a special way, it's always misconstrued. I mean, he could be just looking at that chocolate cupcake that I was eating.

I don't know about you but I look at a cupcake the same way Hallie looks at Michael.

"Places!" the planner announced, clapping her hands as people scrambled around to line up by the door. My partner, one of Michael's relatives, gave me curt nod as he stood next to me, offering his arm for me to hold on to.

"You alright?" he questioned when he saw my disgruntled face.

"Yeah," I answered shortly, "Let's just get this show on the road."

The large wooden doors opened and Michael was first to walk alongside his parents to start the whole procession. As it came to our turn, I exhaled loudly before plastering a smile, starting to walk along with my partner being my source of balance.

At the altar was the priest with Michael standing at one side. As I made my way, from the corner of my eye, I saw Evan sitting on one of the pews right next to my dad. When he noticed my gaze on him, he gave me a thumbs up along with a grin and I couldn't help but smile.

"Your boyfriend looks nice," my partner commented when he saw my mood shift.

Oh dear, is this going to go on for the whole day?

"He's not my boyfriend," I corrected him, "He's just a good friend."

He nodded in understanding as we separated when we reached the front. I stood at the line of bridesmaids and waited until the whole procession got finished. When the pianist changed the tune, everybody stood up as Hallie emerged through the doorway.

The beauty that she is, she glided gracefully as my uncle escorted her. She smiled brightly at the guests she passed before her eyes settled on her husband-to-be. Switching my gaze to Michael, a little part of me melted when I saw the tears forming in his eyes, reveling in the sight of his bride.

Yup, just like the way I look at a cupcake.

The wedding was as smooth and painless – well, as painless as a wedding could be. Hallie's mother was bawling by the time of the vows and it took my every willpower in my body not to stuff the bouquet I was holding into her face just to muffle out her annoying sobs.

Honestly, she was competing with the mic, making it almost impossible for me to understand what the couple was saying.

When the wedding ended, we all got out and waited for the newlyweds to walk out of the church. We started throwing white rose petals when they did, their smiles reaching ear to ear as they held hands, looking absolutely radiant.

Evan managed to squeeze himself through the crowd and find his spot next to me. Feeling his presence, I turned to my side and smiled, leaning my head against his shoulder. My head was throbbing, probably from the lack of sleep and the fact that my hair was bunched up on top of my head, adding more weight.

"You still good?" he questioned when I did the small gesture.

I hummed in confirmation, "Yeah, Hal looked amazing."

He looked down at me before opening his lips. He was about to say something, but he quickly had a second thought about it and clamped his mouth shut, nodding in agreement instead.

Well, if it was really important, he'll just blurt it out.

"Clara, pictures," one of my cousins called out.

"Wait there," I told Evan as I slowly backed away, "I'll be right back and then we'll go to the reception together with my dad."

He gestured for me to go on and I carefully walked through the grass, my heels slightly digging into the soil. It wasn't wet so it wasn't much of a nightmare, but it was still a challenge to make it to the small group gathered up by the middle.

"Congratulations," I said to Hallie as soon as I got to where the group was standing.

She smiled, "Thank you, Clara," her attention then went to Evan who was standing patiently away from earshot, "Has he gotten through your stubborn head yet?"

Rolling my eyes, I gave her a dry look, "We're not like that."

"Whatever you say," she sang as the photographer instructed us where to stand. There were group shots with the whole wedding entourage, one with just Hallie and her bridesmaids, another one with Michael and his groomsmen and some of just the two together.

"I think we got good ones," the photographer said as he scanned through the pictures he took, "I'll meet you all at the reception then."

"Thank you," Michael said before wrapping an arm around Hallie's waist as they were escorted to their car. The rest of us who were left standing looked at each other before shrugging, going on our way to our separate vehicles.

Walking back to Evan, I reached out a hand for him to take so he could at least support me as we went to the car where I presume my dad was waiting in. He got the signal and took my hand in his, slowly walking along with me, "My feet are killing me."

"You walk in three inch heels every day," he pointed out.

"Yeah, but these are five inches," I said in a duh tone, "And to be honest, they're not a perfect fit since Hallie picked them out when I wasn't there to try them on."

When we reached the car, he helped me into the backseat before climbing onto the passenger seat, turning around to ask, "Are you sure you don't want to switch?"

"Sure," I told him as I took out the small pocket mirror from my clutch. I stared at myself before letting out a low groan, reaching up to pick out the hairpins off of my hair. The intricate bun that my hair was placed on slowly got ruined, leaving out my curls to freely flow down my shoulders.

As dad drove to the reception area, I went on my way to fixing my hair. Ruffling it out to loosen the curls, I placed it in a half updo, opting this hairstyle to it wouldn't be so heavy on top of my head.

Reaching the place, I finished up with my look. Dad turned to me and gave me an approving nod, "I think that's better."

"I feel better," I muttered, snapping my clutch shut.

"Good," he said, opening his door to get out, "Now come on, the newlyweds are just about to do their grand entrance.

Stepping out, I wobbled a bit when my stilettos slightly sunk into the grass. Evan saw this and offered his arm and once again, he gave the support and balance I desperately needed to reach the main place.

"Honestly, if you weren't here, I would have fallen flat on my face a long time ago," I laughed as we entered, "Hair looks okay?"

"Looks okay," he echoed my words as a response.

As the evening progressed, everything went into full swing. Hallie and Michael had arrived, the usual ceremonies started, they had their first dance and the cutting of the cake.

After the best man did his speech, Hallie's maid of honor, her best friend since high school, climbed up to the mic and said her words. As she was speaking, the waiters distributed glasses of wine and champagne, giving us the option of which one to take.

He may or may not recognized me as a minor, but in times like these, people really don't care since you're surrounded by your whole family. Taking a glass of champagne and Evan doing the same, we turned back to the one speaking.

"I want everyone to hold up their glasses," she said as she lifted the one in her hand, "And let's make a toast to Michael and Hallie."

"To Michael and Hallie," we all spoke before taking a sip.

"Well that was a cute display," I awed, "Makes me think of having one in the future."

Evan chuckled at this, "I don't think there's anyone willing to put up with the blonde cheerleader."

Looking up at him, I jotted my bottom lip into a pout, "That's really rude of you to say."

He grinned mischievously, gazing down to meet my eyes, "That's the truth."

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a flash came. We both turned to the source and I blinked at the photographer who was giving us a thumbs up, "Thank you."

"Hey," I protested and he quickly jolted up, thinking that he might have offended me. I fixed up my hair before placing a hand on my hip, "One more time."

Evan gave me an amused look and I shrugged, turning to the photographer. He nodded before he told us to stand closer. I felt Evan wrap and around my waist and we both smiled at the camera, putting on a good display. As he snapped the shot, I could see Hallie smirking from my peripheral vision.

I really hope she's not thinking what I think she's thinking.

The photographer went on to capture more moments of the reception. Knowing my own cousin, those pictures would be up before the night was over.

"A toast," I told Evan as I gestured to my glass, "Thank you for somehow being my date."

We clinked our glasses together and he smiled, "And thank you for letting me be your date."

"Clara," Hallie called out as she approached me, "I desperately need your help."

I glanced at Evan and waited for him to say it was okay. He waved at me to go and I allowed myself to get dragged by Hallie into the ladies' room.

She screeched before turning around, revealing the fact that her hairdo was currently falling apart, "Please fix this."

"Am I suddenly your hairdresser?" I questioned but started rubbing my hands together as I thought of a new hairstyle to form out of the original one.

Hallie sat down on one of the small chairs by the powder area, "You're amazing when it comes to hair, just look at the way you transformed yours."

"Thanks for the compliment," I muttered as I went to work. I pulled out the few hairpins near the damage zone before twirling the section around my finger, placing it over her shoulder just to hold it while I sectioned off another part. Taking all the hair that was out of the bun, I braided them together. Wrapping it around the base of the bun, I pinned it down into place before placing in another just in case, "Done."

Quick fix-ups are my specialty. May it be about hair or men, you can count on it.

She blinked at her reflection before her expression softened as she stood up, "Thank you, Clara."

"No problem," I played being nonchalant, "Reminds me when we were kids where you'll let me experiment on your hair."

Back when it was still the young and innocent Clara.

"I think I caught a glimpse of that cousin of mine this weekend," she told me, all the sincerity in her voice, "You're mellower, and even though I love you no matter what, I think when you're like this, it's better because you're more relaxed."

To be honest, I don't have the single right to relax. Not when I'm currently being flooded by Gray's constant messages.

I nailed it all, I got the position as the head cheerleader, I have an army of manicured nails at my beck and call, my grades are above average, and I currently have a good friend who's willing to go to my cousin's wedding when I only gave him a week's notice. I shouldn't be worried like this.

It's hard when your only weakness is a freaking jerk.

"Evan looks like a good guy," Hallie stated, "Someone good for you."

"You know, I think this weekend was nothing but you-and-Evan-look-good-together."

"Because it's true," she winked before walking out the restroom, assuming that I would follow, "Piece of advice, when you find a guy who returned you to the time when you were as carefree as you used to be, keep him."

As we went back to the main room, she squeezed my hand before going away to mingle with the other guests.

Evan was that kind of comfort, he accepted me just five minutes after we started talking in a civil manner. She was right, I would have never laughed this way if he didn't come with me, I would still have that bitter face that everyone says that I have.

It's called a resting bitch face, people, and I freaking rock it.

Scanning around, I tried to spot Evan but he was nowhere in sight. Dad noticed me standing there craning my neck in every direction and he guessed that I was looking for the brunette boy, "He stepped outside," he informed, pointing at the opened French doors.

Saying thanks, I went and got out into the cold night. Looking around, I saw him leaning against the railings, the champagne glass still in his hand as he swirled the liquid around in it.

Approaching him, I kept my steps light so he wouldn't notice. Just as I was a few inches, I spoke, "Hey stranger."

His head snapped to my direction and I saw his shoulder relax when he realized that it was only me, "Hi."

He followed my movements with his gaze as I leaned against the railings beside him, "Deep in thought?"

"Kind of," he answered, "I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with my brain and why can't I find an insult for this annoying girl right in front of me."

"I'm giving you a free ticket though," I told him, "A little token for coming here with me."

He shook his head, sipping on his glass, "Still can't think of anything."

Lifting a brow, I started laughing, "What's next? You're going to tell me you like me?"

His expression turned completely serious as he observed me just chuckling away at the idea. I don't know how long, but the whole time, I was waiting for him to join in. My laughter slowly died down when he didn't and it took me a good minute to register it.

Oh please don't tell me.

"Can I?" he asked the one question I thought he never would.

My smile fell off and I only blinked at him. Ruining the warning I've told myself, I bit my bottom lip, a bad habit of mine that I did when I was nervous or something suddenly became out of my control.

What was happening is exactly like that.

He can't like me, he just can't. He knows really well that whether I like it or not, my mind is still being completely disrupted by Gray. Him having feelings for me will just be a burden for the both of us.

A new kind of guilt will slowly eat me up with the thought that a good guy heart's got completely broken by me. And for him, it's going to be a fruitless battle.

And yet, some part of me wants to respond to him. He's a good choice, he's friendly and doesn't mind my smartass comments – hell, he's much of a savage as I am. I won't have to worry every day, thinking that he might run off to another girl. I don't have to battle out with some other bitches for his affection, because he admitted it right here and then that it belonged to me.

I don't deserve him and he doesn't deserve me.

And then I felt it, the light chop on top of my head. Glancing back up at him, he showed me an assuring smile, "I didn't say that you had to say the same thing to me. Letting you know is good enough for me."

"Cut with the bullshit, Evan," I suddenly blurted out, "You and I both know that you don't think like that."

He paused in his movements, blinking at me as the grip he had on the glass loosen. I stared at him straight in the eye, my look sharper than ever.

"Then what do you want me to say?" like a switch was flipped, he was now on the verge of snapping, "If I begged you to like me, it won't be happening. If you just reject me on the spot, do you think I'll be okay with that?"

"You can't just say something like that out of nowhere," I told him, "You know that I can't think properly right now."

"That's why I said that you don't need to respond," he waved his arms in the air, trying to make a point.

"But that's just blatant lying," I placed my hands on my hips.

"You're so damn confusing!" he groaned, running a hand through his gelled hair.

"Well, so are you," I tried to counter.

We were both breathing hard, both from the frustration and the almost yelling fest that we had. We argue, even during a time like this we argue. What else does he expect?

Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself down. I did the same, letting out a loud sigh before shaking my hands, trying to relax.

"You want to wait?" he asked. He didn't even have to explain what waiting meant. It was about waiting until both of us were no longer in this state. Where we'll both be ready to accept the idea, not just bickering back and forth like cat and dog.

"Okay," I mumbled, "Let's wait."

But then again, how long will we wait?

It might not end the way either of us want to, but everything deserves a shot.

-------------------

*Sips tea as I watch many of you freak out*

Yes, that happened. No, it wasn't a dream. Yes, that ship is sailing. No, the other ship hasn't sunk yet.

We lost our WiFi for a whole week so I had to depend on my mobile data for the sweet taste of the internet. And I think our WiFi loves you guys because it only started working again on my update day so here we are, right on time.

By the way, my to-read list is empty to can y'all suggest some? I'm more of a Thirteen Reasons Why, Playlist For The Dead, The Probability of Love at First Sight, The Selection-ish type kind of girl so if you know similar books, please tell me! No, I don't need Wattpad books, I take pleasure in skimming through the bookstore and gambling away my money to an author's made-up universe.

Question:  How many chapters do you want us to go? We're about to enter the 20th so I need to think how to pace this story up. I'm not going to go above 45, I'll be hesitant to go up to 40 but I'm doing a survey here.

I don't know which stresses me out more, this chapter or the next one. We'll never know, but until you see what I'm talking about, comment, vote, and follow because this chapter was changed up so many times it hurts. I love you guys and I shall see you all next chapter.

P.S. (If you're not a Filipino, you can ignore this) Sa mga nagtatanong, hindi ako pupunta sa Wattpad Summer Meet-Up. Lilipad ako sa Capiz in a few hours so hindi ako makakapunta. Sorry, next time na lang.